Whitney Houston's long-time New Jersey ranch hits market for first time in over a decade

The long-time New Jersey home that once belonged to music icon Whitney Houston has hit the market for the first time in more than a decade for $US 1.6 million ($2.1 million).

The sprawling ranch also has a very special inclusion: a personalised built-in recording studio that Houston often used.

The late songstress purchased the Mendham property in 1993 for $US 537,000 ($US 1.06 million today) – a year after marrying Bobby Brown and giving birth to their only child, the late Bobbi Kristina Brown.

Houston reportedly used the home as her guest house for 17 years, until 2010, when she sold it to the current owners for $US 940,000, according to NY Post.

The estate comprises the all-single-level home on a stretch over five rolling acres, with outdoor area, hot tub and its own tennis court.

There have been a few renovations made, including converting the former indoor pool into a three-season great room.

According to the owners, the former recording studio has remained fairly untouched since Houston sold them the property. It’s been used as a “sound-proof home office,” with tributes to the star still hanging on the walls.

“The former recording studio is currently an incredible media room, gym area, office and kitchenette but could have a multitude of uses as the soundproof glass walls provide unique possibilities,” the listing says.

The three-bed, four-bath spread built in 1973 features a gourmet kitchen, and a primary suite last renovated in 2016, complete with dressing room and ensuite located off a private side hallway in its own ‘wing’.

The den and two additional bedrooms plus a full bath are in the east wing of the home.

Houston passed away at age 48 on February 11, 2012, when she was discovered unconscious in the bathtub in Suite 434 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office reported that Houston’s death was accidental and caused by drowning and the “effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use.”

During her career, Whitney sold 200 million albums, won six Grammy awards, two Emmys, 30 Billboard Music Awards and 22 American Music Awards – her album Whitney was the first album by a female artist to debut at #1 on the Billboard Charts.

She is also famous for her debut acting role in 1992 film The Bodyguard, which included the hit single “I will Always Love You”. The song became the best-selling single by a female artist in music history at the time.