Well hidden on the edge of 300 preserved acres in a location that looks and feels like pure countryside despite being 15 minutes from Center City, this c. 1860s residence ($3,495,000) is unlike any you’ve ever seen. The present owners doubled its original square footage with a well-planned addition of superb quality designed by Purdy O’Gwynn Architects. This collaboration created a new classic, a home where every finish, fixture, window and door fit the space perfectly, where flooring, millwork, and even new custom cabinetry marry sympathetically with the original. The addition embraces the property’s incredible natural surroundings with walls of custom windows and French doors
overlooking gardens, mature trees and a pool. The heart of the home is a living room, expansive yet inviting, with several seating areas, a dining area lined with a bank of windows above the infinity-edge pool/spa and a Rumford wood-burning fireplace trimmed in custom tile. Clever design elements open this room to the impeccably appointed, sun-washed cook’s kitchen and casual dining area. The kitchen opens to a brick terrace for al fresco dining overlooking the gardens. The terrace winds its way to the home’s original front porch, a favorite relaxation spot in summer. A music room, study with custom built-ins, and sunroom with exposed stone walls and a radiant-heated brick floor complete this floor. Tucked away is a terrace with a working fireplace, ready for grilling, should you wish. Attached to the house is a very special retreat with its own outside entrance, a nearly sound-proof space complete with bamboo floor, triple-pane windows, library shelving, huge double doors opening to a private balcony, its own HVAC and perhaps the most important element for an artist: seclusion. Also accessible from this part of the house is a complete guest/au pair suite with kitchenette. The main bedroom suite is the ultimate hideaway with a sitting room with gas fireplace, a timeless Carrera marble bath with steam shower and soaking tub, access to a veranda and bedchambers with a full wall of oversized sash windows with custom power window treatments. Guest quarters include two large bedrooms that share a hall bath and a laundry room. The third floor has two bedrooms, a study and a full, updated bath, all with bird’s-eye views. Bonus areas include a finished lower level with a gym, access to the pool, media room and storage. An oversized attached 2+ car garage is heated and provides additional storage.
