455 and 461 W CHESTNUT HILL AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19118

$2,895,000

Philadelphia at its best. Once in a generation opportunity to own one of the most significant properties in the City, Binderton was designed by Cope & Stewardson Architects (also designed for University of Pennsylvania and Princeton). The house was started in 1903 and finished in 1906. The renowned landscape architecture… Read More firm of the Olmsted Brothers was engaged to handle landscape, hardscape, and garden design. During their ownership, the present owners purchased 461 W Chestnut Hill Ave. (which had been subdivided from the original plot many years earlier) demolished the modest house that existed, and expanded the property and gardens, and redesigned the driveway. Situated on the quietest street in Chestnut Hill and surrounded by homes of equal caliber, Binderton stands out with its brilliant red brick construction and distinctive Jacobean Revival style , with shaped parapets, and intricately designed chimneys. In most places, the house is designed only one room deep and was built linearly, near the property line at the high side. The brilliance of the Olmsted Brothers work is apparent in the brick walkway that rises gracefully from Towanda Street up a gradual hill with a low step every 10 feet or so. From the stone patio, enter the front door into the formal entry hall with main staircase at the back. The foyer is filled with natural light from two sides, a fireplace, a powder room, and a large coat room with window. Again from the entry hall, walk into, what was called in 1906, the Ladies' Parlor, a sunny, elegant sitting room with big windows and a fireplace. The formal living room with two distinct seating areas, beamed ceiling , and wood burning fireplace can be accessed from the ladies' parlor or directly from a hallway. The exterior door off the living room leads to an open air loggia with tiled floor and finished ceiling. To the left of the front door, head to the formal dining room with fireplace, elegant crystal chandelier and room for a second dining table! The kitchen has everything you want. From the front hall, head through the butler's pantry with lighted cabinetry, porcelain sink , and dishwasher: a great spot to set up the bar on party nights. Further on you reach the supersized chef's kitchen with two sinks, three ovens, a gas range, banquette seating for conversation while prepping dinner, stools at the counter for breakfasts on a busy day, and a big table at the end of the house for casual dinners. Off the kitchen is a huge pantry area and laundry room. Beyond the kitchen end is a glassed in garden porch that will serve myriad functions that make daily living more convenient. Head up the carved and turned staircase and turn left at the top to reach the primary suite, that includes the bedroom with fireplace and door to second floor balcony, a cozy sitting room, great for reading or streaming late into the night, a beautiful, bright corner office/den, and a spacious bathroom with two sinks and walk-in shower. On the second floor to the right of the main stair are four additional bedrooms, two of which share a Jack-and-Jill bath ; and two others that share an additional hall bath. The third floor has three bedrooms, a full bath, and a large central room, perfect for play or privacy. The 1.6 acres that surround the house defy description. Mature trees, abundant perennial beds, lush lawns, and garden rooms; one prettier than the next. The main focus in the summer is the pool area. Exquisitely private with its walled garden, and elegant brick veranda, it is here where you can escape from the sun and the world. Built to span the ages, Binderton will pass to someone who loves grand old houses and understands stewardship. Read Less

Courtesy of Janice Manzi, Elfant Wissahickon-Chestnut Hill [email protected]

Listing Snapshot

Days Online

Last Updated

Sep 19, 2024

Property Type

Single Family Residential

Beds

Full Baths

Partial Baths

Square Ft.

11,360

Lot Size

1.6 Acres

Year Built

1906

MLS Number

PAPH2393418

Additional Details

Appliances & Equipment

Built-In Range, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Oven - Double, Refrigerator, Washer

Basement

Full, Unfinished, Walkout Stairs

Building

11,360 sqft living area, 11,360 sqft above grade (finished), Built in 1906, Structure Type: Detached, Wall & Ceiling Types: 9'+ Ceilings, Plaster Walls, Dry Wall, 2.5 levels, Traditional, Masonry

Cooling

Central Air, Electric, Central A/C

Doors

French

Exterior Features

Chimney Cap(s), Extensive Hardscape, Exterior Lighting, Outbuilding(s), Stone Retaining Walls, Water Fountains

Fireplaces

9 fireplaces, Wood

Floors

Carpet, Ceramic Tile, Hardwood, Partially Carpeted, Solid Hardwood

Foundation

Stone

Garage

2 garage spaces

Heating

Natural Gas, Electric, 90% Forced Air, Baseboard - Electric

Interior Features

Additional Stairway, Attic, Breakfast Area, Built-Ins, Butlers Pantry, Carpet, Cedar Closet(s), Crown Moldings, Floor Plan - Traditional, Kitchen - Eat-In, Kitchen - Gourmet, Kitchen - Island, Kitchen - Table Space, Pantry, Recessed Lighting, Skylight(s), Stain/Lead Glass, Bathroom - Stall Shower, Bathroom - Tub Shower, Upgraded Countertops, Wainscotting, Walk-in Closet(s), Window Treatments, Wood Floors

Laundry

Main Floor

Lot

69,505 sqft, Lot Size Dimensions: 218.00 x 171.00, 1.6 acres, Additional Lot(s), Corner, Front Yard, Irregular, Landscaping, Level, No Thru Street, Open, Partly Wooded, Private, Rear Yard, Secluded, SideYard(s), Sloping

Property

Additional Parcels, Other Structures: Above Grade, Below Grade, Outdoor Living Structures: Patio(s), Porch(es), Terrace, View: Garden/Lawn

Roof

Pitched, Slate

Sewer

On Site Septic

Taxes

City/Town Tax: $14,230, City/Town Tax Pymnt Freq: Annually, County Tax Pymnt Freq: Annually, School Tax: $17,303, Tax Annual Amount: $31,534, Tax Year: 2023

Utilities

Electric Service: 200+ Amp Service, Hot Water: Natural Gas, Cable TV, Electric Available, Natural Gas Available, Water Available

Windows

Casement, Bay/Bow, Double Hung

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