99 E BELLS MILL ROAD

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19118

The stately homes of North Chestnut Hill, were often built as getaways for Philadelphia's wealthiest families who would escape from the heat of Center City to the lush cool green of one of the highest points in the Delaware Valley. The significant residence at 99 East Bells Mill Road, designed by the notable architects of Willing, Sims & Talbutt still boasts a large tract of land (almost 2 acres) along with cool breezes, exquisite privacy, and spectacular views. Although designed in the English country style in 1925, the house shows hints of the modern era , especially in its relaxed informality and its connection to nature. From every room there are sweeping views of the land and there are ten doors (all of which have been recently replaced with architecturally appropriate and energy efficient doors) to the outside from the first floor . The house is described as a 2 ½ story, 3-rank, side gabled, with cross gabled L-shaped west wing, l ½ story, 2-rank, east wing, stone lintels and sills, front garage and hipped dormers on the garage in the architectural record. Enter the front door to an enclosed passageway that leads to the back garden or the interior front door of the house. Through the door to a large entryway the gallery to the left leads past the large dining room and straight ahead to the captivating living room. The gallery walkway features three French doors that mirror the three French doors on the opposite side of the house in the dining room. The living room has another set of French doors and windows on two more sides that bring light and views to the well-appointed interior, with custom bookcases and millwork. To the right of the front door is a necessary coat closet and a sophisticated powder room finished with Venetian plaster. The showstopper of the house is the kitchen, butler's pantry, back entry area of the house. If you enter the house through the "back door" you are greeted by closets and storage too beautiful to be called a "mudroom", but certainly functions as one. With equal parts form and function , the space that leads from the driveway to the kitchen will keep the house organized. Not even two years old, the substantial re-imagining of the heart of the home was spectacularly executed. Designed by one of the top residential architects in the area, in conjunction with a well-known kitchen designer, no detail was spared. It's a cook's dream, but even if you never lift a finger in the kitchen, the space is so uplifting and serene, you won't want to leave it. Up the turned staircase to the second floor, there are five bedrooms and four full bathrooms, located in three separate wings. The privacy in the sleeping quarters is worth relishing. All the bathrooms are updated. The recently renovated private guest wing has been used by the current owners primarily as an office. The third floor has one large room that was used as the children's playroom, but could easily be a sixth bedroom, a studio, or a home gym. Numerous upgrades and updates have all been done sensitively and in keeping with the architecture. New doors, many new windows, new HVAC, revitalized gardens, landscaping, and hardscaping., upgraded electricity and lighting, indicate the masterful stewardship of the property. Walk into Chestnut Hill, jog into the Wissahickon Valley, tour the Morris Arboretum in all its seasons. The regional rail line isn't even a mile away, and access to major highways is easy. It will be worth the effort to come see this one, very soon.

Listing courtesy of Elfant Wissahickon-Chestnut Hill



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