Normandy

Step into a rare piece of architectural history in this distinguished home sitting high above the scenic trails of Fairmount Park’s Wissahickon Creek and within walking distance of Germantown Avenue. This extremely private house designed by George Howe of Mellor, Meigs & Howe and built in 1921 offers Old World architectural charm and elegance coupled with New World amenities. This highly coveted architect was known for designs that emphasized craftsmanship, integration with natural landscapes, and human-centered functionality. This property reflects all these design elements and has been lovingly and diligently restored and updated over the past twenty years by the current owners. In fact, in over 100+ years, this house has had only 4 owners - a reflection of the comfort, ease and splendor of living in this highly functional architectural marvel! A showpiece of elegance and style, this 4,250 square foot Norman-style residence sits on a lush .47-acre lot surrounded by mature trees and lush gardens. While it is statuesque in size, its presence from the street is subtle as it is nested into the hill by a series of outdoor garden rooms that open up to the distant landscape exposing its grandeur. A beautiful swimming pool anchors the vista in this serene setting. The seamless relationship between the outdoor spaces and the interiors creates a very private and comfortable living environment. The Wissahickon schist stone exterior of the house and integrated retaining walls further reinforces the relationship between the house and the site. The steep roofs, soaring chimneys and diverse dormers are key features of the architecture. This four-story house is designed such that most of the rooms have three exposures creating a light-filled interior with multiple views. The perfectly sized living and dining rooms each have a working fireplace, floor to ceiling windows, and French doors that open to the gardens overlooking the valley below. Adjacent to the formal living spaces is an eat in kitchen with butler's pantry and bar area, a powder room, and a large family room. On the lower level is a media room, office/painting studio, separate laundry room with adjacent half bath, and shop. The second floor has three large bedrooms, two with working fireplaces, each with ample closet space, and two full baths. The top floor has a large suite with full bath, connected seating area, walk-in closet and balcony. For the discerning homebuyer, 95 W. Hampton Road in Chestnut Hill is not to be missed. This house is not only an architectural masterpiece, it is fully updated and move-in ready and walking distance from the shops and dining on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, the Woodmere Art Museum, the Morris Arboretum and the trails of Fairmount Park. Come see for yourself one of Chestnut Hill and Philadelphia’s finest homes that rarely comes to the market!