Holly Hill for sale in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

$4,250,000

Holly Hill is one of the Main Lines most notable properties, dating to 1881 when the original parcel totaled 320 acres and the estate, then known as Fox Hill Farms, was self-sustaining in the tradition of an English country manor. Commissioned by Fidelity Trust President Rudolph Ellis as his summer home and designed by architect Theophilus Chandler, the property is now a more manageable 5.24 acres. Enter the drive at the Wilson Eyre-designed stone gate house, now a beautiful home office/guest accommodation, and wind your way to the very privately situated, gated residence set amid outstanding grounds that largely follow landscape architect Oglesby Pauls 1914 plan. The house is stunning in its detail; before youve even stepped inside, your eyes focus on the weathervane-topped turret and pristine Ludowici tile roof, the curved wall of what is a true great room and the verandas overlooking the grounds. Inside, a mix of everyday, family living spaces and dramatic rooms await, each brimming with original details and character. Mahogany doors and trim, 19th-century hardware, wood floors, Tudor-arched and eyebrow windows and more have been lovingly preserved through the stewardship of the present owners. The updated, rich cherry kitchen with island and casual dining area was designed by a serious cook and is outfitted accordinglythe walk-in pantry, once the homes original icebox room, is a must-see for history buffs. And so it goes throughout the house: so many nooks and crannies with one-of-a-kind features that to take in all of it requires a bit of time. Double doors from the kitchen lead to what had been an original reception foyer. From here, a Dutch door opens to a secret garden, stairs lead to an en suite bedroom with onyx floor in the bathroom and another stairwell leads to a bonus finished lower level with fitness room and rec room as well as utility areas. Beyond are Holly Hills more formal areas, including a dining room with some hidden extras -- a dry bar, adorable powder room and tucked-away home office. Beyond is the great room

dramatic in scale and detail with a vaulted ceiling and exposed timbers that are full-circumference logs. Its a statement room where a recently discovered Inglenook, walk-in fireplace trimmed in Philadelphia brownstone anchors the room, eye-brow windows serve as c. 1881 skylights, and a curved wall with built-in seating offers verdant garden views. A turned stairwell, almost hidden, leads to a complete guest suite with full bath. On the opposite side of the house, a master suite includes a sitting room, two balconies, two walk-in closets with built-ins and a full custom bath with soaking tub and separate water closet with commode and shower. From this room, arguably the highest point in Bryn Mawr, the views of the grounds are outstanding. Stone ruins and retaining walls, three terraced garden areas, century-old trees that command respect, a wisteria-covered walkway to a tennis court and countless spots for an evening glass of wine complete this one-of-a-kind offering hidden in the heart of the Main Line.

Square Footage: 6500

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