Once called La Colline, this c.1863 stone residence combines Chestnut Hills sought-after, classic architectural elegance with todays modern amenities and improvements. It is gracious, sophisticated, and yet entirely comfortable for everyday living. Sited on over half of an acre in a walk to everything - Top of the Hill location, Summit Street is believed to be the highest point of natural land in the City of Philadelphia. The propertys original plot of land was acquired by Philadelphia attorney Samuel Austin in the mid-1800s. In 1863, architects Sidney and Merry, designed and built this magnificent 8 bedroom 5 and a half bath home which retains many distinctive period details including soaring ceilings, hand carved fireplace mantels, deep window sills, incredible mouldings, and beautiful exterior stonework. When
approaching the residence you are greeted by gorgeous double doors and a gracious foyer flanked by a formal living room and a den/library. The light filled formal living room with an exquisite breathtaking marble fireplace and French doors leads to a formal and covered side porch and gardens. Opposite the living room is a cozy library/den with a wall of custom, lighted built in bookshelves, cabinetry and a fireplace. The expansive dining room is ideal for hosting large gatherings with French doors that open to a courtyard room and is conveniently adjacent to the large chefs kitchen and wet bar. The renovated and expanded kitchen offers an inviting and comfortable gathering and eating space with a large granite
island, dining area and many possible living/den spaces at either end. Kitchen features include: French limestone radiant heated floor, 3 sinks, a large Viking range, 2 Miele dishwashers, a Sub Zero fridge, a
second under counter fridge, an under counter ice-maker, a connected light-filled sunroom, built in cabinets, giant coat closet, and a lighted bar cabinet. Steps from the kitchen is a powder room with custom bowl sink, and live-edge counter, a cozy media room with custom built in media shelving. Every room on the first floor is wired for sound from this central location. The second floor offers a beautiful primary bedroom suite with a hand carved fireplace mantle, and a bathroom suite with radiant heated terrazzo floors, heated towel rack and a glass front shower. An additional, nearby bedroom currently functions as a huge walk-in dressing room/closet (which can easily be removed for use as a bedroom). 3 additional bedrooms, 3 full baths and a laundry room complete this floor. The third floor hall and landing is bright and sunny with its added skylight and leads to an additional 4 bedrooms and one full bath.. The spectacular garden is private and exquisite in every way with espaliered fruit trees, lattice ivy, a courtyard pond with water feature, stone focal details, a shade garden, and a gorgeous front terrace with matching stairways leading to the elegant front lawn. Tall trees, topiaries, shrubs and perennial plantings grace the property and enhanced over the years by the current and prior owners, both artistic and passionate about
horticulture and flowers. The carriage house with space for one car and electricity including a 50 amp Tesla charging outlet offers endless potential for a variety of uses! If finished, this would be a great space
for a home office, studio, gym or an accessory dwelling unit. Mechanical features and notable improvements include two central air units installed in 2015 and 2019, waterproofed basement, new septic system in June 2020, new heating system including hot water heater in December 2020, updated
lighting and recessed lighting throughout, and many more per Sellers list. Walk to everything with its Top of the Hill location, including the R8 & R7 Septa rail lines, Germantown Avenues shops and restaurants & Wissahickon Park trails.