345 Stenton Ave, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Welcome to the Arthur Brockie house! Arthur Howell Brockie, a prominent Philadelphia architect, had an illustrious career designing hospital, banks & estate homes in the area. His notable architecture includes the iconic Sedgley Club & lighthouse on the Schuylkill River, the Philadelphia Zoo’s Bird and Reptile Houses & the clubhouse at Philadelphia Cricket Club. in Chestnut Hill. In 1930, Brockie designed his personal home on 3.8 acres above the banks of Lorraine Run that flows into the Wissahickon. Down a long driveway to a circle drive with a stately sycamore tree, the French Normandy style Pennsylvania fieldstone & brick house is sited for southern exposure that provides an abundance of natural light. A detached, 2-car garage was updated with an efficient 1-bedroom apartment. Stone walls extending from the house provide an understated backdrop to perennial border gardens. A flagstone walk leads to a handsome English Tudor style oak door with original lighting & iron details within an octagonal turret. The roof showcases original Ludowici terra cotta tile. Inside, a gracious foyer with original sconces connects the family, living, and dining rooms. An arched Dutch door leads to an elegant flagstone terrace that connects to the courtyard and overlooks a pond, ringed by mature trees, and a massive backyard. The random width & pegged oak floors extend into the living room, the dining room, and up the wraparound staircase and landings. The 1st floor boasts many interior and exterior French doors, making the house ideal for both intimate and large gatherings. Original banks of Hope’s steel & bronze casement windows and French doors, as well as original solid wood doors with brass hardware remain throughout. It’s believed Brockie repurposed a ship’s ballast stone for the window sills in the family room & entry. A Murano glass chandelier adds a touch of whimsy. The living room with original unpainted natural wood paneling is anchored by the wood burning fireplace. A lovely light filled dining room has a bay window with period tile sill & a French door that leads to the terrace and backyard. A 2nd Murano chandelier provides colorful light over a massive table that hosted many impromptu and large holiday gatherings. Purchasing the home in 1961, the current owners, pillars of the local business & philanthropic communities, lovingly made this their home for 62 years. Keeping the integrity of Brockie’s footprint, the kitchen was renovated in 1965 into a free-flowing kitchen, bar, breakfast room, and mudroom area. Windows provide an expansive view of the backyard where tented celebratory events, neighborhood football & baseball games, and friendly competition on the ½ basketball court played out. A staircase accesses the full basement and 2nd floor. The working “call bells” bear the architect’s name. A powder room & coat closet complete the 1st floor. At the top of the main staircase are 3 large bedrooms. The 1st bedroom has been a nursery (connected to the primary) & was modified to a home office. French doors open to a Juliet balcony above the courtyard. The primary with original fireplace and dressing room, has an ensuite bath with original fixtures. The primary was enhanced with a wall of windows, slider & balcony that overlooks the pond where summer canoeing & winter ice skating parties were routine. The 3rd bedroom sits atop the dining room with views of flowering trees on the terrace and a majestic black walnut tree in the backyard. It has an ensuite bath that can also be accessed from the hall. Two charming bedrooms, an original walk-in linen closet with laundry chute, and a 3rd full bath complete the 2nd floor. A hall door hides a seemingly secret 3rd floor with a 6th bedroom, an adorable Bunk Room reminiscent of the Poconos, and a 4th full bath. Meticulous in its architectural details and quiet elegance, the Arthur Brockie House is a bucolic respite that is a world away, yet around the corner from everything!