8760 Stenton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Chestnut Hill's historic "Philista" is a classic stone estate built in 1858 for Major Benoni Lockwood, a Civil War Union Army officer. The home was updated over the years by a series of architectural luminaries, including Mantle Fielding, Willing and Sims, Mellor, Meigs and Howe, and Arthur H. Brockie. The over 7,119 square foot home is nestled on a spacious .87 acres. The property features a level of artisanship and detail that would be difficult to reproduce today. Step inside and experience a part of Philadelphia history. The main floor offers space for all of your needs and more with opportunities to make it your own and still be true to its architectural character. You enter into a grand foyer with 10' ceilings, a central fireplace and murals of the Fairmount Water Works featured in the detailed wood moldings. A formal dining room features coved lighting, beautiful wood paneled walls and a hand-carved fireplace with marble surround and hearth. Off the dining room is a smoking room, which could be used as a home office, a kitchen with a separate large butler's pantry/prep kitchen. A library, formal living room and solarium look onto a private stone courtyard with fountain and koi pond. The second floor consists of a spacious master suite with fireplace and his and her bathrooms and dressing rooms. There are an additional three bedrooms, each with fireplaces and private en suite bathrooms on the second floor. The third floor consists of five bedrooms, one bathroom and a den space. This home can be enjoyed as a single residence, but the layout also affords an opportunity for up to two mother-in-law/au pair (or adult child!) living suites with three separate entrances. There is ample parking for eight and driveway access to and from both Stenton Avenue and Newton Street. While this home is in need of extensive restoration, it's the perfect labor-of-love project for the right person. The home is just steps away from all that Chestnut Hill has to offer with easy walkability to restaurants and shops, the Chestnut Hill Farmer's Market, parks and trails as well as both the Chestnut Hill East and West regional rail line. Schedule a showing today! Property is being sold in "AS IS" condition.