8864 Germantown Ave Philadelphia, PA 19118

Presenting the Kneedler House, one of the finest properties in Chestnut Hill offering the most discerning a glorious melding of old and new, formal and casual, practical and luxurious. Built in 1855 by architects Sidney and Neff, this grand stone Italianate was designed as a summer home, and later a permanent home, for Jesse Kneedler, a wealthy wholesale dry goods merchant. Set back off of Germantown Avenue under a canopy of mature trees, the gracious circular drive sets the tone. Once inside, find large, light-filled rooms with soaring 11' ceilings, rich crown moldings, three original antique marble fireplaces, a sweeping main staircase, painstakingly restored woodwork, stunning inlayed hardwood flooring and extensive custom casework. The grand formal living and dining rooms are flanked with fireplaces and decorated in elegant grass cloth wallpaper and are the perfect space for large family gatherings and entertaining. The custom chef's kitchen is outfitted with a six burner Viking range, ceiling-height cabinets with sleek glass doors, cool marble countertops, a large island, French doors and a marble fireplace. The kitchen flows easily into the adjoining breakfast room with terrace views, making this the perfect central hub for today's modern family. On the second floor find a gracious Master Suite with a custom walk-in closet and a beautifully renovated marble Master bath with free-standing tub and spa-like shower. Then find a second bedroom with connected bathroom, a well-designed and convenient laundry room and a guest room with en-suite bath and back staircase. The third floor offers four more sunny bedrooms with plenty of closet and storage space and a renovated bathroom. A brand new two car garage is spacious and clean and connects to a mud room for convenient living. The grounds feature two levels of terraces, lovely perennial gardens and a pergola-covered seating area, perfect for outdoor entertaining and dining al fresco. The home also boasts an updated electric service, new roof and four-zoned heating and central air. Just steps from the shops, galleries, farmer's market and restaurants of cobblestoned Germantown Avenue, the Philadelphia Cricket Club, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Pastorius Park, the Morris Arboretum and the trails of Fairmount Park, this coveted "Top-of-the-Hill" address is second to none.