After an extended search for a classically styled turn-key existing home, the buyers came away disappointed by offerings of large older homes with lower ceilings, undersized master suites, inferior closet space and almost a complete lack of family gathering areas, or worse, poorly conceived and poorly executed new construction. The decision was made in 2000 to assemble a superior team of craftsman to build a home that was every bit as well constructed as the stately homes of the 1920 s but with a focus on the how family life had shifted to demands of bright spaces with high ceilings, state of the art systems all without sacrificing elegant design. The team of Bissinger AIA, EB Mahoney builders, Gale landscaping and Hawkins Interiors completed the design/build in 2004 and to stunning result. The Monticello brick, beautifully balanced 4+ bedroom Georgian Mansion style sits on almost 3 acres in an established Gladwyne neighborhood, a stone s throw from Philadelphia Country Club, surrounded by exceptional gardens enjoyed from a deep wrap-around side and rear pavilions. Custom double doors open to an expansive sunlit front to back center Foyer boasting 16-foot ceilings and the richly stained hardwood flooring which is found throughout the homes three finished levels. Located in this generous Foyer and designed for ease of entertaining, two onyx wet and dry bars secret away behind paneled doors when the guests have returned home. Positioned on the south east side of the home are the formal Living Room and Library. Multi-piece crown molding, deep windows and extraordinary fireplaces, marble and onyx in the LR and carved Honduran mahogany in the Library, are detailed old-school with chevron brick interiors. A cocktail pavilion located off the handsomely paneled Library extends the entertaining while taking in breathtaking views. Gracious and impressive, the formal Dining Room is capable of hosting the most the elegant large-scale events while steps away a less formal Breakfast Room offers similar elevated finishes and is warmed by a marble and wood surround fireplace and brightened by French doors which open to the eating area of the pavilion. Centrally positioned as a link to both formal and informal spaces, the fully equipped professional grade Kitchen has custom cherry cabinetry, granite counters and backsplashes, 6 burner Wolfe stove and double ovens, subzero freezing and refrigeration and a walk-in pantry designed for storage of dry goods. Adjacent to the kitchen and enhanced by honey toned character grade wood on the 25-foot-high ceiling and ornamental trusses, is an exceptional Family Room. A walk-in fireplace flanked by crisp white display shelving, triple door exits to a stone terrace and a floor to ceiling window inviting in the surrounding lush grounds provide interest and welcome to this truly inviting space. Located off the kitchen and through a swinging service door to the Dining Room, the Butlers Pantry with teak counters provides generous storage and display for stem and dinner ware. Outfitted with a Sub Zero wine chiller, Miele dishwasher and Scottsman ice maker, this space provides connection to the family entrance of the home and beyond to the Greenhouse, currently purposed as an Art Studio, as well as back staircase, leading to both the family bedrooms as well as staff-quarters. Ascend the grand sweeping front stairs to a wide second level foyer. The Master retreat enjoys a 16 foot volume ceiling, separate marble baths, hers with an under window jetted tub and bidet and both connected to their own haberdashery-styled mahogany custom closets. Three additional bedrooms each with en-suite baths and generous closets are also found on this level. The attic, fully floored is accessed by a traditional staircase and with 10-foot ceilings this space provides excellent primary storage or expansion opportunity. The lowest level or Garden level of the home provides unparallel recreational space.
