Bad news for this Jenkintown Airbnb | Inquirer Greater Abington
Plus, go inside a Gilded Age mansion in Elkins Park.
Hi, Greater Abington.
The first formal request for a short-term rental by Jenkintown property owners was denied at a borough zoning meeting last week, and the Gilded Age-era Lynnewood Hall mansion is open in Elkins Park for the first time in 84 years — but only for a few more days.
Plus, Jenkintown is reorienting its homecoming around Saturday’s soccer game after canceling the rest of its varsity football season.
— Laura Smythe (greaterabington@inquirer.com)
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The Jenkintown zoning board denied the first request for a short-term rental in the borough last week after neighbors voiced concerns about safety and noise.
The couple behind the request has been hosting via Airbnb for almost a year, accommodating visitors such as medical students and World Cup travelers. In spring 2025, an update to borough code green-lit property owners to operate short-term rentals if they get permission from the zoning board, which meets once per year.
Meanwhile, it appears that some other Jenkintown Airbnbs have been live for years before it was strictly legal.
The Inquirer’s Jess Rohan digs into the short-term rental dispute.
If you’ve ever wanted to teleport back in time to revel in the Gilded Age, now’s your chance.
Elkins Park’s historical Lynnewood Hall, the second-largest surviving U.S. mansion from that time period, has opened its doors to the public for the first time in 84 years for a floral exhibition that pays homage to hit HBO series The Gilded Age.
“Fleurs de Villes: The Gilded Age” runs through Sunday and features life-size floral mannequins crafted by local designers depicting scenes and characters from the popular show.
💡 Community news
In a federal lawsuit, a whistleblower is accusing Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration of bypassing requirements designed to safeguard taxpayer dollars when making eight-figure security updates to the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg and an additional $1 million in upgrades and landscaping to his Abington home.
The CEO of Redeemer Health, a Montgomery County nonprofit health system that has posted financial losses annually since 2017, has resigned. Among the organization’s recent struggles is a proposed 239-bed hospital in Abington Township that never came to fruition.
High-friction surface treatment will cause a moving lane closure on Church Road between Route 73 and Washington Lane in Cheltenham Township through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
🗺️ Other nearby news
Montgomery County officials are taking aim at apps peddling cash advances as part of a new consumer protection effort they say is particularly important as companies take advantage of Pennsylvanians impacted by widespread economic uncertainty.
🏫 Schools briefing
In case you missed it, Jenkintown School District canceled the remainder of its varsity football season, citing low participation and safety concerns. The district now plans to hold its homecoming festivities around a coed varsity soccer game taking place on Saturday.
A single “severe” bullying incident is grounds to trigger a formal investigation, officials said at Cheltenham School District’s policy committee meeting on Sept. 22, clarifying language that previously called for a recurring pattern to exist. Additionally, policy regarding cyberbullying now applies to incidents outside school hours, including over the weekend.
Officials at the meeting also discussed new social media and digital literacy curriculum, which addresses the impact of screen time and dangers of using the platforms. School librarians could help support teaching these subjects, they suggested.
Overlook Elementary is commemorating its centennial anniversary with a free community day with music, food, and games on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
🍽️ On our plate
Sorrentino Pasta & Provisions, located in nearby Ambler, is moving into the wholesale space after the eatery shuttered over the summer, The Inquirer’s Michael Klein reports.
The team behind the Blue Bell Inn and Horsham’s Copper Cow has opened contemporary American concept Cecilia in Bridgeport.
🎳 Things to do
🌺 Fleurs de Villes: Be among the first to visit this historic Elkins Park estate in more than 80 years and get a peek at floral displays inspired by popular HBO series The Gilded Age. ⏰ Daily through Sunday, Oct. 4 💵 Free for children 3 and under, $30.50 for adults; various times 📍 Lynnewood Hall
🎞️ Family Movie Night: Mark the start of spooky season with an outdoor screening of Halloweentown, which kicks off this year’s Abington Fest lineup. ⏰ Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Roychester Park
🎥 Fall Movie Night: Snack on free popcorn during this family-friendly showing of 2026 animated comedy Goat. ⏰ Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Weldon Park, Glenside
🍂 Abington Fall Festival: Don your best costume and check out live music, food trucks, and kid’s activities including a bounce house and “trunk or treat.” This event is also part of the Abington Fest calendar. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 3, noon-3 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Crestmont Park
🍁 Elkins Park Fall Festival: Keep the seasonal vibes going all day with snacks and activities organized by the Business District. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 3, 3-6 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 7900 High School Rd.
🏡 On the market
Built in 1912, this Arts and Craft-style house features a more than 30-foot-long front porch, exposed woodwork, and an eat-in breakfast counter. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home, located within walking distance of the Jenkintown-Wyncote Regional Rail stop, also features a detached one-car garage and a backyard with a deck.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $485,000 | Size: 2,465 SF | Acreage: 0.19
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