On The Market: Restored Hillcrest Estate in Chestnut Hill for $1.9 Million
In addition to a full master suite renovation, the current owners refinished bathrooms, outfit the carriage house as a fully operational second space, and completely rewired the estate.
Christin Gregory and her husband were living in a brownstone in Fitler Square when they decided they were ready for their next house. They were looking for something different without heading to the suburbs.
"We wanted to stay in Philly, but be away from the hustle and bustle of downtown," she said.
When they found Hillcrest, a Chestnut Hill estate built in 1925, they were amazed.
"When we first saw the house, we stood out on the front patio and were totally blown away by the view of Whitemarsh Valley and the medieval castle-like architecture of Chestnut Hill College," Gregory said. "It felt like we were in Europe, not Philadelphia."
They made an immediate offer to buy the five-bedroom home.
After buying the property in 2014, the couple worked hard to showcase original details like marble windowsills and fireplaces as well as the vintage doorknobs and latches.
"We wanted to update it and bring it to its full potential without sacrificing its original charms," she said.
In addition to a full master suite renovation, they refinished bathrooms, outfit the carriage house as a fully operational second space, and rewired the estate. Today, the home is wired with smart appliances including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a doorbell and a security system. The new master suite includes radiant heated marble floors and a mini-fridge in the en-suite bathroom (great for chilling wine, Gregory said) and an enormous-walk-in closet.
In order to restore the oak-paneled library, they enlisted the help of a local furniture restoration expert.
"He and his team spent weeks hand-restoring each panel," she said. "They cleaned and cleaned, without using a sanding machine, and carefully brought back the richness of the room."
Gregory said she and her husband also enjoy the library's views of the valley below. The home also overlooks the Morris Arboretum.
"Every room in the house – no matter where you are – has a view of something beautiful outside," she said.
The property includes mature gardens and raised vegetable planting beds as well as a fountain and original stonewalls.
"You look down at the lawn and the arboretum and the valley," Gregory said. "It's magical."
The property is also conveniently close to Chestnut Hill's Germantown Avenue, which Gregory said she and her husband visit often.
"You are in the city with access to all that Philly has to offer, but you have this little oasis carved out for you and your family," she said. "Best of both worlds."
Gregory said after living in the city limits for a while, she and her husband are on to their next adventure – this time in the suburbs, nearer to family where she grew up.
"Next up, we will be seeking a special and charming old home in Moorestown, N.J. to renovate and restore," she said.
The home is currently listed by Lenore Gregory at BHHS Fox & Roach for $1,995,000. In 2016, taxes totaled $14,359.