8864 GERMANTOWN AVE

Beautiful 7 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom top-of-the hill Chestnut Hill home with nearly half-acre of level outdoor space and close to all the shops, restaurants and magic of Chestnut Hill. This one of a kind home, historically known as the Kneedler house, is one of the finest and most impressive properties in Chestnut Hill, offering the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comforts. Originally built in 1855, this grand stone Italianate was designed by architects Sidney and Neff for Jesse Kneedler, a successful dry goods merchant in Philadelphia. Set back from Germantown Avenue on a corner lot on Norman Lane, you are greeted by an impressive circular driveway, easily hosting 6 cars. Upon entering the grand front door, you are welcomed into the expansive foyer that leads your eye to soaring 11' ceilings, 7’ windows, rich crown moldings, three original antique marble fireplaces, and a sweeping main staircase. The formal living and dining rooms are flanked with fireplaces (one wood burning) and adorned with custom wallpaper. They are the perfect space for large gatherings and entertaining. The custom kitchen is outfitted with a six burner Viking range, stainless appliances, white cabinets, marble countertops, and a large island. The adjoining sitting room with built-in cabinetry, a full-size beverage refrigerator, and a powder room serves as the perfect gathering place. On the second floor find a gracious Master Suite with a large walk-in closet and a beautiful marble Master bath with free-standing Duravit tub, Runtal towel warmers, spa-like shower and a linen closet. Continue your tour to find a second en-suite bedroom with a connected full bath. The laundry room featuring two sets of washer and dryer is conveniently located on this floor. There is also a large cedar closet, shoe closet as well as a guest wing on the second floor, complete with a bedroom and a bonus room with another en-suite full bath and a private back staircase. The third floor offers three more sun drenched bedrooms and a home office with tall, deep windows, plenty of closet spaces and a full bathroom with towel warmers, two sinks, bathtub, and walk-in marble shower. The oversized attached two car garage is spacious and modern, with high ceilings, epoxy flooring, bike racks, and organizers and connects conveniently to the house through a mudroom with built-in closets, a freezer, and utility sink. The fully fenced-in outdoor space features nearly half-acre of level landscaped yard with a playground, beautiful stone patio, wrap-around terrace, and perennial gardens, perfect for entertaining guests or dining alfresco. The home also boasts exquisite lighting, meticulously restored woodwork, stunning inlaid hardwood flooring and extensive custom casework. As if there wasn’t enough storage in all the rooms and hallways, the partially finished basement offers an endless amount of space for a kids area, gym, home theater, wine cellar, or your other needs. Close to all the shops, galleries, farmer's market, festivals and restaurants of cobblestoned Germantown Ave, a block away from the entrance to the Wissahickon trails, and a short distance away from the train lines to Center City, Philadelphia Cricket Club, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Pastorius Park, Woodmere, the Morris Arboretum, and all that Chestnut Hill has to offer, this coveted home is second to none. Make your appointment today for your private tour. Showings begin at the open house on 3/2