Description

Rich with original charm and architectural detail, this historic “Top of the Hill” gem is ready for its next chapter. Properties of this caliber, in this location, with this much character and potential do not come along often. This rare opportunity includes two (2) parcels known as “3 and 5 East Chestnut Hill Avenue.” Set on a beautiful 0.51 acre corner lot, they are just steps away from the charming shops and neighborhood restaurants on the Avenue. Two train lines into center city and the hiking trails of the Wissahickon are a few blocks away making everything walkable. Known as Philadelphia’s “Garden District,” Chestnut Hill is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes the Stagecoach Theater, the Morris Arboretum and two Woodmere museums, and has its own Conservancy, community association, and public library. The district hosts dozens of street fairs and community events all year long.
3 East Chestnut Hill Avenue is currently an empty lot zoned for a single-family home and a detached garage. A buyer could keep this lot as open space, build a large, single-family home to sell or rent, or perhaps build a smaller home for use by extended family or as a personal studio. A purchaser of this property has options; they can choose to build a home of their own design or utilize the city-approved plans developed by the seller in conjunction with a premier local design-build firm. This is a dig-ready project with two completed home designs of varying square footage. Both designs include a detached garage and off-street parking that lead into a large open kitchen with mudroom, Butler’s Pantry and custom hutch with coffee bar.
5 East Chestnut Hill Avenue contains the original mansion, an architectural favorite in Chestnut Hill. It is beloved for its stunning curb appeal, soaring windows, pretty 3rd-floor reliefs and spectacular roof line. Built in 1865 of Wissahickon schist, it is often referred to as the Samuel Austin house after the developer responsible for building many of the Italianate-style buildings nearby. The house was designed to overlook the prestigious corner of Germantown and Chestnut Hill Avenues, and the third floor of the home still offers sweeping views of surrounding towns and valleys. It was formerly owned by renowned architect Norman Hulme, and Chestnut Hill Academy founder Joshua Owen. Over the years it has served as a suite of physician’s offices and then residential apartments until its last sale in 2022. The purchaser of this property could restore this impressive the home using their own designs or utilize the city-approved plans developed by the seller and a local design-build team. The elegant yet family-centric home design includes an entry level a 2-car garage, a deVOL-inspired English kitchen and Butler’s Pantry, an indulgent primary suite, and a 300 sqft veranda off the second level. Theres also a bonus room with a “Speakeasy” entry that will make a great theater, fitness studio, wine cellar, or even a guest bedroom with a kitchenette.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercial or residential buyer to bring new life to a historic Chestnut Hill gem. The properties are ready for a buyer who appreciates history, character, and the rare chance to create a dream residence in an unbeatable location. Completed and approved floor plans, elevations, renderings, material design options, construction documents, land surveys, land studies, permits and variances related to this work are all available upon request