Bobby Rydell and Bruce Toll Put Houses on the Market Simultaneously, Of Course


It’s as if they’ve lived parallel lives, Robert Ridarelli and Bruce Toll. They both founded empires based on their names (Bobby Rydell; Toll Brothers) in the 1960s. Rydell was a teen idol with hits like “Volare” and “Wild One.” Toll Brothers was a real estate idol with hits like America’s Best Builder and National Builder of the Year. Bobby Rydell starred in a film. Toll Brothers starred in a film. They both called the Philadelphia area home. A lifetime of synergies.

And yet, when it came to property ownership, they were very different men. (This is not to say, by the way, that either man lived in these homes exclusively or at all.)

Home 1:
Year Built: 1972
Style: Colonial, Tudor
Beds: 6
Baths: 5 full/2 half
Square feet: 6,203
Price: $1,180,000
Listing says: “The grounds are absolutely breathtaking and professionally manicured. A formidable turreted entry creates the backdrop for the sweeping drama of the beautiful wrought iron circular staircase. There are many custom features, some of which are inlaid hardwood flooring, intercom, security, large formal rooms some with soaring ceilings and massive two story windows. Mill work including crown moldings and chair rails moldings, intricate architectural details, built-ins. Gorgeous wood burning fireplace with an ornate wood mantle also with a circular stair leading to second floor master bed suite. French doors to beautiful flagstone outdoor living space and a drop down projection screen in the family room. This home also can house 4 cars and allows for parking for many more vehicles. The pool house maintains a complete eat in full kitchen facility along with his and hers changing rooms, private showers and baths. There is a separate hot tub and the pool is surrounded with a beautiful flagstone patio.”

Home 2:
Style: Colonial
Beds: 4
Baths: 3.5
Square feet: 4,161
Price: $749,000
Listing says: “Impeccably maintained penn valley home with up to date open floor plan. This spacious home is over 4000 sf. This is an entertainers dream with its newly remodeled kitchen with ss appliances, breakfast bar, island, undercabinet lighting, cooktop with vent system and beautiful custom archways to dining rm and living rm; cove lighting is featured in this beautiful living room with huge windows which brings the outdoors in. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout most of the home; The Den features a neutral ceramic tile floor, fireplace and wet bar…perfect place to relax after a long day. The LL offers a spacious rec room and music rm. The large upstairs bedrooms offer plenty of closet and storage space with numerous possibilities. This home is situated on approximately 1 acre, set high and far off the road giving even the most discriminating of buyers the feel of tranquility. 2 car newly renovated with “slip-free” floor and tons of cabinetry. Home also has newer roof w/lifetime warranty. Don’t miss this gem!!”

Who owns which house? Let us know in the comments or send an email to lspikol@phillymag.com