Main Line Monday: Magical Game of Thrones-Style Estate in Villanova (Updated)
TREND Images via Zillow/Philadelphia Main Line Listings
Update (10:00 a.m. 10/20/2015):
Hey there, apparently there was a glitch that erroneously re-listed 207-209 Tower Road as actively for sale. Not to break your heart, but that’s not the case. We explain.
The estate has been subdivided into two separate parcels, 207 and 209 Tower Road, and, according to Realtor John Williams, he represented the current homeowners when they purchased the gorgeous 2.5-acre property at 209 Tower Road in March of this year. 207 Tower Road is currently being developed by Paolino.
“The Zillow link is pulling old data,” says Williams. “Technology can be great, but we also trip over it when it doesn’t work the way intended.”
Owner David Kelleher says the home was featured in House Beautiful magazine in 1931, and they’re using that as a blueprint to bring the property back, taking incredible care to renovate parts the more functional rooms into similar jaw dropping spaces, including the billiards and family rooms in the rear wing of the home. “The property is adorned with 300 Mums right now and the Koi pond has been drained, restored and had 8 fountains installed,” notes Kelleher, who is the chairman of this year’s Philadelphia International Auto Show.
As you would imagine, Kelleher says the place is an entertainer’s dream: “We’ve hosted a couple of gatherings and boy, can the old gal host a party!”
Original Post:
It’s been a little while since we’ve checked in on 207-09 Tower Road in Villanova, but it’s back on the market, so let’s get right to it.
One of our favorite Main Line estates, the castle-like compound on the Main Line oozes grandeur and fantasy, thanks to incredible architectural features at every turn and a surrounding 2.4-acre landscape that looks like it’s been plucked from the silver (or small or laptop) screen.
In perusing the gallery, it’s not difficult to see why we’ve made the leap into the realm of Game of Thrones territory in the past (three times now!), as beautiful stone walls, terraced “outdoor rooms” and gardens and a reflecting pond give the grounds a movie set-like feel. Throw in the 20-foot high ceilings, many torched-ringed chandeliers, a multi-story cathedral-styled window and a monastic-style balcony overlooking the space in the grand dining hall and you would be excused if you sometimes found yourself mumbling or growling in Olde English phrases or even the occasional “YOU! SHALL! NOT! PASS!” (Lord of the Rings, we know).
After all, you would be the master of this castle.
But that’s not to say this place is old and stuffy–hell no! Check out the kitchen, which is decked out with high-end appliances and offers a dramatic blend of old world and modern styling.
The master bedroom is another must-see room, as it features a soaring vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and another wonderful chandelier. It also features its own sitting/dressing room and a private bath.
THE FINE PRINT
Beds: 8
Baths: 8/2
Square Feet: 8,920
Additional Info: 4-car garage with 2nd floor apartment, pool
