City House of the Week: Historic Joseph Wetherill House in Society Hill

The Wellford fireplace mantles are literally works of art.

All images by TREND via BHHS Fox & Roach, Center City–Rittenhouse Hotel

All images by TREND via BHHS Fox & Roach, Center City–Rittenhouse Hotel

We’re back in Society Hill this week with a gorgeous historical home on one of the city’s premier streets: 233 Delancey. The home was built between 1800 and 1810 as the residence to Joseph Wetherill and is one of the finest examples of the Federal style in all of Philadelphia. Don’t believe us? Well, it’s registered, pal. It’s even got a four-picture slideshow in the Library of Congress.

Moving on.

Nestled on the 200 block of Delancey Street, the home is a real stunner in the curb appeal department. Glossy black shutters and clean brick and iron work make the red door really pop. We just love the stringcourses that span the width of the house. The historic nature of the home goes beyond the original details. See, Joseph Wetherill was a builder who owned a lumberyard that supplied some of the wood for Independence Hall. Wetherill’s influence in Society Hill runs so deep that he even encouraged the city to build what is now New Market/Headhouse, ponying up $1,000 in 1804 to make it happen. Love yourself some fresh produce from the Headhouse Farmers’ Market? Well, you should take a moment to thank Mr. Wetherill.

As the home of a guy who made his living in the lumber business, it should come as no surprise that the home boasts original random-wide Pine floors throughout and a fine staircase with a four-story Mahogany handrail.

Tall, south-facing windows fill the sizable rooms with light and further highlight the standout feature of the home: its four wood burning fireplaces. Found in the living room, dining room, library and master bedroom, each one flaunts a Pennsylvania Bluestone surround and spectacular Wellford mantlepieces. The mantles have been appraised at “well over $100,000,” according to the listing, and you can find one at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The home also boasts a tremendous (and private) patio and outdoor space. As another bonus, it leads directly to a secure parking–the home comes with a deeded parking spot.

THE FINE PRINT
Beds: 5
Baths: 2.5
Square Feet: 3,050
Price: $1,700,000

233 DELANCEY ST, PHILADELPHIA, 19106 [BHHS Fox & Roach, Center City–Rittenhouse Hotel]