Just Listed: Contemporary Colonial in Chestnut Hill

8219 St. Martins Lane, Philadelphia, Pa. 19118 | Bright MLS images via Compass

Some houses have strong bones bequeathed them by the past.

Some houses have striking style the reflects the sensibilities of today.

And some houses have well-known names attached to them.

This house for sale in Chestnut Hill has all three of these attributes.

The third of these injected the second into the first.

That person is the late Peter L. Buttenweiser, noted advocate for children, philanthropist and quiet but influential backer of progressive Democrats.

This stately Colonial just down the block from Highland Regional Rail station was his residence for many years until his death in February 2018.

Living room

He and his wife were also responsible for giving this stately Colonial a distinctly contemporary sensibility.

Dining room

It shows both in the structure and the decor.

Of course, one mucks with the front of a center-hall Colonial at one’s peril, so the face this house presents to the street remains totally traditional.

Aerial view from rear

But as you can see in the aerial view of the rear, the Buttenweisers added some elements that bring this house into the contemporary era.

Kitchen

In addition to the skylight over the main staircase and the clerestory window that allows light to pour into one of the top-floor bedrooms, they also tacked a solarium onto the eat-in kitchen that makes the space feel more like a greenhouse.

Side patio

That greenhouse effect comes from the lush landscaping of the patio just beyond.

Master bedroom

Bedroom/den

Third-floor bedroom

Most of the furnishings in this house are either contemporary classics, Shaker-inspired or modernist originals. If you like this style, you might wish to inquire with the listing agent about making an offer for the furniture as well. This is one of the better examples I’ve seen of meshing contemporary and traditional sensibility.

“Little house” living room

In addition to the 1909 main house, there’s a second house on this property. Built in 1922 by the house’s original owner, Buttenweiser used this “little house” as a personal retreat. It has everything needed to make it a great guest house, in-law or au pair apartment: a spacious living room, a full kitchen, and two bedrooms and a bath on the second floor.

If you seek a place where you can entertain, network and get away from it all in a single package, this is it. It certainly served its most recent owner in all three capacities.

THE FINE PRINT

BEDS: 6

BATHS: 5 full, 1 half

SQUARE FEET: 6,624

SALE PRICE: $2,388,000

OTHER STUFF: The second house on the property adds two more bedrooms, another bathroom and 1,925 square feet to the total.

8219 St. Martins Lane, Philadelphia, Pa. 19118 [Rob Lamb | Compass]