455 W Chestnut Hill Ave Philadelphia, PA 19118

Listing Details

• Property Type: Residential
• Structure Type: Detached
• Architectural Style: Traditional
• Ownership: Fee Simple
• Inclusions: washer, dryer, refrigerator
• New Construction: No
• Story List: Main, Upper 1, Upper 2
• Expected On Market: 2024-09-21
• Year Built: 1906
• Remarks Public: Philadelphia at its best. Once in a generation opportunity to own one of the most significant properties in the City, "Binderton" was designed by Cope & Stewardson Architects (also designed for University of Pennsylvania and Princeton). The house was started in 1903 and finished in 1906. The renowned landscape architecture firm of the Olmsted Brothers was engaged to handle landscape, hardscape, and garden design. During their ownership, the present owners purchased 461 W Chestnut Hill Ave. (which had been subdivided from the original plot many years earlier) demolished the modest house that existed, and expanded the property and gardens, and redesigned the driveway. Situated on the quietest street in Chestnut Hill and surrounded by homes of equal caliber, Binderton stands out with its brilliant red brick construction and distinctive Jacobean Revival style , with shaped parapets, and intricately designed chimneys. In most places, the house is designed only one room deep and was built linearly, near the property line at the high side. The brilliance of the Olmsted Brothers work is apparent in the brick walkway that rises gracefully from Towanda Street up a gradual hill with a low step every 10 feet or so. From the stone patio, enter the front door into the formal entry hall with main staircase at the back. The foyer is filled with natural light from two sides, a fireplace, a powder room, and a large coat room with window. Again from the entry hall, walk into, what was called in 1906, the "Ladies' Parlor", a sunny, elegant sitting room with big windows and a fireplace. The formal living room with two distinct seating areas, beamed ceiling , and wood burning fireplace can be accessed from the "ladies' parlor" or directly from a hallway. The exterior door off the living room leads to an open air loggia with tiled floor and finished ceiling. To the left of the front door, head to the formal dining room with fireplace, elegant crystal chandelier and room for a second dining table! The kitchen has everything you want. From the front hall, head through the butler's pantry with lighted cabinetry, porcelain sink , and dishwasher: a great spot to set up the bar on party nights. Further on you reach the supersized chef's kitchen with two sinks, three ovens, a gas range, banquette seating for conversation while prepping dinner, stools at the counter for breakfasts on a busy day, and a big table at the end of the house for casual dinners. Off the kitchen is a huge pantry area and laundry room. Beyond the kitchen end is a glassed in garden porch that will serve myriad functions that make daily living more convenient. Head up the carved and turned staircase and turn left at the top to reach the primary suite, that includes the bedroom with fireplace and door to second floor balcony, a cozy sitting room, great for reading or streaming late into the night, a beautiful, bright corner office/den, and a spacious bathroom with two sinks and walk-in shower. On the second floor to the right of the main stair are four additional bedrooms, two of which share a Jack-and-Jill bath ; and two others that share an additional hall bath. The third floor has three bedrooms, a full bath, and a large central room, perfect for play or privacy. The 1.6 acres that surround the house defy description. Mature trees, abundant perennial beds, lush lawns, and garden rooms; one prettier than the next. The main focus in the summer is the pool area. Exquisitely private with its walled garden, and elegant brick veranda, it is here where you can escape from the sun and the world. Built to span the ages, "Binderton" will pass to someone who loves grand old houses and understands stewardship.
• Special Features: VirtualTour
• Property Sub Type: Detached

Interior Features

• Appliances: Built-In Range, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Oven - Double, Refrigerator, Washer
• Flooring Type: Carpet, Ceramic Tile, Hardwood, Partially Carpeted, Solid Hardwood
• Interior Amenities: Additional Stairway, Attic, Breakfast Area, Built-Ins, Butlers Pantry, Carpet, Cedar Closet(s), Crown Moldings, Floor Plan - Traditional, Kitchen - Eat-In, Kitchen - Gourmet, Kitchen - Island, Kitchen - Table Space, Pantry, Recessed Lighting, Skylight(s), Stain/Lead Glass, Bathroom - Stall Shower, Bathroom - Tub Shower, Upgraded Countertops, Wainscotting, Walk-In Closet(s), Window Treatments, Wood Floors
• Window Features: Casement, Bay/Bow, Double Hung
• Fireplace Features: Wood
• Fireplaces Count: 9
• Fireplace: Yes
• Door Features: French
• Wall Ceiling Types: 9'+ Ceilings, Plaster Walls, Dry Wall
• Foundation Details: Stone
• Levels Count: 2.5
• Basement: Yes
• Basement Type: Full, Unfinished, Walkout Stairs
• Laundry Type: Main Floor
• Total Sq Ft: 11360
• Living Area Sq Ft: 11360
• Price Per Sq Ft: 254.84
• Above Grade Finished Sq Ft: 11360
• Above Grade Finished Area Units: Square Feet
• Street Number Modifier: 455 and 461

Beds/Baths

• Bedrooms: 8
• Total Bathrooms: 5
• Full Bathrooms: 4
• Half Bathrooms: 1
• Main Level Bathrooms: 1.00
• Upper Level Bathrooms: 4
• Upper Level Bathrooms: 3.00
• Upper Level 2 Bathrooms: 1.00
• Upper Level Full Bathrooms: 3
• Upper Level 2 Full Bathrooms: 1
• Main Level Half Bathrooms: 1

Exterior Features

• Other Structures: Above Grade, Below Grade
• Other Structures List: Garage(s)
• Construction Materials: Masonry
• Exterior Features: Chimney Cap(s), Extensive Hardscape, Exterior Lighting, Outbuilding(s), Stone Retaining Walls, Water Fountains
• Roof: Pitched, Slate
• Spa: No
• View: Garden/Lawn
• Water Access: No
• Waterfront: No
• Water Oriented: No
• Pool: Yes - Personal
• Tidal Water: No
• Water View: No

Garage/Parking

• Garage Spaces: 2.00
• Garage: Yes
• Garage Features: Garage - Front Entry, Garage - Side Entry
• Number Of Detached Garage Spaces: 2
• Total Garage And Parking Spaces: 2
• Type Of Parking: Driveway, Off Street, On Street, Detached Garage

Utilities

• Central Air Conditioning: Yes
• Cooling Fuel: Electric
• Cooling Type: Central A/C
• Electric Service: 200+ Amp Service
• Heating Fuel: Natural Gas, Electric
• Heating Type: 90% Forced Air, Baseboard - Electric
• Heating: Yes
• Hot Water: Natural Gas
• Sewer/Septic System: On Site Septic
• Utilities: Cable Tv, Electric Available, Natural Gas Available, Water Available
• Water Source: Public

Condo/Co-op/Association

• Condo Co-Op Association: No
• HOA: No
• Senior Community: No
• Association Recreation Fee: No

Schools

• School District: THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA
• School District Key: 300200397108
• School District Source: Listing Agent

Lot Info

• Horses: No
• Additional Parcels: Yes
• Additional Parcels Description: Tax ID : 092227525 - 461 West Chestnut Hill Ave. - .44 acres
• Land Use Code: C40
• Lot Features: Additional Lot(s), Corner, Front Yard, Irregular, Landscaping, Level, No Thru Street, Open, Partly Wooded, Private, Rear Yard, Secluded, Sideyard(s), Sloping
• Lot Size Acres: 1.60
• Lot Dimensions: 218.00 x 171.00
• Lot Size Units: Square Feet
• Lot Sq Ft: 69505.00
• Outdoor Living Structures: Patio(s), Porch(es), Terrace
• Year Assessed: 2025
• Zoning: RSD1

Rental Info

• Ground Rent Exists: No
• Lease Considered: No
• Vacation Rental: No
• Property Manager: No

Tax Info

• School Tax: 20709.00
• Tax Annual Amount: 36981.00
• Assessor Parcel Number: 092227510
• Tax Lot: 122
• Tax Total Finished Sq Ft: 11360
• Tax Data Updated: No
• Tax Year: 2025

MLS Schools

• School District Name: THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA