8016/18 GERMANTOWN AVE Philadelphia, PA 19118

You have admired it from afar and have often wondered what lies beyond the ivy-covered brick walls of this historic residence! This early 19th Century dwelling was originally constructed for the Rex family in 1812. The Rex farm encompassed over 100 acres to the West of this house, now fully developed. At the turn of the LAST Century (1901), Pringle Borthwick, who was a developer in the area (he was also the masonry contractor of the Bryn Athyn Cathedral), hired Theophilus Chandler Jr. to expand the house. In the 1930's, the property was the "Ye Olde Stone House Coffee Shoppe" and served a pot of coffee for 10 cents and a club sandwich for 60 cents! The final expansion to the house came in the 1990's when Dr. Hedrick added the breakfast room & completely transformed the gardens to what one sees today (winning the Best Garden in America contest is 2001). Enter through the wrought iron antique gate into an urban oasis of fountains, Hawthornes, Magnolias, Wisteria and other specimen plantings. Walls of windows face the gardens from all 3 stories. A Williamsburg inspired garden shed is tucked into the corner next to the gated entry to the 4-car driveway. Enter a glass vestibule at the street and the entry hall welcomes your guests to the beauty beyond. The formal living room & the large dining room (both with gas fireplaces) have direct access to the Conservatory. The powder room is tucked under the front stairs, while a butler's pantry is towards the rear before entering the kitchen, family & breakfast rooms. The unique octagonal breakfast room provides the best view of the grounds. A surprisingly open-plan concept was configured in this space 20 years ago and is tucked at the rear of the home. There is a back staircase that provides direct access to the 2nd floor from the kitchen area. The master suite is also at the rear of the home, with walls of windows, a large en-suite bathroom with a glass enclosed shower as well as the washer & dryer (and even a steam dryer!). The guest suite on the front of the house encompasses two rooms and the hall bath is over the front entry. Both the guest suite & the master bedroom have access to the 2nd floor deck overlooking the gardens. There are three more bedrooms on the 3rd floor as well as a large walk-in closet. The entire roof was completely replaced in 2011. There are 3 zones for heating & 2 zones for A/C. What stands proud today is a gracious Federal home in the heart of the action of Chestnut Hill.