312 Limekiln Pike, Glenside, PA 19038

This Georgian Colonial has a rich & deep history that goes all the way back to the very first Mayor of Philadelphia. A documentary about the history of the property was produced by WHYY-TV (PBS) in 2018 (The Montiers: An American Story) and portraits of two of its former residents now hang in The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Over the last 250 years this remarkable home has provided shelter, comfort and sustenance to 15 families. It's located in the suburban hamlet of Glenside, just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, but these days, a world apart. It offers invaluable features far beyond its beautiful architecture and contemporary updates. This home offers true sanctuary in these unsettling times. A six-foot high privacy fence encloses the entire rear yard. An organic vegetable garden as well as several raised beds could provide ample fruit and vegetables; a little play house might be transformed into a chicken coop. In short, a self-sustaining oasis!Until you turn into the driveway, you get barely a glimpse of the home. It is well hidden behind large evergreens which provide visual and auditory privacy. The original portion was completed in 1772, with additions in the mid 1800's. Exquisitely restored, retaining most of the original details, the house has been modernized with a new kitchen, new baths and air conditioning. Enter into the central hall, and you will be immediately taken by the sense of history that still fills these walls, from the original wide-plank floors to the oversized windows (still retaining the wavy glass) that flood the home with light. The living & dining rooms retain all of the original details--built-in display shelves, intricate mantels & a beamed ceiling. The completely updated kitchen (by Blue Bell Kitchens) has soapstone counters, a WOLF gas cook top, two wall ovens (one a combo microwave), Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawers & a side-by-side fridge. A mudroom with French doors & a pantry/storage closet connects to the rear yard. The original portion of the house is now a relaxing den with a glazed brick floor and 2 display cabinets for books or knick-knacks. A vent-less gas insert in what was the cooking hearth provides still more cozy charm. A very pretty powder room is tucked conveniently into a corner. Behind the den, a heated sunroom has windows on 3 sides with great garden views. Much of the 2nd floor has been creatively combined into a fanciful Owner's suite. The large, bright bedroom retains one of the original fireplaces, now fitted with a convenient-to-use, vent-less gas insert. The elegant bath has a huge, spa-like, frameless glass shower. There is abundant natural light from three large windows as well as sconces and overhead lighting. There is an area for a dressing table and a washer & dryer is tucked behind doors. A separate dressing room completes the suite with closets, drawers and cabinets and yet another, though non-functioning, fireplace. A lovely guest suite with a completely renovated bath (with exposed stone walls & rafters) occupies the opposite end of the 2nd floor. On the 3rd floor, two large, bright bedrooms are tucked into the eaves, with a huge closet and additional storage in the knee walls plus the 3rd full bath.The house is heated & cooled by hot water radiators, central air & ductless mini-split systems. Then there are the gardens, a veritable oasis of peace and privacy! Specimen conifers provide year-round interest and beauty. In spring, the gardens are replete with flowers--crocus, daffodils, grape hyacinths, iris, lilies and several luscious peonies. David Austin roses rim the small, ornamental pond. In summer, it is filled with a mound of waterlilies and a single intense pink lotus. An original Springhouse provides space for all your gardening needs plus a cozy, sheltered porch from which to enjoy views of the fully-fenced rear yard. Reclaimed brick pathways & raised beds meander around the rear to a flagstone patio. 2020-09-15