Follow the curving, tree-lined streets to your own private piece of history. Situated on a terraced southern slope in the South Wayne Historic District, surrounded by old-growth oak, birch and Japanese maple, Orchard Hill is an outstanding, meticulously maintained example of Tudor Revival architecture within easy walking distance of downtown Wayne and the St. Davids train station.
Comprising 3 parcels on nearly 3 acres, including 414 Orchard Way and 502 Meadowbrook Circle, the offering includes the main manor home, a carriage house, 2 detached garages and a lighted sport court on a separately deeded parcel zoned for another residential structure if desired.
From cylindrical stone turrets, gabled cedar shake roof and leaded glass casement windows; to its oak flooring; quarter-sawn oak moldings, wainscoting and millwork; and 7 unique fireplaces, every inch of the main home is simply gorgeous. Beaded copper roofing over the sun porch and rear overhangs adds drama. Designed by the firm of noted architect William Lightfoot Price and built in 1899, the impressive stone-and-stucco manor combines old-world elegance and exceptional craftsmanship w/ contemporary amenities and upgraded utilities for maximum comfort and ease of living. The approximately 10,000-sf home features 16 rooms, including 5 bedrooms and 5 baths on its 3 above-ground floors.
Off the circular drive, a gabled oak entryway opens to a large center foyer. To the left, an arched doorway leads to a spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and original stained glass windows. The room’s focal point is an elaborately carved stone mantel featuring a pastoral tableau over 1 of 4 gas fireplaces on the first floor. Two sets of stained glass double doors provide access to an enclosed sunroom overlooking the flagstone patio and wooded grounds. And you’ll find a perfect spot for reading on a cushioned bench under the domed ceiling in the library/turret room, which features stained glass windows and curved bookshelves.
The living room also opens to the John Milner-designed eat-in kitchen, built by EB Mahoney, with Coventry cabinets and 2 dishwashers for holiday meals and large gatherings. Off the kitchen is a formal dining room w/ cozy alcove dining nook. The lower level has an 800-bottle climate-controlled wine cellar with soapstone countertops, Chicago brick and reclaimed French terracotta, Amish woodworking and hand-forged metalwork. A 2-story addition built in 2003 added a powder room, second office, mudroom and second-floor craft room/office adjacent to a large laundry room with linen closet.
Upstairs, escape to the primary bedroom suite, w/ 2 renovated en suite bathrooms, fireplace, custom closets, a window seat and both sunrise and sunset balconies. Two other second-floor bedrooms each have an adjacent full bath in the hallway, and the second floor is accessible from the foyer or kitchen. The third floor, with its architecturally unique rounded ceilings, has two additional bedrooms and a hall bath, as well as a sitting room/playroom and an air-conditioned attic with original built-in storage cabinetry. Second- and third-floor guest bedrooms also feature fireplaces, and some have generous window seats.
Throughout the home, main fixtures and utilities have been updated to include natural gas heat, central air and 400 amp electric, w/ a natural gas-powered back-up generator. It also boasts a water-softening system, wiring for electric vehicles in the 3-car main garage and commercial hi-speed WiFi throughout the compound.
Ideal for guests, in-laws or rental, a 2-story carriage house with slate roof has 2 upstairs bedrooms, plus a full bath on each level. It offers a remodeled kitchen and a spacious living room with new flooring, built-ins and a beamed ceiling. It also houses controls for the heated saltwater pool with fountain, built-in spa and retractable cover. Carriage house has a 2-car garage w/ attic space.
Orchard Hill is in the highly desirable Radnor Schools.