This unique 1863 corner rowhouse in Philadelphia’s prestigious Rittenhouse boasts old-world grandeur with modern European-inspired luxury, meticulously renovated by STUDIO EDO and S.R. Gambrel. Listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, the 7,500 sq ft home features soaring ceilings, exquisite millwork, and contemporary amenities including an elevator and gourmet kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances. A mansard roof, dormer windows, and a brick facade with stone details highlight its architectural charm. The residence includes 5 bedrooms with spa bathrooms, a home office, a library, and private outdoor space with parking. Recently restored to honor its historic origins while ensuring upscale finishes, it’s offered at $8.4 million on one of Philadelphia’s most coveted blocks near Rittenhouse and Fitler Squares.
Exterior View
A historic brick townhouse stands prominently with a distinct architectural style featuring a mansard roof highlighted by dark gray slate tiles. The building showcases classic design elements such as decorative cornices and arched windows with black trim. The lower section of the house includes a large black gate contrasting against the warm red brick. The surrounding environment features a tree with golden autumn leaves, a quiet street with other similarly styled residences, and a street sign labeled ‘Cypress.’ The overall aesthetic exudes a blend of urban historic charm with modern touches.
Entryway and Living Room
A refined entryway leads to a formal living room through a wide doorway framed by decorative white molding. The stairs feature white spindles and a dark, polished handrail curving upward. The floor blends large, light gray tiles with a black marble border, enhancing the sophisticated ambiance. A small wooden table with geometric inlays sits beneath the stairs, adorned by a sculptural lamp and a decorative tray. Adjacent, a wooden chair with a woven seat adds warmth. The adjoining living room hosts tall windows with floor-length taupe curtains, light gray upholstered furniture, a modern chandelier, and dark wood tables layered over a patterned area rug.
Living Room Interior
This living room is spacious and elegant, featuring a harmonious combination of classic and modern design elements. Large, arched black-trimmed windows line the walls, allowing ample natural light filtered through beige sheer curtains that complement the soft gray walls and crown molding. The focal point is a black marble fireplace topped with an ornate framed mirror. Plush beige and gray upholstered seating, including a tufted sectional, armchairs, and an ottoman, provides a comfortable and inviting arrangement around a sleek, rectangular coffee table with intricate patterns on its surface. Additional furnishings include a wooden side table with a lamp and a wooden desk with two chairs, balancing functionality and style. A striking gold chandelier hangs from the white ceiling, adding a sophisticated touch to the serene ambiance.
Entry Staircase
This spacious entryway features a wide staircase with white balustrades and black handrails that curve elegantly at the base. The stair carpet is a neutral textured beige, complementing the soft gray walls. Large white paneled wainscoting adorns the staircase wall, adding classical architectural detail. Against the stair wall, there’s a wooden chair with a woven seat next to a small wooden table holding a sculptural lamp. The floor is polished light marble with black accents. Beyond the stairway, through a wide doorway, a formal dining area with a large wooden table and beige upholstered chairs is visible, illuminated by a chandelier. The overall aesthetic blends traditional elegance with understated neutral tones.
Dining Room
A formal dining room with two long, dark wood tables placed parallel, each surrounded by green upholstered chairs with dark wood frames. The walls are painted a muted green with darker green moldings providing classic architectural detail. The ceiling features two large, circular light fixtures with multiple bulbs, resembling wagon wheels. Large windows with black frames allow natural light, flanked by beige roman shades and long beige curtains. Wall sconces add warm lighting. A patterned beige carpet covers the floor, complementing the green tones. Contemporary black and white artwork hangs above a stone fireplace with cozy firelight.
Bar Area Door
A sophisticated bar area with white cabinetry featuring classic panel detailing and brass hardware flanks a central black door with a glossy finish and raised rectangular panels. The wooden countertop on the left has a dark striped grain pattern, holding a coffee machine and a tray with mugs. On the right, the countertop holds a variety of liquor bottles in front of reflective mirrored backing that creates depth. Upper cabinets with glass-paneled doors display neatly arranged glassware, illuminated softly from underneath, blending modern convenience with traditional elegance in a narrow, well-organized space.
Living Room and Dining Area
This space merges a living room, dining area, and entry to a kitchen or bar nook, presenting a modern yet cozy aesthetic. Slate-gray tile flooring runs throughout, contrasting softly with cream walls and gray trim. The living room corner features a neutral beige upholstered sofa with accent pillows, complemented by a rustic textured coffee table adorned with ceramics. A round marble side table holds decorative pottery and a white table lamp near a carpeted staircase with a black railing. The adjoining dining area includes a tufted banquette and leather dining chairs around a sleek rectangular table. A pendant light with a frosted glass shade hangs above, contributing warm, ambient lighting. The adjoining room has a glass-front cabinet wall and a small wooden table with stacked books and a lamp, indicating a functional yet elegant flow between spaces.
Living Room Area
This space features an elegant living room with a neutral color palette dominated by beige, gray, and black tones, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The floor consists of large black stone tiles with visible grout lines, adding texture and contrast. A plush beige sofa with striped and solid cushions is positioned against the wall with modern wall-mounted lamps above it. At the center, a rustic stone or concrete coffee table displays decorative vases. A curving staircase with white risers and dark railings ascends at the back, flanked by a lamp on a side table and two upholstered chairs. The dining area is adjacent, marked by leather-upholstered chairs and a dark rectangular table. Walls and door frames are painted in soft gray and white, with contemporary light fixtures enhancing the cozy modern aesthetic.
Living Room Details
This living room features rich mahogany wood paneling with vintage map insets, adding a historic charm to the space. A warm beige rug with a subtle scalloped pattern covers the dark hardwood floor. Seating includes a smooth tan leather armchair with a patterned pillow and a plush, earth-toned sofa adorned with multiple textured throw pillows. A rustic round stone coffee table holds an aged vase and natural decorative branches. Beside the sofa, a sleek side table hosts a modern table lamp and framed art. The black door leads to a carpeted staircase, introducing a touch of contrast and depth.
Bedroom Details
This bedroom features a sophisticated, neutral color palette focusing on soft grays and beiges. A plush, vertically channel-tufted beige headboard anchors the space, complementing the quilted gray bed cover and matching pillows. Bedside tables on either side hold identical ceramic lamps with white shades, casting a warm glow. A framed portrait artwork hangs centered above the headboard, adding a focal point. The walls have subtle horizontal textured wallpaper that enhances depth without overpowering. Architectural details include light blue-gray painted moldings and door frames, which frame the bed area elegantly, while a delicate brass chandelier adds a touch of classic charm overhead.
Living Room Corner
This living room corner features a plush, deep teal blue velvet sectional sofa arranged in an L-shape, detailed with vertical tufting and wooden legs. The matching teal ottoman in front of the sofa has a grid-patterned tufted top and includes a shelf underneath filled with books. The walls are painted in a soft gray with intricate molding painted in a slightly darker gray, creating a classic yet contemporary look. Various framed artworks in different sizes hang on the walls, introducing colorful and cultural elements. A modern chandelier with brass accents and white lamp shades hangs from the ceiling, enhancing the room’s sophisticated ambiance.
Bedroom Sitting Area
This bedroom features a cozy sitting area next to a striking black marble fireplace topped with a mounted flat-screen TV. Tall windows with black frames and transoms allow natural light to flow in, adorned by soft beige curtains and roman shades that complement the neutral palette. Two gray upholstered armchairs with patterned cushions flank a set of round nested coffee tables, adding a functional and inviting spot. Light woodwork and trim detail the walls and ceiling, enhancing the room’s elegant and classic design style. Warm, earthy tones unify this peaceful retreat.
Bathroom Entrance
This space presents the transition between a luxurious bathroom and an adjoining room, likely a bedroom. The bathroom features a dark marble countertop with a matching backsplash and cabinetry in a textured black finish. Large mirrors framed with marble extend vertically, flanking modern lighting fixtures. The floor is covered with light gray marble tiles, contrasting with the dark cabinetry and door. The black paneled door, partially open, reveals a glimpse of the adjacent room, which has bright natural light, cream-colored curtains, and plush furniture, adding warmth to the sophisticated ambiance. A glass shower enclosure with a dark marble surround is visible on the right.
Powder Room Details
This powder room features sophisticated design elements with a vertically striped wallpaper in neutral tones, creating subtle texture on the walls. A small, curtained window framed in gray provides natural light, and a brass globe lamp is placed on the windowsill. The vanity includes a black marble countertop with elegant brass fixtures, including a modern faucet. A white toilet with a black seat complements the dark countertop, and a gold-toned tissue box and tray holding soap and a candle add touches of luxury. A framed monochrome abstract artwork hangs above the toilet, illuminated by a modern vertical sconce with warm lighting beside the vanity mirror.
Listing Agent: Lavinia Smerconish of Compass RE via Zillow
