179 Hillcrest Ave Philadelphia, PA 19118

What was old is new again. Superlative site, sophisticated floor plan, exquisite finishes, and impeccable craftsmanship have transformed this magical location, on the edge of the Morris Arboretum, into a modern, jaw-dropping retreat for today's luxury buyer. How can this bucolic setting, with the ultimate in "borrowed" landscapes, be inside a major metropolitan area? Breathtaking views from every window are even more dramatic in winter. Words and pictures do not capture the serenity imbued in these two-plus acres. Arrival to the house is up the winding driveway, to wide bluestone steps, an expansive front landing, and, into a sunlit foyer. A wide central hallway leads you to all the downstairs rooms that layout like the spokes on a wheel. Beautiful, big kitchen straight ahead; family room and dining room, and powder room to your right; the breathtaking living room, with windows and doors on three sides and long views of the arboretum, to your left. In the lower level off the kitchen is wine cellar with brick floor and reclaimed barn wood walls. The second floor houses the library, and four bedrooms and three full baths. The master suite is a refuge of serene colors and sumptuous appointments. The spa-like master bath contains a deep, cast iron soaking tub; a large walk in shower with two glass walls; a separate W.C.; and a large walk-in closet. Take in long views of the Arboretum from a covered balcony accessed through French doors in the bedroom. Two more bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath; and the large fourth bedroom has an en suite bath. The second floor library is bright, comfortable, and relaxing. The house was essentially rebuilt in 2012. Roofs were raised; doorways enlarged; interior walls eliminated; steel beams installed; exterior walls "bumped" out; windows enlarged and replaced; exterior stone walls rebuilt and extended; patios enlarged; all interior surfaces redone; all mechanicals replaced. There are two zones of heating and cooling in the main house, one upstairs, and one down. The detached two-car garage has a sink with running water and cabinetry at the garage level, perfect for gardening. Upstairs is a large open space with front windows overlooking the property and the arboretum; a full bath; and separate HVAC. This space could be an office, an in-law suite, an artist's studio, a nanny suite; and is plenty big to add a kitchen area. Do not hesitate in viewing this exquisite property. It is Chestnut Hill at its finest.