202 Elm Ave, Cheltenham, PA 19012

Description

Old deeds and maps refer to this exceptional property as “Elm Hill." The house now sits on about 3/4 acre of extensive gardens with mature trees and specimen plantings. Built in 1682, the house had a major addition in 1762. That addition now constitutes the majority of the house. More changes were made during Victorian times; and in the 1940s and 1960s, when some of the porches were converted into rooms. Enter the house up the front walk from Elm Avenue into the Federal Period (1762) addition. The entrance hall features a converted gas fixture with an etched glass globe and elegant stained glass surrounding the double-door entryway. To the left of the entryway is the Library/Living Room, featuring a paneled bay window, a decorative-only marble fireplace, and built-in bookcase / cabinet. With its high ceilings, multiple windows, and French doors, light fills the room much of the day. Of special note is the extensive millwork in the formal rooms with massive doors, beautiful trim, and ornate baseboards. To the right of the entryway is a second living room with large working fireplace, built-in cupboard with glass doors, and an additional chimney closet to the left of the fireplace. Entering the dining room, from the living room, you find yourself in the original house c. 1682. There is a French door onto the Beecher St-side covered porch. As you exit the dining room into the kitchen , you will see a 2nd staircase to your right. The kitchen was remodeled about eight years ago and features a black granite countertops, white cabinets with glass doors. Off the kitchen is the invaluable utility room. Primarily used as the laundry room, it is so much more: extra storage for kitchen gear, a mud room, a staging area for party supplies, or a home, temporary or otherwise, for all the things that you just don't know what to do with. This all-purpose room has extensive built-in cabinets, a broom closet , and a vintage working farmhouse sink. There are three pairs of windows on two sides, and a door to the detached two-car garage. The sunroom/den/family room is entered from the kitchen or the front hallway, with an often used door to the beautiful gardens. It features a black and white tile floor, a built-in stereo / storage cabinet with a hanging glass book/curio cabinet above it, and an additional set of built-in shelves. Large, newer windows give you the best views of your private sanctuary, especially as the sun sets. In-wall air conditioning serves both this room and the kitchen. A powder room and closet complete the first floor. The winding front staircase leads to a spacious landing on the second floor. To the left at the top of the stairs is the primary bedroom that features three windows, a working fireplace with a side cupboard and a closet. Air conditioned via ductless split. To the right is another substantial bedroom with a closet, three windows, and a ductless split for AC. Straight ahead on the landing, between the two bedrooms is a full bath with its 1920's vintage tub, sink, and toilet. There is a third bedroom/office on the second floor which can be reached by the 2nd staircase. The newest bathroom was remodeled about six years ago. It features a subway tile shower with built-in shelves and both standard and rainfall showers. It includes a dressing area with a wooden floor, a large closet with double doors, and additional storage above, and a linen closet. The third floor, which can be reached by both staircases, contains three rooms, one of which could make a great bedroom or out of the way office. There are three patios in the garden, with the closest off the sunroom. A beautiful custom-built garden house provides plenty of storage, with shelving and potting bench. Mature trees include copper beech, dogwood, magnolia, walnut cedar, and pine. The understory features azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangea, lilacs, forsythia, crepe myrtle and more. You must visit before it's gone.