About 424 W Waverly Rd
Hidden behind mature trees and quietly nestled atop 2.59 beautifully landscaped acres, this remarkable Italianate estate, circa 1860, seamlessly blends historic architecture with thoughtful modern updates. Offering 7 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath, and a setting that feels more like the Pennsylvania countryside than suburban Philadelphia, this is truly one of Cheltenham Township's rarest offerings.
A winding drive welcomes you much as it has for more than 165 years. Historically, the driveway circled the home, allowing carriages to arrive beneath the original front porch before continuing on to the neighboring carriage house, which still stands today as a private residence. Today, bluestone walkways meander through native gardens, leading to an expansive patio and striking mahogany porch before revealing a completely rebuilt heated Sylvan saltwater pool surrounded by generous hardscaped entertaining areas.
Inside, original heart pine floors, soaring ceilings, oversized windows, rich millwork, and elegant French doors celebrate the home's remarkable heritage. A gracious center hall is flanked by an expansive dining room flooded with natural light and an inviting living room featuring a stately mantel, gas fireplace, and large picture window overlooking the original front porch with its ornate wrought-iron detailing.
The beautifully renovated kitchen features custom cabinetry, soapstone countertops, and abundant workspace for entertaining, while the adjoining pantry/mudroom offers heated tile floors, additional storage, and convenient outdoor access. A charming powder room completes the main level.
The second floor offers three generous bedrooms, including a spacious primary suite with dressing room, along with two beautifully renovated bathrooms. One features heated tile floors and a custom walk-in shower, while the other showcases classic subway tile, heated tile floors and a clawfoot soaking tub. A laundry room completes the floor.
The third floor provides four additional bedrooms, charming eyebrow windows overlooking the grounds, and a third full bath, offering exceptional flexibility for guests, home offices, or creative spaces.
The current owners have invested extensively in both the beauty and infrastructure of the home, including a fully renovated kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, complete replacement of the boiler, oil tanks, and chimney liner, ten ductless mini-split units served by two heat pumps, whole-house water filtration, replacement attic fan, rebuilt mahogany porch, extensive native landscaping, professionally maintained specimen trees, and the complete transformation of the backyard into the private retreat it is today.
Despite its peaceful, estate-like setting, the property is just a 15-minute walk or four-minute drive to Glenside Station, with convenient rail service to Center City Philadelphia, and only minutes from the shopping, dining, and cultural attractions of Glenside, Jenkintown, and Chestnut Hill.
A rare opportunity to become the next steward of one of Cheltenham Township's most distinctive historic homes.
