3819 The Oak Rd

Formerly known as "Ivy Cottage," this majestic 14-room, 5195 sq ft residence was the first home to be built on what is now known as The Oak Rd, a one block long stately enclave of impressive properties in East Falls. At the time of the home's construction, between 1848 and 1850, the road itself did not exist. In 1906 Philadelphia businessman Henry Brown purchased Ivy Cottage and the surrounding land, created the road and subdivided the land for the construction of other residences. Certified historic, the "villa" (as Ivy Cottage has been called) was built in the picturesque Gothic Revival style featuring steep roof lines, cross gabling, pointed arches, verge board ornamentation and wooden friezes. These themes continue on the interior with a grand entrance hall running front to back with heavy arched matching doors at each end. Before the road was built the rear of the house served as the front with a porte cochere for the arrival of carriages. Floor to ceiling windows and doors with cross gabling and diamond patterns predominate on the first floor. Though exceptionally elegant with 10' foot ceilings and deep crown moldings, the home is warm and welcoming. Rooms are large but not overwhelming. In addition to the expansive main entrance hall, the first floor consists of the formal parlor, library, dining room, pantry, kitchen and a large laundry room. On the 2nd floor there are 4 spacious bedrooms, including the primary bedroom with an adjoining bathroom, 2 more bathrooms plus an additional room reached by back stairs which could serve many purposes. The third floor includes two large bedrooms, a hall bathroom and 2 additional rooms for storage or other purposes. There are three fireplaces, one in the parlor, in the library and in a 2nd floor bedroom. There is a full basement, more than half an acre of outdoor space including a great back yard and a 2-car garage. The property is located across from a section of the Penn Charter campus with its historic Timmons House and is a short walk to the train. 3819 The Oak Rd is an historic gem in need of extensive renovation and restoration. Local unverified legend holds that it was a stop on the Underground Railroad. It is being sold "as is."