1909 Architectural Gem in Pennsylvania Featuring a French-Inspired Garden, Outdoor Fireplace and Carriage House Apartment

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Located at 6600 Wissachickon Avenue in Philadelphia’s West Mount Airy, this historically significant 1909 stone mansion was designed by renowned Gilded Age architect Horace Trumbauer for textile magnate Joseph Wasserman. Exemplifying classic early 20th-century architecture, it boasts over 8,000 square feet across seven bedrooms and five baths, set on nearly 1.3 acres adjacent to Wissahickon Valley Park. The home retains exquisite original details including handcrafted English walnut paneling, six fireplaces, and a French-inspired garden with mature Japanese maples. Modernized kitchen amenities blend seamlessly with period charm. Additional features include a carriage house with a one-bedroom apartment and a four-car garage. Listed for $2,700,000, this landmark offers luxury, history, and proximity to Center City Philadelphia and major travel hubs.

Covered Patio Dining

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A spacious covered patio area with a large rectangular wooden dining table surrounded by eight wooden armchairs featuring beige cushions. The terracotta tile flooring adds warmth and blends seamlessly with the natural outdoor surroundings. The ceiling is finished with white beadboard paneling, providing subtle texture, and a black metal lantern-style light fixture hangs centrally for ambient lighting. Four white columns support the roof, framing the view of lush green bushes and mature trees beyond the patio. Several potted plants and a wooden storage chest enhance the outdoor living atmosphere, combining comfort and rustic elegance.

Front Exterior

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A historic stone house with a symmetrical facade dated 1909, characterized by a steep gable roof and sturdy stone masonry. The wide front porch is supported by white classical columns, creating an inviting outdoor sitting area furnished with a bench and colorful cushions. Dark green shutters frame the windows, complementing the natural stone walls. Mature trees and well-manicured shrubs border the front yard, which features lush grass and curved flower beds. The setting blends natural landscaping with architectural heritage, evoking a timeless, rustic charm enhanced by the crisp blue sky and surrounding greenery.

Front Driveway & Entrance

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A large circular driveway paved with asphalt surrounds a central landscaped island, neatly edged and planted with small shrubs and a young tree. The driveway leads up to a grand historic stone manor with multiple stories and a gray slate roof. The exterior walls are constructed with textured stonework, accented by green window shutters and white trim. A covered porch with classical columns is visible to the left, providing a sheltered outdoor seating area. Mature trees and landscaped bushes frame the scene, blending natural greenery with stately architectural charm under a bright blue sky.

Garden Pathway

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A brick walkway creates a circular path around a small garden area filled with various shrubs and greenery. A mature tree stands prominently to the left, its branches creating a canopy over the path. The garden’s centerpiece is a slender sculptural stone pedestal surrounded by well-kept plants and manicured bushes, giving the space a tranquil, almost secret-garden feel. The overall scene is lush and green, indicative of careful landscaping with a slightly informal but peaceful aesthetic. In the distance, faint outlines of historic buildings blend harmoniously with the natural environment.

Garden Walkway

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A neatly maintained garden pathway stretches forward, bordered on one side by a lush, vibrant green hedge and on the other by flower beds edged with aged red bricks. The flower beds contain emerging bulbs and blooming white daffodils, adding subtle color contrasts at ground level. The grass is well-trimmed with a vibrant spring green tone. Mature trees, some with sparse spring growth and others with full foliage, frame the path. In the background, historic stone cottages with steep slate roofs and chimneys blend harmoniously into the softly clouded, bright blue sky, evoking a timeless country charm.

Backyard Patio Seating

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A red brick patio with mixed tones creates a rustic base for an elegant wrought iron outdoor seating set including a round table, two benches, and four chairs with intricate scrollwork. The patio is nestled within a lush garden setting, surrounded by various green shrubs, small trees, and mature evergreens. Stone steps lead upward through the garden to the historic stone house with blue shutters visible in the background. Branches of a bare deciduous tree stretch over the patio, blending the natural textures with the classic outdoor furniture, emanating a peaceful garden retreat ambiance.

Garage Exterior

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A prominently featured multi-car garage with classic white paneled doors containing small square windows at the top. The garage is part of a charming stone building with weathered gray shingles, evoking a historic and rustic aesthetic. Above the garage doors, a decorative dormer window with intricate geometric latticework and an arch-shaped design adds architectural interest. The driveway is freshly paved and curves gently toward the garage, framed by well-maintained bushes and trees transitioning through early spring, contributing natural greenery and organic shapes to balance the structured architecture.

Historic Stone Home Exterior

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A large historic residence constructed of stone sits amidst mature trees and well-maintained grounds. The multi-story structure displays a symmetrical facade with blue-green shutters framing numerous white-paned windows. Distinctive chimneys rise from the roof, which hosts a series of dormer windows providing attic light and ventilation. A covered porch with white columns offers outdoor seating, overlooking landscaped flower beds and a small play area with a climbing dome and slide. The surrounding lush greenery, including trimmed bushes and towering deciduous and evergreen trees, creates a serene and timeless setting for this stately home.

Front Porch Seating

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A spacious front porch framed by large, classic columns painted white extends across one side of the home. The stone exterior wall with rustic, earth-toned stones contrasts beautifully with the smooth white ceiling and trim. Wicker-style furniture with gray cushions and bright orange pillows adds a modern, inviting touch. The seating arrangement includes a sofa and two armchairs around a glass-top coffee table, positioned to enjoy views of the carefully landscaped yard and driveway. Blue-green wooden shutters on the window contribute to the historic charm, blending traditional and contemporary elements harmoniously.

Front Porch Seating Area

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

The spacious porch is supported by classical round white columns that enhance the colonial aesthetic. The ceiling is finished with white beadboard, creating a clean, textured overhead surface. A natural stone wall runs along one side, adding rustic charm and historic character. Deep teal-blue French doors with matching shutters introduce vivid color contrast to the neutral gray floor and white ceiling. The seating arrangement consists of woven wicker-style furniture with gray cushions and orange throw pillows, providing a cozy yet elegant outdoor retreat. Surrounding greenery and hedges frame this inviting space.

Front Entryway

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A grand entrance with an open blue-gray paneled front door reveals a classic, inviting entryway. Surrounding the door, white painted wood trim features intricate moldings and an elegant semicircular fanlight window adorned with decorative muntins. Thin sidelights contain detailed curved glass patterns, adding refinement and natural light. The walls display traditional wainscoting topped by chair rail moldings, painted in soft gray tones. Brass wall sconces with frosted glass shades provide warm, ambient lighting. Beyond the doorway, a stone walkway and neatly trimmed shrubbery frame the path, setting a welcoming tone for this historic home.

Entry Hall and Staircase

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Bright and spacious entry hall with warm hardwood floors complemented by a detailed red-patterned rug. Crisp white walls and wainscoting create a clean, timeless ambiance highlighted by an elegant paneled archway framing the stairway. The staircase features white risers with natural wood treads and a dark wooden handrail curving gracefully at the bottom. Decorative molding and trim extend up the walls and ceiling, enhancing the classic architectural charm. A large, ornate crystal chandelier hangs above the upper landing, adding a touch of luxury and grandeur to this inviting first impression.

Living Room Details

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Bright and airy living room with pristine white paneled walls and deep crown molding that highlights the classic architectural style. A richly hued hardwood floor surrounds a large, ornately patterned red and blue Persian rug under a seating area of four dark brown leather armchairs accented by plush cushions. The grand fireplace is edged in polished black marble, hosting a gentle fire that adds warmth. The dark wooden front door is framed by tall sidelights and a fanlight window with intricate circular muntins. Elegant wall sconces cast soft light, enriching the timeless atmosphere.

Living Room with Grand Piano

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Spacious living area enriched with classic architectural details such as white paneled walls and crown molding. The room is illuminated by elegant wall sconces complementing the abundant natural light streaming through tall, multi-pane windows. Hardwood floors are adorned with richly patterned Persian-style rugs in deep reds and blues, framing two distinct seating areas with leather armchairs and dark wood side tables. A striking black grand piano adds a sophisticated focal point near the windowed wall. French doors lead to an adjacent room featuring rich wood paneling, enhancing the historic charm and refined atmosphere of this space.

Living Room Entrance

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

The interior opens with an elegant arched doorway showcasing intricate molding and paneling in crisp white. Rich hardwood floors complement the classic aesthetic, adorned with traditional Persian-style rugs displaying bold red, blue, and cream patterns. Wall sconces with brass fixtures and frosted glass shades provide warm lighting. The far wall features a stately black grand piano beneath framed windows with white muntins that allow natural light to softly illuminate the space. A vintage wooden desk and chair sit gracefully along the right wall, balancing the room’s symmetrical design, with the focal point being the solid dark wooden front door.

Elegant Living Room Details

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Warm, rich wood paneling envelops the walls, highlighted with intricate crown molding and sculpted accents above the classic black marble fireplace. Twin French doors on either side of the fireplace open to a verdant, sunlit garden outside, infusing natural light. Two crystal wall sconces flank a framed artwork, contributing to the room’s refined ambiance. Plush, light gray sofas face each other over a dark wood coffee table resting on an ornate Persian-style rug with deep reds and blues, creating a sophisticated, inviting sitting area that balances historic craftsmanship with modern comfort.

Library Seating Area

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Polished hardwood floors extend under a traditional oriental rug and classic wooden furniture including a small round table flanked by two intricately carved chairs with upholstered seats. The walls are richly paneled in warm-toned wood with detailed crown molding and an ornate carved trim above two large, paneled windows that overlook greenery outside. Between and beside the windows, built-in bookshelves filled with a mix of antique leather-bound books and decorative blue porcelain plates with intricate patterns create a sense of history and refinement. A vintage-style lampshade on the windowsill adds soft ambient lighting, enhancing the cozy, elegant atmosphere of this quiet reading nook or study space.

Library Room Details

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Richly paneled walls in dark wood extend to the ornate crown molding and headers above the doorways, highlighting fine craftsmanship. A black marble fireplace with subtle white veining injects elegance and warmth, complemented by a pair of delicate wall sconces with crystal embellishments. A plush white sofa faces the fireplace, behind which stands a refined wooden table. To the right, a small round wooden table with two carved wooden chairs, each upholstered in a light fabric, creates a cozy seating area. Built-in bookshelves filled with leather-bound books and decorative plates flank a window, while French doors open to a verdant garden, blending indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. The overall ambiance is classic and inviting, conveying a sense of historical charm and refined comfort.

Entry Hall and Staircase

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Curved staircase with white spindles and a wooden handrail creates a graceful vertical element, ascending to the upper floor. The walls and ceiling are painted soft white with elegant wainscoting and pentagonal molding details that add historic charm. Warm hardwood flooring with a glossy finish runs through the hall, complementing the wood trim. Through an arched opening, a grand piano sits on a traditional rug that introduces color and texture. Traditional sconces provide warm lighting. The blend of classic architectural elements with refined furnishings evokes a sophisticated and timeless ambiance.

Kitchen with Dining Area

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Black and white checkerboard marble tiles cover the kitchen floor, creating a striking foundation. The kitchen cabinets and central island are painted in a muted gray, topped with elegant, veined marble countertops. Three wooden barstools with dark cushioned seats line the island, enhanced by a vintage-style brass chandelier with frosted glass shades above. Traditional white columns separate the kitchen from the dining space, which features a hardwood floor contrasting the kitchen’s marble. Large windows with multiple panes allow natural light to brighten the room, complementing the white walls and clean crown molding that enhance the classic, timeless ambiance.

Kitchen Island and Cabinets

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Ample white cabinetry with glass-front upper cabinets define the perimeter, accented by sleek silver hardware. A large island with a black and white marble countertop dominates the center, extending its surface for preparation or casual dining. The checkerboard black and white marble floor tiles add vintage charm, complementing the monochromatic palette. White subway tiles form the backsplash, with a detailed tile mural above the stove that introduces a touch of artistry. Classic brass and opal glass light fixtures bring warmth to the otherwise cool-toned room, enhancing its blend of historic and contemporary styles.

Dining Room with Pantry View

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Oval wooden dining table surrounded by six matching chairs with carved backs and light upholstered seats sit atop an ornate patterned area rug blending rich reds, creams, and blacks. White walls contrast with medium-toned hardwood floors that extend through an open doorway leading to a fully stocked pantry. Crown molding and baseboards are painted a soft gray, adding a subtle architectural detail. Two framed landscape and still-life paintings hang on the walls. A ceiling fan with a light fixture and recessed lights provide overhead illumination, complementing the natural light coming through the double-paned window to the right.

Pantry Storage Area

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

A narrow, well-organized pantry with floor-to-ceiling white shelving extensively stocked with dry goods, canned items, condiments, and beverages. The hardwood floor adds warmth and contrasts with the clean white shelves. On the right, a refrigerator covered with an array of colorful family photos and magnets stands under a built-in microwave, while various baskets provide storage above. A radiator with a wooden top sits on the left, adding historic charm. The pantry’s layout maximizes vertical space, blending practicality with a cozy, lived-in feel, highlighted by natural light from an unseen source enhancing the bright white walls.

Formal Dining Room

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Expansive dining space with a long wooden table surrounded by fourteen carved chairs upholstered in deep red fabric. A large, rich Persian rug in red tones anchors the room, complementing the wood’s warmth. Crisp white walls with detailed paneling and crown moldings lend timeless elegance. A classic wooden china cabinet with glass doors displays fine dishware, adding an element of sophistication. French doors on both sides of a white ornate fireplace offer access to outdoors, bringing greenery views inside. A brass chandelier with candlestick bulbs hangs centrally, enhancing the historic charm and refined atmosphere.

Living Room Details

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Bright golden-yellow walls with crisp white trim and molding create a warm yet classic ambiance. An elegant white fireplace with a brick interior anchors the room, complemented by a tall floor lamp and a framed piece of art above the mantel. The hardwood floors add richness and warmth, offset by a vibrant Persian-style rug featuring deep reds, blues, and intricate patterns. The seating includes a vintage-style cream upholstered sofa with wooden accents and a patterned armchair, blending comfort with historic charm. Large multi-paned windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting the room’s inviting and refined character.

Grand Staircase and Landing

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Curved wooden staircase with polished banisters and white spindles leads both downward and upward, creating a grand, flowing transition between floors. Crisp white walls are adorned with classic panel molding adding depth and elegance. An arched window lets in ample natural light, showcasing intricate window trim and a view of the outdoors. The floor features warm-toned hardwood on the landing and steps, contrasted by a black and white marble patterned tile area below. A vintage-style crystal chandelier hangs at the center, enhancing the historic charm. A striking red, black, and white geometric textile hangs on the wall, injecting a bold pop of color in the refined space.

Bathroom Vanity and Shower

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

White dominates the color scheme, creating a clean and bright ambiance. The floor features black and white hexagonal tiles, adding a classic, vintage touch. A spacious glass-enclosed shower with white subway tiles and a built-in niche blends seamlessly with the walls. The double sink vanity presents a white marble countertop and traditional cabinetry, painted white with elegant hardware. Above the sinks, a large framed mirror stretches across the wall, accompanied by a four-light brass fixture with frosted glass shades. The toilet is positioned between the vanity and shower, and a white towel rack stands above baseboard heating, maintaining a neat and airy aesthetic.

Sunroom Seating Area

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

The space is surrounded by expansive, multi-pane windows that flood the room with natural light and offer a panoramic view of lush greenery outside. Walls are painted a refreshing teal blue, contrasting with the white trim and radiators below the windows. Wicker-style seating includes a cushioned sofa, two armchairs, and an ottoman, all in neutral tones with subtle patterns, accented with soft yellow pillows that add warmth. The flooring is a smooth gray, topped with a patterned area rug that unifies the arrangement. A central ceiling fan with wooden blades hangs from the white ceiling, adding a functional yet classic touch to the airy, inviting atmosphere.

Bedroom Interior

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Soft pink walls create a gentle, calming atmosphere in this bedroom, enhanced by the white trim along the windows, baseboards, and ceiling molding. The hardwood floor adds warmth and natural texture, anchored by a richly patterned Persian-style rug with deep reds, blues, and neutral tones. The bed, dressed in white and pastel bedding layered with ruffled pillows, sits centrally against one wall with symmetrical nightstands and table lamps featuring dark bases. Light filters through sheer white curtains, with framed artwork hung strategically on the walls. A white dresser and bookshelf stocked with books and toys suggest a cozy, lived-in feel.

Bathroom Corner

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

The bathroom presents a blend of vintage charm and clean design with a distinctive color scheme. The lower half of the walls are covered in white square tiles, accented with a black tile border that matches the black and white patterned floor tiles. The walls above the tile are painted a muted mauve, offering a warm contrast to the crisp tile below. A pedestal sink and classical toilet sit neatly along the wall, beneath a mirrored medicine cabinet flanked by two brass, wall-mounted light sconces. White door and window trims frame the space, while an open door reveals a neighboring room complete with wooden flooring and light-colored walls.

Bedroom with Bay Window Seating

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Soft gray walls with white trim create a serene backdrop for this bedroom centered around a large bed dressed in white textured bedding and accented with various grey and neutral pillows. Classic wooden side tables with matching ornate lamps flank the bed. A striking bay window nook filled with a white cushioned bench and layered throw pillows provides a cozy seating area with views framed by sheer white curtains. The warm wooden floor contrasts with a richly colored Persian-style area rug featuring deep reds and intricate patterns, blending traditional and elegant aesthetic elements. A ceiling fan with wooden blades hangs above, adding functionality and style.

Bathroom and Bedroom View

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Bathroom with vintage elements includes a pedestal sink and a classic white toilet, surrounded halfway by glossy taupe tiles with a marble baseboard. The floor features small white hexagonal tiles that add retro charm. A framed recessed mirror above the sink is flanked by a dual light fixture with frosted glass shades. Adjacent framed artwork and polished brass light switches provide delicate antique touches. Through an open doorway adorned with thick white trim, a bedroom with warm wooden floors is visible, decorated with a richly patterned red and white Persian rug, a bed with neutral bedding, and antique wooden furniture topped with a classic lamp.

Bedroom with Vintage Charm

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Soft white walls and a subtly sloped ceiling create a cozy atmosphere. Light blue trim around the baseboards and window frames adds gentle contrast to the space. A large bed with patterned linens and multiple pillows rests between two classic wooden nightstands topped with elegant brass-based lamps. Two small framed art pieces are hung symmetrically above the bed. The hardwood floors show warm natural tones, partially covered by a vibrant red woven rug. A round, ornate mirror hangs on one wall near a window that allows natural light to illuminate the room, enhancing its inviting and serene feel.

Dining Area with Bookshelves

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Hardwood floors with distinct natural grain run throughout this bright dining area, contrasted by a rich red accent wall that adds warmth and depth. Two tall dark wood bookshelves flank a framed motorcycle photo, while a modern pendant light hangs above a round glass-top dining table surrounded by mid-century style chairs with wooden frames and gray cushions. White walls and ceiling create a crisp balance alongside the turquoise side table and lighter gray curtains framing large windows, bringing in abundant natural light. Visible entryways lead to a kitchen with white cabinetry and teal flooring.

Loft Living Area

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Hardwood floors with rich, warm tones stretch across the spacious loft living area, complemented by crisp white walls and ceilings. A modern gray sectional sofa anchors the relaxed seating corner, paired with a muted orange armchair and light blue ottoman on a subtle patterned rug. The angled ceiling and dormer windows bring character and natural light, highlighting eclectic decorative touches such as mounted animal head sculptures and colorful geometric wall art. A glass-top dining table with mid-century modern-inspired wooden chairs sits adjacent to the wall of windows, providing an airy, cohesive feel throughout the open space.

Bedroom with Dormer Windows

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Softly sloping ceilings frame the compact bedroom, enhancing its cozy ambiance. Two sets of white-framed dormer windows allow natural light to fill the space, softened by white blinds. The wooden floorboards display a warm honey tone, contrasting with the subdued gray bed frame and similarly muted bedding. Accent pillows and a throw in deeper teal and green hues add subtle color. Two matching teal bedside tables flank the bed, topped with lamps for ambient lighting. Vintage and eclectic decor adorns the room, including framed art, figurines, and a small retro table, creating a blend of classic comfort and personal charm.

Bathroom Vanity and Window

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Soft gray walls harmonize with the creamy beige marble countertop supporting a white oval sink. A large rectangular mirror spans the width above the vanity, illuminated by a row of evenly spaced globe bulbs set on a metallic fixture, enhancing brightness. A glass shelf beneath the mirror holds small toiletries and decorative pieces, including a miniature bicycle. To the right, a white cabinet with mirrors expands storage. Below, a classic white toilet sits adjacent to a multi-pane window framed in white trim, with a gentle patterned shade. Subtle touches like wall art and a vintage vent grill add charm and character.

Garage Workshop

Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE

Concrete flooring with visible cracks supports a spacious, multipurpose garage area incorporating a mix of storage, workspace, and vehicle parking. The ceiling is industrial-style with exposed pipes and wiring, adding aged character. A colorful, patterned area rug sets a cozy tone amidst tools, bicycles, and covered vehicles. Various shelving units, a vintage washing machine, and a black motorcycle add functional and stylistic elements. Old windows with grid patterns provide natural light, while the walls display nostalgic signs and vintage posters. Work tables with chairs indicate a practical workspace embedded in this utilitarian, lived-in environment.

Listing Agent: Ashley Lauren Farnschlader of Compass RE via Zillow 

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