JULIE ELLIS HALL

Description

Welcome to 8720 Prospect Avenue aka 50 Newton Street— a Horace W. Sellers–designed residence, presented to the market for the first time in 40 years. Built of classic Wissahickon schist and thoughtfully updated, this detached Chestnut Hill home blends enduring craftsmanship with the comfort and function today’s buyers value. Set on .4 acres, the property includes a stone patio, mature trees, established landscaping, and off-street parking—all within easy reach of both Chestnut Hill East and West regional rail stations. A major addition and renovation by McCoubrey & Oberholtzer expanded the home to over 3,000 square feet. The project introduced a large mudroom, a redesigned kitchen, and updated baths while maintaining the home’s original character. The kitchen features custom cabinetry, Verde Italia granite counters, stainless appliances, and radiant-heat flooring that continues into the mudroom, where floor-to-ceiling built-ins and a deep utility sink flanked by a soapstone counter top create a practical everyday entry. The main level includes a living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a formal dining room, a powder room with vintage-inspired fixtures, and a stone-walled sunroom with divided-light French doors leading directly to the patio. Original details—deep stone sills and hardwood floors—reinforce the home’s lasting appeal. Upstairs are four bedrooms and three full baths. The main suite shares access to a renovated walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms include custom built-ins, and the fourth bedroom—currently used as an office—can easily transition back to a traditional bedroom as needed. A hall bath offers a soaking tub, and a third full bath, updated in 2003 and connected to one of the bedrooms, combines classic tilework with modern fixtures. A floored attic with a cedar closet and an unfinished basement—complete with a temperature-controlled wine cellar—provide excellent storage and workspace options. The backyard offers a wide, level lawn bordered by mature trees for shade and privacy. The stone patio sits just off the sunroom, creating an easy setup for outdoor dining, morning coffee, or quiet downtime. The landscaping is established yet manageable, with shrubs and perennials that add seasonal interest. It’s a flexible outdoor space suited for play, gardening, entertaining, or simply relaxing. Mechanical upgrades include central air, a gas-fired boiler with multiple heating zones (including radiant heat in select rooms), and a full electrical overhaul. Located within Philadelphia city limits, the home sits 0.1 mile from Chestnut Hill East station, 0.5 mile from Chestnut Hill West, and just over a mile from the Bells Mill trailhead into Wissahickon Valley Park. Germantown Avenue’s cafés, markets, and restaurants are a short walk away, offering an appealing blend of convenience and neighborhood calm. Showings start Friday, Novemeber 28, 2025.

Features