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7 Beds
5 Baths
5,175 sqft

$2,550,000

42 W BELLS MILL ROAD, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19118

Price per sqft$492.75
Built in1922
Property size5,175 sqft
Property typeResidential

Overview

Sold

Closed-bright

Listed Apr 1, 2025

Updated 2 weeks ago

Welcome to “The Firs,” an iconic 1922 George Howe masterpiece on Bells Mill Road in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. This beautiful Norman manor sits on 2.7 acres abutting Fairmount Park and Wissahickon creek. Howe, a world-renowned architect and Chestnut Hill resident, studied at L’Ecole Des Beaux Arts in Paris and designed this house as a smaller, more functional replica of his own home “High Hollow” above it on Hampton Road. A cobblestone-paved courtyard removes you from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The house revels in a light-filled southwestern exposure, and in addition to offering an incredibly functional floor plan, you’ll find a stable, a two-car garage with studio apartment, fabulous patio, rustic springhouse and gorgeous landscaping as far as the eye can see. On the first floor, you’ll find a lovely living room and dining room, each with floor to ceiling windows and gas fireplaces, a study, a wonderful kitchen with granite island, countertops and kitchen table and a kitchen garden and first floor powder room. Downstairs you’ll find a gym with sauna, a workbench and mudroom. The second floor boasts a primary bedroom suite with floor to ceiling windows and a stunning bathroom, along with three other bedrooms/studies and two full baths. The third floor offers three additional bedrooms and one full bath. Exquisite Yellin iron work on the staircase connects all the floors. The property is fenced for privacy with direct entry into Fairmount Park for access to trails and the Wissahickon. Come see for yourself, why inside and out, “The Firs” is a treasured Chestnut Hill gem.

Additional information

MLS® ID
PAPH2400306

Interior Features

Bedrooms
7
Bathrooms
5
Fireplace
Yes
Cooling
Yes
Heating
Yes
Basement
Yes

Exterior Features

Lot Size
2.7 Acres

Other Property Details

Taxes
$32,265
Tax Frequency
Annually
Garage
Yes
55+/Senior Community
No
MLS provider logo

Listed by Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty
Listing Contact: 2158708484 

The IDX display contains information sourced from the Bright MLS, Inc. as of 8/25/2026. This data is intended solely for personal, non-commercial use and is not to be utilized for any other purposes except to identify potential properties for purchase. Although the MLS data displayed is typically considered reliable, it is not guaranteed to be accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and are advised to conduct their own investigations or seek professional assistance. Other sources besides the Listing Agent may have contributed to the MLS data presented. Unless expressly specified in writing, the Broker/Agent has not confirmed any information obtained from external sources. The Broker/Agent may or may not have acted as the Listing and/or Selling Agent and cannot guarantee the accuracy of property locations displayed on any map. Any compensation offers are solely made to participants of the MLS where the listing is registered.

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Data last updated on 8/25/2026 at 7:00 AM UTC

 

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