204 E Church Road Elkins Park 19027

Welcome to Ainslie. A stone pillared entry with a circular driveway leads to the this stately 6 bedroom, 2.1 bath Eastlake Victorian manor with the warmth, charm of yesteryear and amenities of today’s lifestyle. Elegantly restored to it original grandeur, true Victorian treasure. As you enter the walkway path leading to this home you will view the original stepping stone used to step up into the horse drawn carriage. Built in 1886 by Charles Hammond, because of Charles love and knowledge of English architecture which he designed and created in this wonderful residence. Many of the ornate mantles, wainscoting, hardware, doors, fireplaces and woodwork are imported from England and added to this incredible home. On each floor an elaborate radiator that can also be found in the Centennial Exhibition Washington, DC. The Queen Anne wrap around porch with its Eastlake trim leads you to the grandeur main entrance and the expansive hallway leading to a 17 step grand staircase featuring a stained glass window believed to be possibly Charles wife. Beneath the staircase is the hidden closet and wine rack. This hallway leads to the palatial living room accented with 6 stained glass windows depicting flowers, the ceilings and walls have Bradbury and Bradbury wall coverings created from the period this home was built. The Library features 2 built-in bookcases, beautiful stained glass windows believed to depict prominent writers of the time. Below the chair rail, above the picture molding and on the ceiling is original embossed leather, making this room a wonderful place relax and read your favorite novel/ book. You will be impressed as you enter the banquet size, formal dining room accented with a working fireplace, working gas chandelier and 6 stained glass windows picturing the different food groups. On the walls above the wainscoting is the original embossed leather walls. The side board and fireplace mantel are graced with beautiful period detail of this elegant era. This room is perfect for family gathering and entertaining holiday guests. Behind the dining room you will find a butler~s pantry featuring its original oak panels with a plethora of cabinets, a dry sink and access to a private covered side porch . In 1992 the kitchen, breakfast and adjoining family room was added. The custom kitchen cabinets were hand crafted to mimic the cabinetry throughout. This gourmet kitchen features two stoves, one gas and one electric. The back staircase includes the powder room and access to the portico, convenient covered parking and access to the kitchen area. The sunny, bright second floor offers a spacious open hallway, 4 generous sized bright bedrooms. The unique luxurious sunken bathroom has a whirlpool tub and steam shower. This level is graced with magnificently detailed wood work and mantels as found throughout this handsome residence. The third floor is also bright, airy featuring its own private au pair suite or guest quarters perfect for quests or family members preferring extra privacy. A large laundry room, a fabulous full bath with a custom Victorian style tub, two sunny bedrooms, a great room with a working kitchen, living area and access to a private balcony with views of neighborhood. The spacious kitchen with its abundance of cabinets, granite counters, adjoins the large open breakfast room with picturesque views steps down to the cozy family room, built-ins and fireplace with a custom detailed mantel. This magnificent home sits on a 3/4 acre, with a stone wall border and a spring house, originally used as an ice house is currently used for gardening tools. A full basement. This is a wonderfully warm home adorned with elegance and grandeur. Conveniently located with easy access to public transportation to center city.