721 CORNELIA PL Philadelphia, PA 19118

A most beautiful, well-built custom home c.1996-97 on one of Chestnut Hill's off-the-beaten-path roads high above the Wissahickon Creek. Built directly on bedrock, this two-level contemporary residence was designed by the architect for himself and his family with only the best materials, the most efficient systems, and an eye toward durability and light. The first level, sunlit through Kolbe & Kolbe sliding glass doors across the back of house and 16' high clerestory windows along the roof's ridge line, includes a spacious Entry w/glass block sidelights, stone floor, coat closet; wonderfully spacious Living Room/Dining Room area w/custom-cut pine floors from South Carolina and gas fireplace that exits to 576 sq ft deck across the rear of house overlooking woods of Fairmount Park; Kitchen w/maple cabinetry, new polished granite counters, cork floors, stainless steel sink w/new faucet and garbage disposal, new dishwasher, brand new gas stove top and two electric wall ovens, 32" refrigerator/freezer, large pantry closet, sweet eat-in area surrounded by windows at south-facing end of the room; 2-tiered deck connects house to 2-car garage and offers small fish pond cleverly designed to be automatically filled by rain leaders from garage roof; First floor Master Bedroom (20'x20')connects to the rear deck, too, and offers wall of closet, another walk-in closet with built-in chest, new carpet, ceiling fan, and full Master Bath w/luxurious soaking tub, separate large stall shower, double sink cabinet w/new faucets; Hall Laundry closet; 2nd spacious bedroom, now used as office/den w/half bath. The Lower Walk-out Level is as beautifully finished as the First: 3 spacious rooms designed for flexibility. They can be bedrooms; the middle room has water access and could be a kitchen; one room has been used as a professional office w/hi-speed internet. 2 exits to rear terrace. Full bath w/ceramic tile, shower over tub. The front area of the basement (44' under the front of the house) is reserved for storage/utilities: 2 gas HVAC unit(fired by 500 gallon underground propane tank), 200 AMP electric, hi-eff h/w/h, shelving, all on 6" concrete slab. So many extras: extra insulation, double roof, wiring for security system, larger than usual wood beams in frame construction, 3 coats of stucco, basement ceiling has double drywall to mute sound, all windows double-glazed, central vacuum. Chestnut Hill shops, restaurants, commuter train and parkland. Pretty cool!