The Main Line’s 30 Most Expensive Homes

Grand estates are common around these parts. Just how common? Here’s a roundup of the priciest homes sold in three counties.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

1. 648 Creighton Road, Villanova

$5,700,000 (2013)

It takes a pretty exceptional house to command multiple offers and go over asking, especially when the original listing price was a whopping $5,495,000. Lavinia Smerconish, who was the selling agent on the property, credits the Pennsylvania fieldstone home’s “perfect condition,” coupled with the fact that it was “priced properly” for a bidding war. 

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A tree-lined drive provides a dramatic entrance to the seven-bedroom, seven-bath home, which was renovated by E.B. Mahoney Builders and features Ludowici terra-cotta tile on the roof. Countless highlights include a mahogany-paneled billiards room, a 3,000-bottle wine cellar, a nanny suite, and a lighted sports court. 

2. 1010 Spring Mill Road, Villanova

$5,650,000 (2014)

Meadowbrook is the name of this stately Colonial, which sits on a sprawling 12-acre lot in Villanova. Originally built in 1910, the home has been completely updated within the past year and includes a new addition. It features a kitchen, a morning room, a family room, a laundry room, a mudroom, and a master suite with his-and-hers bathrooms and dressing rooms.

An attached three-car garage has a large, unfinished space ideal for a home office or an in-law suite. “In addition to the main house, it has a beautiful carriage house with two bedrooms on the top floor and two stalls for horses on the ground level,” says listing agent Linda Knox. “There’s also a historic house right on the road that was used in the 1700s as a coach stop.”

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3. 545 Avonwood Road, Haverford

$5,375,000 (2010)

Northside Haverford is one of the most desirable and exclusive areas in Lower Merion Township, if not the entire Main Line. This new-construction, 13,000-square-foot stone Colonial had “every bell and whistle a buyer could imagine, along with its prime location,” according to listing agent Robin Gordon. “[Michael Cutler Builders] put a lot of detail into making it look like an older home—matching the architectural beauty of the street,” she says. 

Six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, five fireplaces, a four-stop elevator, and a four-car garage are just a few of the features that make the home worthy of its $5-million-plus price tag. 

4. 251 Cheswold Lane, Haverford

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$4,660,000 (2010) 

Another gem in Northside Haverford, this historic, L-shaped, six-bedroom, seven-bathroom gem is actually a converted carriage house. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the stone home’s renovation and expansion, completed by the Pinemar Building Co., which spared no detail transforming the utilitarian space into a showplace for modern living. The most distinguishing characteristics are the seven original arched entryways  that were converted into large windows. The home also has walkable accessibility to the train, Merion Cricket Club and the Haverford School. 

5. 853 Mount Pleasant Road

Bryn Mawr, $4,600,000 (2013)

Renowned architect Walter Durham was the visionary behind this stone Colonial Northside Bryn Mawr estate. Originally built in the 1930s, it underwent an extensive expansion in 2001. “It’s the ideal, classic Main Line house,” says listing agent Lavinia Smerconish of the eight-bedroom, eight-bath home, with its grand formal spaces and more relaxed everyday living areas. “The home had been comprehensively redone, added to, and updated by the owners over the years—it’s really a solid residence.” 

The spacious five-acre property has mature trees, specimen plantings, and a stone staircase leading to a custom-designed, clover-shaped pool. 

6. 1113 Brynlawn Road, Villanova

$4,050,000 (2010) 

It’s all in the outstanding architecture of this French country home, set in the exclusive estate section of Villanova. Award-winning architect Peter Zimmerman designed the 8,000-square-foot home with formal and informal spaces, many of which lead out to the extensive gardens. Coffered ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and intricate woodwork are among the exceptional details. Surrounded by walls of windows and a set of French doors, the garden room leads to a flagstone patio with views of the meticulously manicured landscape.   

7. 1030 Green Valley Road, Bryn Mawr

​$4,020,000 (2014) 

Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Larry Brown once owned this 1930s manor home, set on close to four acres in Bryn Mawr. Situated on a private road that’s poorly paved to dissuade interlopers from driving on it (according to listing agent Robin Gordon), the seven-bedroom Colonial has a classic Main Line exterior with a modern, transitional-style interior design. “It’s the perfect juxtaposition between the old and the new,” says Gordon. 

The Browns refinished the lower level and outfitted it with a media room, a workout room, and a unique, family-friendly, retro-style soda-bar area with red-leather stools and a black-and-white checkerboard floor. 

8. 1211 Mirabeau Lane, Gladwyne

$3,800,000 (2013) 

This could easily be the biggest price reduction in the past five years. The original cost to build this 15,000-square-foot estate was estimated at an astounding $22,000,000. The home first hit the market in May 2008 at $19,500,000 and stayed there through multiple price reductions and no less than five  realtors. Finally, listing agent Linda Z. got the nod to price it to sell two years ago. “The property hadn’t been maintained over the years it was on the market,” says Z. “Even so, the buyer absolutely got a tremendous deal.” 

Custom features include imported Travertine marble, a three-level master wing, an observatory, a 20-seat home theater, and two pools—one inside and one out. 

9. 1234 Country Club Road, Gladwyne, $3,600,000 (2011)

Designed in 1933 by acclaimed architects Wallace & Warner, this moss-covered stone Georgian Colonial had only three owners prior to its last sale. The two and-a-half-acre property has gorgeous specimen trees and a spacious dining pergola that can accommodate 150 people. Listing agent Susan Ravenscroft notes the impressive center hall and dramatic staircase, along with “beautifully proportioned spaces throughout.” 

The home’s random-width oak floors are original. “And I’d die for the kitchen,” says Ravenscroft, in reference to the stunning Bulthaup design, with it sleek cherry cabinetry. An apartment with a separate entrance—ideal for an in-law or au-pair suite—sits over the garage. 

10. 511 Hillbrook Road, Bryn Mawr, $3,550,000 (2010) 

In desirable Main Line areas, it’s not uncommon for some houses to sell before they even hit the market. That was the fate for this classic, Normandy stone house in Bryn Mawr. “As soon as the buyers saw it, they loved it,” says listing agent Reggie Hunt. 

An impressive courtyard greets guests pulling up to the front of the five bedroom, six-bath home, which was recently updated and features all the modern amenities you’d expect. 

DELAWARE COUNTY

1. 600 Maplewood Ave., Wayne

$8,800,000 (2010)

It’s not often that one of the Main Line’s most sought-after towns has an estate set on 35 acres. It was one of those rare listings—and it commanded the highest sale price in Delaware County in five years. The sprawling 11,000-square-foot Federalist-style mansion was built in 1902 and has 10 bedrooms and six baths.

2. 255 Abrahams Lane, Villanova

$4,850,000 (2014)

To bring a buzz to the sale of this estate home on 10 acres of original Ardrossan Farm, listing agent Robin Gordon sweetened the deal by offering a two-year lease of a Bentley Continental GT Convertible if settlement occurred by a certain date. “It was a great way to bring attention to the property,” says Gordon, who didn’t have to make good on the offer in the end. “This is a lifestyle property. It’s spectacular.” 

Inside, nearly every room offers panoramic views of the property. Outside, multiple verandas and terraces allow for maximum enjoyment. 

3. 265 Abrahams Lane, Villanova

$4,374,000 (2014)

Located just houses away from the above address, Conamara had been sold at auction for $4 million in 2013. But due to unexpected job relocation, the new owner had to put the Normandy-style stone home back on the market a year later. “My seller was sophisticated enough to know that there’s not that many buyers who come in at this level,” says listing agent Dana Hospodar. “Fortunately, we had a buyer who was interested right away, and we were able to negotiate a price.” 

The 14,000-square-foot beauty has what Hospodar describes as the “most magnificent views in Radnor Township.” “The sunsets there are breathtaking,” she says.  

4. 61 Farrier Lane, Newtown Square

$3,853,366 (2012)

Nolen Companies are the developers behind this popular White Horse community, which has been for open for home sales since 2002. It gives buyers the rare opportunity to purchase new construction in Newtown Square, and its proximity to the Episcopal Academy campus has made it a coveted address. 

This Liseter Colonial Revival model has an impressive circular driveway and a full-stone front. Featured in its 6,000 square feet of living space: five bedrooms, five baths, a walnut study, a finished basement, and an attic. The owners opted for a pool and pool house. 

5. 402 Box Wood Road

Bryn Mawr, $3,700,000 (2010) 

Custom-designed by Chip Vaughan, this six-bedroom home was built to look old, says listing agent Lavinia Smerconish. “There was no backing off of finishes on any of the levels,” she says. 

One of the most unique features is a full-glass-enclosure wine room on the lower level that the owners had modeled after a room they saw on their travels in Arizona. “It has very minimal floor-to-ceiling drop bars that cradle the wine,” says Smerconish. “It’s like a piece of art as you look into this fully lit, square-box wine room.” 

The property also has a dual-purpose pool/guest house with a changing room, powder room, bedroom, full kitchen and bath.

6. 729 Harrison Road, Villanova

$3,340,000 (2012)

This traditional estate home is part of the impressive portfolio of luxury builder C.F. Holloway. Ten years young, the six-bedroom manor continues to exude all the best aspects of high-end living.

The various indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces are highlight. A flagstone patio has a built-in Wolf grill set alongside an in-ground salt-water pool with waterfall and accent lighting. Inside, the home offers a library and an office, a gourmet kitchen with a morning room, and a fully outfitted lower level. 

7. 1 Withers Lane, Newtown Square

$3,076,208 (2012)

Another estate in the White Horse community, this one is also a Liseter model—among the most popular of the five available. With five bedrooms and six full baths, the owners also decided on a finished attic, which was to be used as an office for the lady of the house. Other highlights include a mahogany study for the man of the house, a finished lower level complete with wine room and tasting area, and a home theater. Man’s best friend also has it good in this house, thanks to a dog wash in the four-car garage. 

8. 106 Mill View Lane, Newtown Square, $3,075,000 (2014)

Set on a prime lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, with views of Newtown Square’s 170-acre Water Mills Preserve, this six-
bedroom Colonial has major curb appeal. Once inside, the home continues to impress with 10-foot ceilings, four fireplaces, a state-of-the-art kitchen with adjoining breakfast room, and cherry hardwood flooring throughout the first floor. A master bedroom suite on the second floor is sure to meet the expectations of the heads of the household, with its vaulted, beamed ceiling, separate his- and-hers bathrooms and walk-in closets, and an exterior balcony. 

9. 352 Chamounix Road, Wayne

$2,900,000 (2013)

Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of looking next door to find a buyer for a multimillion-dollar property on the Main Line. Before this five-bedroom, five-bath Colonial hit the market, listing agent Dana Hospodar took asked the neighbors if they were interested in buying the three-acre property.

Turns out they were. “This is acreage you typically wouldn’t find [so close] to downtown Wayne,” she says. “The luxury market in Radnor Township is in high demand right now—especially properties with walk-to access.” 

10. 423 Box Wood Road, Bryn Mawr

 $2,900,000 (2011) 

How does a custom-designed, seven-bedroom manor home by luxury homebuilder become even more attractive to a buyer? Many, many upgrades. This Pohlig creation has a finished third floor with two bedrooms and a full bath, a built-in homework station on the second level, and a detached two-car garage. The lower level includes a wet bar, a wine room, a fireplace and its own full bath.

CHESTER COUNTY 

1. 1035 Sugartown Road, Berwyn

$5,800,000 (2011) 

What does close to $6 million dollars buy in Easttown Township? Based on this highest-selling property on record in Chester County over the past five years, it gets you 106 acres, with easements held by both the Brandywine Conservancy (81 acres) and the Chester County Open Lands Conservancy (25 acres). The historic main home has more than nine bedrooms and five bathrooms, and various out buildings including a barn, a tenant house, a garage with second floor apartment, and a second garage. 

2. 1075 Leopard Road, Berwyn

$5,300,000 (2011)

This new estate home was originally designed for builder Ted Babiy himself, before he decided to sell it.  The custom details throughout reflect the fact that it’s not your standard spec home, offering more than 11,000 square feet of living space. Features include antique brick floors, Amish-built mortise and tenon beams, and raised kitchen counter tops. The 12-acre property features a stream and an arched stone bridge, along with plenty of space for future enhancements. 

3. 2300 Hilltop View Road, Coatesville 

$5,000,000 (2013)

This exquisite farmhouse in the Unionville area has been a frequent stop on the popular Chester County Day house tour over the years. The six-bedroom home is set on a true equestrian property of more than 140 acres. The main barn has 14 stalls, a wash stall, a tack room and an apartment. There’s an indoor and an outdoor arena, along with numerous pastures and paddocks. The property is next to the 800-acre Laurel Preserve, so there’s unlimited riding potential. 

4. 333/339 S. Valley Road, Paoli

$4,500,000 (2013)

Not many multimillion-dollar properties in Chester County come with sheep and goats. This 37-acre operating artisanal farm in Radnor Hunt is one that does. “It’s a totally unique property,” says listing agent Reggie Hunt. 

The beautiful vistas and views are second only to the gorgeous bones of the stone main house. Its spacious enough to accommodate seven fireplaces, one of which is in the master bedroom suite. An 1871 schoolhouse on the property has been converted to a two-bedroom, three-bathroom guesthouse. 

5. 549 S. Waterloo Road, Devon

$4,100,000 (2010) 

A landmark property in the sought-after estate section of Devon, this majestic Normandy-style, seven-bedroom, seven-bath home commands your attention on Waterloo Road. “I don’t think there’s a person who’s ever driven on that street who hasn’t looked up and said, ‘What a beautiful home,’” says listing agent Lavinia Smerconish. 

At the first open house, the property was so flooded curiosity seekers that Smerconish had to call upon her radio-personality husband, Michael, to park cars. On another memorable note, it’s the only house Smerconish has sold on the Main Line that has a bowling alley. A separate guesthouse, with a full kitchen and bath and two bedrooms, is another major plus. 

6. 36 Eastwick Drive, Malvern

$4,000,000 (2014)

A floating, open spiral staircase spanning three levels greets you upon entering this custom Colonial in Charlestown Township. “It’s a spectacular house in a great location,” says listing agent Christopher Meszaros. “It’s perfect for a buyer who wants privacy and more of a country feel.” 

A gated entry marks the estate, which is set on more than 16 acres. An elevator provides access to all three levels, and the master bedroom suite has all the luxuries you’d desire in a multimillion-dollar home, including access to a private balcony with a hot tub. The lower level has a wine cellar, a dance room, a bar area with fireplace, and a home theater with stadium seating.  

7. 1270 Allerton Road, West Chester, $3,752,500 (2011)

Perfect for horsey types of all levels, the 23-acre Springbank Farm in Willis-town Township boasts gorgeous views of the Radnor Hunt grounds. The main house, a 60-year-old Cape, has been expanded to accommodate four bedrooms and three baths. Outside, you’ll find a flagstone patio, an in-ground pool, a brick terrace, a stone barn and a guest cottage.

8. 3993 Wells Road, Malvern

$3,650,000 (2014)

At first glance, it resembles an historic Chester County farmhouse from the 1700s—and that’s exactly what the owner intended. Cleverly designed to appear as if three different additions had been built over the years, this new farmhouse is set on more than 10 acres and has four stories of finished space. “It’s a magnificent home,” says listing agent Sarah DiSands. 

The exterior is arranged for some serious entertaining, with an outdoor kitchen, a saltwater pool and a gas fire-pit. In addition to an attached two-car garage, there’s a detached, three-car version with a lift. 

9. 320 Upland Road, Kennett Square

$3,550,000 (2014)

A long, winding drive leads to a converted barn that is now a four-bedroom, three-bath home. It’s set on an exceedingly private 70-acre property in Unionville, conveniently located only minutes from the village. “The serenity, location, views and water, along with the ability to ride out for long periods, make this an extremely special property,” says listing agent Lucinda Orr. 

As you’d expect with a renovated barn, the house is filled with beautiful woodwork, from the random-width, reclaimed floors and large barn beams that act as architectural showpieces, to the custom wood staircase. 

10. 475 Thouron Road, Coatesville

$3,537,500 (2010)

Located in the heart of horse country—also known as West Marlborough Township—this six-bedroom, five-bath house is set on more than 50 pristine acres. Like its neighboring estates, this one has numerous patios and other outdoor spaces—all of which aid in taking full advantage of the stunning pastoral views. English-style gardens surround the tennis court and the pool, while the property’s fenced pastures point to the likelihood of horses making an appearance. 

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