1641 N Ridley Creek Rd

Media, PA 19063

From the moment you enter the curve of the tree-lined drive you know you're leaving the regular world behind and slipping into a place of timeless magic. This rambling stone colonial home and its 4+ acres of fairytale grounds are being offered to the public for the first time in nearly fifty years. Built in 1942 for a daughter of the Biddle Family, the house has enjoyed subtle but important architectural touches over the years, accentuating the light and flow without taking away from the historical charm. The house begins with a covered portico featuring an antique firehouse medallion. Step into the light-filled back-to-front center hall with its dramatic curved staircase. A double-arch and column open into the spacious living room, which boasts a gas fireplace, dental molding, curved walls, and multiple windows bringing lush views of the outdoors in. French doors lead out to the sun porch where Anderson windows and multiple skylights artfully blend the outdoors with the in. A perfect spot to curl up and read, work on art or horticultural projects, or simply gaze out over the grounds and the wraparound brick patio as the seasons change, this peaceful space will allow you to commune with nature no matter the time of year. On the other side of the center hall, the formal dining room offers plenty of space for entertaining, and another door to the wraparound patio, allowing parties to spill outside on pleasant evenings. The great big kitchen features handcrafted tree-house cabinets designed and implemented by local woodworker Bok Read to honor the sylvan setting of the home. With ample space for cooking and entertaining, there is plenty of potential for a serious cook to modernize into a high-end gourmet kitchen. The handsome den boasts a beamed ceiling, brick floor and numerous built-ins. A pantry and a first-floor powder room complete the first floor. The curved staircase leads up to the second floor. The primary suite boasts a spacious bedroom the size of the living room below. This bright, romantic space offers five windows, a decorative fireplace, and a door to the full bath, which can also be accessed from the hall. Three additional bedrooms, all with beautiful views over the grounds, a second hall bath, and a second-floor laundry room may also be found on this level. Outside, a covered breezeway from the house leads to the two-car garage and two included apartments. The first-floor efficiency unit has a nice patio. The second-floor unit boasts a bedroom, living and dining room combo, and a kitchen with skylight. Both are currently on month-to-month leases. Also included is a traditional barn with work and tack spaces on the first floor, and storage upstairs with true barn doors. The expansive grounds offer something special to experience no matter the occasion. Open meadows, shaded groves, and even a rare Wanamaker pool each provide the perfect setting for picnics and parties. Oaks, maples, elms, mountain laurels, beeches, and other trees join with mature rhododendrons and so much other beautiful local plant-life to offer natural shade and screening. Every corner of this very special property seems to have been wonderfully made both for quiet contemplation and for lavish entertainment. Over the years past owners have thrown events that are still beloved community memories, including fundraisers where Count Basie and Duke Ellington performed on separate occasions. (Be sure to enjoy the photos during your tour!) Served by coveted Rose Tree-Media schools, 1641 North Ridley Creek Road is close to shopping and all major routes, and just twenty-five minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport by car. Schedule your visit to experience this once-in-a-lifetime home.