Jaw Dropper of the Week: Elkins Park Manse with Trompe L’Oeil, “Hand” Rail

TREND images via Zillow.com

It’s one thing for fancy estates in the Greater Philadelphia region to enamor us with their luxe features and history, but it’s quite another when one of these gorgeous homes has a whole other layer of charm by way of distinctive detailing. Behold Fox Muir, one such residence in Elkins Park – designed by native son Robert McGoodwin, mind you – with more than a few charming quirks.

Let’s begin shall we?

Parked beneath a canopy of trees, the Fox Muir estate gives its owners and visitors an utmost elegant reception by way of the circular driveway with pillar entrance and central fountain. (Tucked behind a stone wall is the private parking courtyard and a 3-car garage.) Inside, the living room is festooned in Corinthian columns and egg & dart moldings, but the true star of the first level is the staircase’s hand-carved “hand” railing…as in the rail post is in the shape of a cupped hand holding a ring.

Not to be outdone, the dining room, redesigned by a previous owner, is a trompe l’oil of sorts and replicates a bamboo lattice pattern on a series of round walls, one of which is a hidden entryway (it’s behind a secret curved door!) to the butler’s pantry and kitchen.

Other neat features include a wood-paneled family room repurposed from the Christ Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia and an Art Deco-designed bar and movie theater repurposed from Elks Lodge. The family room, we might add, also has a unique “saints” fireplace wall. Specs and photos below.

THE FINE PRINT
Beds: 6
Baths: 5 full, 2 half
Square feet: 8,425
Price: $995,000
Additional Info: Pergola, pool, tennis court, outdoor kitchen, outdoor showers/changing rooms

Listing: 8212 Cedar Rd, Elkins Park, PA, 19027 [BHHS Fox & Roach-Chestnut Hill]