Famed "Arbor Hill" Fortress Outside of Philadelphia Reduced in Price to US$25 million

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania – Arbor Hill, the architecturally iconic 70-acre designer estate in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, has been reduced in price by nearly 17 percent to US$25 million. The prominent stone residence is being marketed internationally by leading luxury real estate network Christie’s International Real Estate, and offered by its Affiliate, Long & Foster Real Estate.

Likened to a contemporary castle, Arbor Hill was masterminded by Rafael Viñoly, an award-winning Uruguayan designer known for his avant-garde structures. Located less than 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia, the sprawling estate comprises three expansive lots and features interiors by Silis Huniford Associates, Inc. Each of the parcels of land has been subdivided and priced individually, giving buyers a unique opportunity to either purchase the three listings as a single asset or as separate properties.

“Arbor Hill presents a significant opportunity to purchase an expansive estate in one of the most prestigious areas in the region,” said Kathleen Coumou, Senior Vice President of Christie’s International Real Estate. “The possibilities here are seemingly endless as either one purchaser, or several, can take advantage of the sizable acreage, distinct design, and modern amenities.”

The primary home site—listed at US$13.95 million—measures roughly 29 acres with the eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom main home as its centerpiece. At approximately 40,000 square feet under-roof, the distinct, fortress-like residence is modern in design and divided into three wings built around a Belgium stone courtyard. Floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms maximize views of the grounds, while fine accents such as limestone and oak floors, glazed Venetian plaster, and various stone finishes complement spacious living areas.

A grand two-story entrance hall leads to an oversized living room with a 30-foot-high ceiling and five sets of French doors. Two dining rooms provide for both intimate gatherings and large-scale entertaining. The state-of-the-art custom kitchen has been outfitted with two islands, three pantries, and a family-style dining area, while a step-down library and study have been enhanced with a tray ceiling and a marble fireplace.

In the master suite, one of two separate bathrooms features a tub carved from a solid block of marble, while a private staircase leads to a tower retreat with 360-degree views of the grounds. An atrium with a bridge connects to the two-bedroom guest wing. Both bedrooms include a balcony and an en suite bathroom fitted with imported tile. Adding to the home’s numerous exceptional qualities are a safe room, finished basement with 4,000-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar, and a climate-controlled ventilation system for the maintenance of art collections.

The secondary parcels are equally ample in size. Measuring 18 acres, the second of the three properties is priced at US$9.95 million and includes an approximately 20,000-square-foot playhouse attached to a luxury three-bedroom apartment with his and her locker rooms, a sports court, modern indoor clay tennis court, and two historic farm homes. The third site, priced at US$4 million, is vacant and measures approximately 22.13 acres.

“The availability of such vast amounts of acreage so close to a major urban center is unprecedented,” said Janet Rubino, the listing agent with Christie’s International Real Estate’s Affiliate, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. “It affords one buyer, or several, the rare combination of a retreat type of estate within close proximity of a major metropolis.”

Exceptionally landscaped, the main property boasts a pavilion, swimming pool, and pool house. On the second home site, a barn has been converted into a massive, state-of-the-art indoor tennis court. Here, two restored farmhouses overlook a pond, while an outdoor tennis court provides an additional venue for recreational activities and exercise. Other amenities include a six-car indoor parking garage, eight-car outdoor parking garage, and two guest cottages.