PENNY LEHRER

Description

2102 Spruce Street, a marvel of historic preservation combined with modern comfort and convenience, is available for sale for only the fourth time in 157 years. Known as the Cadwalader Mansion, the home is a five-story wonder, on a lot measuring 22 feet in width and 150 feet in depth, originally built as a wedding gift for John Cadwalader and Mary Fisher, both from prominent families in Philadelphia. It is one of the best preserved historic properties in Rittenhouse Square and served as the French Consulate during the 1950’s and 60’s. The mansion showcases French Second Empire architecture, distinguished by its multicolor mansard roof on the fourth level, reflecting Parisian influences. Unlike the prevalent brick colonial and brownstone townhomes in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, the mansions front façade is made of limestone, allowing for larger windows and enhancing the building’s height. The primary entrance opens to an enclosed marble entryway with steps leading to the main level, a luxury at the time as it offered shelter from the elements before entering the house. The original brass fret-work doors, lock, and key have been preserved. Inside, the first floor, elevated five feet above street level, features 14-foot ceilings adorned with moldings reconstructed from the original plaster molds and inlaid oak floors. Throughout, high ceilings and extremely impressively-scaled rooms are complemented by extraordinary detail. The main level includes a large living room with a marble fireplace and a Tiffany crystal chandelier, a central gallery, and a dining room overlooking a parklike landscaped garden that connects to the carriage house, now a two-car garage. The dining room features one of three custom gold wash mirrors with a large “C” for Cadwalader. There is also a fully equipped catering kitchen and bar. A silver safe is hidden behind a matching door. The grand staircase leads to the second level, which has three stunning rooms, each with a marble fireplace. The primary bedroom at the front has a large bay window and an ensuite bathroom with steam sauna. The second bedroom room, currently used as a dressing room, also has an ensuite bath. The third room, with southern exposure, is an exquisite library with magnificent built-in bookcases and featuring the third of the Tiffany chandeliers. The third level has three large bedrooms with marble fireplaces, each with its own bathroom, and a subsidiary laundry. Extensive closets throughout are certainly a unique feature for a home of this era. The fourth floor has been transformed into a modern living space with a gourmet kitchen featuring two pantries, dual sinks, two ovens, dishwashers and a subzero refrigerator. This family space features a large dining area, media room/den, a full bathroom, alongside a sundeck offering 360-degree views and grilling area. The inlaid floors continue throughout, complemented by expansive windows and skylights that create a warm and sunny atmosphere. An elevator serves all five levels. There is a 650-bottle climate-controlled wine cellar on the lower level that also houses the main laundry room, extensive storage, the mechanical equipment, and a large room that opens directly to the outside. Once, used as a commercial kitchen, this room now serves as an exercise room, storage for sports equipment and craft room. With an eye to the legacy of the design, only the very top-quality methods and materials have been selected. All systems, including HVAC, and security, have been expertly maintained and upgraded.

Features