Historic Mansion in Philly

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Philadelphia’s genteel elite sought summer escapes away from the city. They built mansions near their town-centered clubs, institutions, and business interests as well as estates farther afield in suburban counties. They often chose green and shady settings, away from the heat and disease of the city center.

This mansion in philly was built in the late 1760s by Mary Lawrence Masters, widow of a wealthy Philadelphia merchant. It was probably the largest house in the city, a mansion by any standard. It also was a great example of the style of suburban houses that were popular at this time.

Trumbauer designed many mansions, but he was especially adept at designing them in suburban settings. Some of these suburban mansions are now historic districts, but others have been demolished to make way for more modern homes. During the mid-twentieth century, a new generation of urban and suburban elites sought to recapture some of the magic of earlier days by creating mansions in suburbia.

Philly’s Architectural Gems: A Journey Inside the Most Iconic Mansions

Another reason that so many new builds look the same is that they are usually in tight urban lots that can only accommodate a narrow strip of land for the home. Most real estate developers, like V2 Properties in Philadelphia, utilize the power of economies of scale when they build properties that all have a similar look to attract homebuyers.

As the population of Philadelphia grows, more people are seeking out historic neighborhoods that offer a combination of charm and convenience. These are the neighborhoods that attract foodies, history buffs and travelers who want to experience a city that is changing for the better.