Carriage House, Cottage

Welcome to this charming residence on Avon Road in Haverford, originally the gatehouse to the grand "Avonwood" estate. This historic property retains original entrance pillars and stone walls and is set amidst beautiful, serene surroundings on a quiet road with little through traffic. The painted stone home features a slate roof, flagstone walkways, and Belgian block details. Enter through the lattice arch and follow a trellis-covered flagstone walkway along a peaceful courtyard to the main entrance. The foyer, which boasts terra-cotta tiled flooring, offers a warm welcome and includes a staircase leading to the lower level. The bright, spacious living room has large windows with two exposures plus two sets of French doors that open to the courtyard. It also includes built-in display cabinetry, a large wood-burning fireplace, and captivating views of the grounds. An elegant dining room is accessible through two sets of tall doors from the living room and a swinging door from the kitchen. This large room features moldings, hardwood flooring, and built-in lighted display and storage cabinetry. The walls were hand-painted by PAFA artist Iwan Nazarewicz. Windows on two sides, including a wall of sliding glass doors, open to the rear flagstone terrace. A nearby den, with its cozy gas log fireplace, built-in bookcase and moldings, connects to both the living room and eat-in kitchen, and makes an ideal retreat for reading and relaxation. The kitchen, blending functionality with charm, features a cushioned window seat for casual dining, tall wood cabinetry, a triple stainless sink, bar sink, and appliances including a KitchenAid 4-burner gas cooktop with grill and double wall ovens. The primary bedroom, located on the first floor, has exquisite Zuber wallpaper and a hidden king-sized Murphy bed behind wall panels. French doors open to the courtyard and bring in natural light. The primary bath includes a vanity with double sinks and a shower with multiple side sprays. An adjacent small bedroom, which can also be used as a dressing room, has windows on two sides and three closets. A nearby powder room adds convenience and style. The lower level is daylit with walk-out access to the front walled garden’s roses and camellias. There is a bedroom suite with windows on two sides, a closet, and a full bathroom with a tub/shower, which is perfect for guests or as a separate living space. This level also includes a sitting room, a large storage closet, and a room that could serve as another bedroom or fitness area. It has bookcases and double doors to the front garden. A small utility/office area ends at a laundry room. The expansive rear grounds include a large flagstone terrace with stone knee walls, an ivy-covered wall, multiple flower gardens, and a wide stone staircase ascending to a meadow. From there a path leads through the woods to a back gate on Avonwood Road. A separate structure, inspired by the architecture of European orangeries, houses a stunning 50-foot indoor lap pool with a glass roof. Mature trees provide privacy, while a detached two-car garage has convenient French doors opening toward the home and courtyard. This property combines historic charm and modern expansions, set in a peaceful, private woodland. The fully fenced grounds include multiple gardens and sitting areas. The flexible floor plan of the home adapts to many lifestyles. This historic oasis on the Main Line is a private sanctuary for luxurious living, all within convenient walking distance to the Haverford and Bryn Mawr train stations.