42 W Bells Mill Rd

Philadelphia, PA 19118

$2,600,000
Last Sold Price
7
Beds
5,535 Sq. Ft.
$470 / Sq. Ft.
5,535
Sq. Ft.
$470
per Sq. Ft.
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Closed 11/25/25Virtual Tour
Closed 11/25/25Virtual Tour
a view of a house with a yard and sitting area
a front view of a house with a yard
a front view of a house with a yard and shrubs
a front view of a house with a yard
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a living room with furniture and a window
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a view of a dining room with furniture window and wooden floor
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a kitchen with stainless steel appliances granite countertop a sink stove and microwave
a kitchen with stainless steel appliances granite countertop a sink stove and refrigerator
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a spacious bedroom with a bed and wooden floor
a spacious bathroom with sink and mirror
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Description

The Firs, a Normandy-style residence by George Howe, stands behind stone gates and cobblestone drive, surrounded by curated gardens and centuries-old trees—a rare architectural jewel in Chestnut Hill. Brick terraces, stone patios, and garden paths connect a succession of outdoor ‘rooms,’ each offering its own vantage point for gatherings or quiet retreat. Here, privacy meets convenience: trail access to Fairmount Park is just beyond the garden gate, while Chestnut Hill’s village shops, cafés, and...The Firs, a Normandy-style residence by George Howe, stands behind stone gates and cobblestone drive, surrounded by curated gardens and centuries-old trees—a rare architectural jewel in Chestnut Hill. Brick terraces, stone patios, and garden paths connect a succession of outdoor ‘rooms,’ each offering its own vantage point for gatherings or quiet retreat. Here, privacy meets convenience: trail access to Fairmount Park is just beyond the garden gate, while Chestnut Hill’s village shops, cafés, and train to Center City are minutes away. Inside, original architectural details speak to the home’s pedigree—Yellin wrought-iron work graces the staircase, light fixtures, and hardware, while hand-carved stone and wood fireplace mantels, crown molding, random-width hardwood floors, and crystal door handles provide enduring character throughout. The living room centers around a carved rose granite and wood fireplace, with floor-to-ceiling windows that invite natural light and open through French doors to a sweeping brick terrace overlooking the grounds—ideal for entertaining. The formal dining room, accented by a gas fireplace and coffered walls, offers French doors to a charming patio balcony. The kitchen features original butler’s pantry cabinetry, a center island, gas range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and a sunny breakfast area with bay window overlooking a private courtyard and kitchen garden. A marble powder room, private study, and second rear staircase complete the main level. Upstairs, the primary suite is a serene retreat with views of the rear gardens, a wall of closets, and a luxurious marble bath featuring dual vanities, a walk-in shower, and a soaking tub with picturesque garden view. A library with built-in shelving, two additional bedrooms, a marble hall bath, and a laundry room complete the second floor. The home’s baths have been thoughtfully renovated, blending timeless materials with modern comforts to complement the home’s historic character. The third level offers three more bedrooms and a generous cedar closet. The walkout lower level offers a sauna, gym, and ample storage space. The property’s patios, gardens, and meandering paths set it apart—designed to be enjoyed from nearly every window. A long gravel walk leads past curated gardens and specimen trees, while a hidden side path connects directly to Fairmount Park’s extensive trail network. Offering both privacy and proximity, this distinguished residence is convenient to Chestnut Hill, Manayunk, major roadways, and the train. A rare offering in one of Philadelphia’s most special locations.
  1. Listed by Jennifer A Rinella • BHHS Fox & Roach-Chestnut Hill
    P: (215)-287-7650 jennifer.rinella@foxroach.com
  2. Listed by Michael Sivel • BHHS Fox & Roach-Chestnut Hill
    P: (215)-247-3750 michael.sivel@foxroach.com

Property Details for 42 West Bells Mill Road

Tax ID Number
092237300
Ownership
Fee Simple
Condo Coop Association
No
HOA
No
Structure Type
Detached
Style
Normandy
Levels/Stories
3
Waterfront
No
LISTING UPDATED: 12/23/2025 01:13 AM

Property Details for 42 West Bells Mill Road

StatusClosed
MLS #PAPH2516682
Days on Market43
Taxes$35,249 / year
HOA Fees-
Condo/Co-op Fees-
Compass TypeSingle Family
MLS TypeResidential / Fee Simple
Year Built1919
Lot Size2.50 AC / 108,900 SF
CountyPhiladelphia County
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Location

Listing Courtesy of BHHS Fox & Roach-Chestnut Hill

Sold By RE/MAX Keystone

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Building Information for 42 West Bells Mill Road

Stories3Year Built1919Building Size-Lot Size2.50 AC / 108,900 SF

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$16,030 per month

30 year fixed, 6.46% Interest

Principal and Interest

$13,092

Property Taxes

$2,937

HOA Dues

$0

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Property Information for 42 West Bells Mill Road

Location
Location
  • Transportation: Commuter Rail Station 1 to 5 miles
  • School District Name: PHILADELPHIA CITY
  • School District County ID: 803408593408
  • SchoolDistrictSource: Listing Agent
  • County: PHILADELPHIA
  • MLS Area: 19118 (19118)
Waterfront / Water Access
Waterfront / Water Access
  • Water View: No
  • Water Access: No
  • Water Oriented: No
  • Navigable Water: No
  • Tidal Water: No
  • Riparian Rights Y/N: No
Association / Community Info
Association / Community Info
  • Senior Community: No
Taxes and Assessment
Taxes and Assessment
  • Tax Year: 2024
  • Tax Assessed Value: $2,518,200
  • Year Assessed: 2025
  • County Tax: $0
  • Improvement Assessed Value: $2,014,560
  • City Town Tax: $15,509
  • Land Assessed Value: $503,640
  • Clean Green Assessed: No
  • Land Use Code: C48
  • Zoning: RSD1
  • Tax Lot: 63
  • School Tax: $19,740
  • Automatically Update Tax Values Y/N: Yes
Rooms
Main
  • # Bedrooms Count Main Level: 0
  • # Bathrooms Count Main Level: 1
  • # Bathrooms Full Main Level: 0
  • # Bathrooms Half Main Level: 1
All Upper Levels
  • # Bedrooms Count All Upper Levels: 7
  • # Bathrooms Count All Upper Levels: 4
  • # Bathrooms Full All Upper Levels: 4
Upper Level 1
  • # Bedrooms Count Upper Level: 4
  • # Bathrooms Count Upper Level: 3
  • # Bathrooms Full Upper Level: 3
Upper Level 2
  • # Bedrooms Count Upper Level: 3
  • # Bathrooms Count Upper Level: 1
  • # Bathrooms Full Upper Level: 1
Rooms
  • Stories: Main, Upper 1, Upper 2
Building Info
Building Info
  • Total Finished SQFT: 5,535.00
  • Total Finished SQFT Source: Estimated
  • Tax Total Finished SQFT: 5,175.00
  • Total SQFT: 5,535.00
  • Total SQFT Source: Estimated
  • Construction Materials: Stone
  • Roof: Slate
  • Ext Main Mid-res: http://bright-media01.prd.brightmls.com/bright/images/0000/8041/9599/2972/804195992972_512_384_WM_Vs-fhPemK3LVbucI.jpg
  • Wall and Ceiling Types: 9'+ Ceilings
  • Flooring Type: Hardwood, Stone, Tile/Brick
  • Basement Type: Full
  • Foundation Details: Stone
  • Room and Floor: Bathrooms Half-Main Level-1, Bedrooms-Upper Level 1-1, Bedrooms-Upper Level 1-2, Bedrooms-Upper Level 1-3, Bedrooms-Upper Level 1-4, Bathrooms Full-Upper Level 1-1, Bathrooms Full-Upper Level 1-2, Bathrooms Full-Upper Level 1-3, Bedrooms-Upper Level 2-1, Bedrooms-Upper Level 2-2, Bedrooms-Upper Level 2-3, Bathrooms Full-Upper Level 2-1
  • # Bathrooms Full: 4
  • # Bathrooms Half: 1
Lot / Land Information
Lot / Land Information
  • Lot Size Source: Assessor
  • Lot Size Dimensions: 468.00 x 362.00
  • Lot Dimensions Source: Assessor
  • Parcel ID: 930783
Parking
Parking
  • Type Of Parking: Detached Garage, Driveway
  • Num of Detached Garage Spaces: 3
  • Total Garage Spaces: 3
  • Garage Features: Garage - Front Entry
Interior Features
Interior Features
  • Interior Features: Additional Stairway, Bathroom - Soaking Tub, Bathroom - Walk-In Shower, Built-Ins, Cedar Closet(s), Crown Moldings, Kitchen - Island, Primary Bath(s), Sauna, Window Treatments
  • Fireplace: Yes
  • Fireplaces Count: 2
  • Fireplace Features: Gas/Propane, Stone
  • Appliances: Dishwasher, Dryer, Oven - Double, Oven/Range - Gas, Stainless Steel Appliances, Washer
  • Accessibility Features: None
  • Door Features: French
  • Window Features: Bay/Bow, Double Hung
  • Laundry Type: Upper Floor
  • Virtual Tour URL Unbranded: https://vimeo.com/1101649938
Exterior Features
Exterior Features
  • Exterior Features: Stone Retaining Walls
  • Outdoor Living Structures: Balcony, Patio(s), Terrace
  • Pool: No Pool
  • Other Structures: Above Grade, Below Grade
Utilities
Utilities
  • Heating: Yes
  • Cooling Type: Central A/C
  • Cooling Fuel: Natural Gas
  • Heating Type: 90% Forced Air
  • Heating Fuel: Natural Gas
  • Hot Water: Natural Gas
  • Water Source: Public
  • Sewer Septic: Public Sewer
Confidential Data
Listing Office
  • List Agent AOR: Tri-County Suburban REALTORS

Property History for 42 West Bells Mill Road

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
Nov 25, 2025

Closed

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

$2,600,000—
Nov 20, 2025

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1923263442

$2,600,000

+3.0% / yr

Nov 9, 2025

Pending

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

—
Nov 9, 2025

Active Under Contract

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

—
Oct 29, 2025

Price Change

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

$2,695,000—
Sep 30, 2025

Listed (Active)

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

$2,739,000—
Mar 28, 2025

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1554815670

$2,550,000

+8.1% / yr

Mar 28, 2025

Closed

BRIGHT #PAPH2400306

$2,550,000—
Jan 2, 2025

Pending

BRIGHT #PAPH2400306

—
Jan 2, 2025

Active Under Contract

BRIGHT #PAPH2400306

—
Oct 10, 2024

Listed (Active)

BRIGHT #PAPH2400306

$2,495,000—
Oct 31, 2014

Closed

BRIGHT #1002925182

$1,130,000—
Oct 22, 2014

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #474602787

$1,130,000—
Aug 29, 2014

Pending

BRIGHT #1002925182

—
May 9, 2014

Listed (Active)

BRIGHT #1002925182

$1,200,000—
May 30, 2013

Expired

BRIGHT #1007182096

$1,200,000—
May 31, 2012

Listed (Active)

BRIGHT #1007182096

$1,200,000—
DateEvent & SourcePrice
11/25/2025

Closed

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

$2,600,000
11/20/2025

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1923263442

$2,600,000

+3.0% / yr

11/09/2025

Pending

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

—
11/09/2025

Active Under Contract

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

—
10/29/2025

Price Change

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

$2,695,000
09/30/2025

Listed (Active)

BRIGHT #PAPH2516682

$2,739,000
03/28/2025

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #1554815670

$2,550,000

+8.1% / yr

03/28/2025

Closed

BRIGHT #PAPH2400306

$2,550,000
01/02/2025

Pending

BRIGHT #PAPH2400306

—
01/02/2025

Active Under Contract

BRIGHT #PAPH2400306

—
10/10/2024

Listed (Active)

BRIGHT #PAPH2400306

$2,495,000
10/31/2014

Closed

BRIGHT #1002925182

$1,130,000
10/22/2014

Closed (Public Record)

Public Record #474602787

$1,130,000
08/29/2014

Pending

BRIGHT #1002925182

—
05/09/2014

Listed (Active)

BRIGHT #1002925182

$1,200,000
05/30/2013

Expired

BRIGHT #1007182096

$1,200,000
05/31/2012

Listed (Active)

BRIGHT #1007182096

$1,200,000

For completeness, Compass often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.

Public Records for 42 West Bells Mill Road

Taxable ValueLand$503,640Additions$2,014,560Total$2,518,200
Tax Record2025$35,250 ($2,937 / month)
Home Facts
Beds7Total Finished SqFt5,290 SqFtAbove Grade Finished SqFt5,290 SqFtStories3Lot Size108,900 SqFtStyleSingle Family ResidenceYear Built1919ZoningRSD1CountyPHILADELPHIAAPN09-2-2373-00Fireplace TypeHas Fireplace

Schools near 42 West Bells Mill Road

This home is within The School District of Philadelphia.
Rating
School
Type
Grades
Distance
Jenks John S School
Public - K to 8
Roxborough High School
Public - 9 to 12
Widener Memorial School
Public - K to 12
Middle Years Alternative School
Public - 5 to 8
Rating
School
Distance
Jenks John S School
PublicK to 8

Roxborough High School
Public9 to 12

Widener Memorial School
PublicK to 12

Middle Years Alternative School
Public5 to 8

School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.

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Listing Courtesy of BHHS Fox & Roach-Chestnut Hill

Based on information from one of the following Multiple Listing Services: BRIGHT, Greater LeHigh Valley Regional MLS, Greator Scranton Board of REALTORS® and Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS®. Information being provided is for the visitor’s personal, noncommercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. The data contained herein is copyrighted by BRIGHT, Greater LeHigh Valley Regional MLS, Greator Scranton Board of REALTORS® and Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS® is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited. Property information referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) program of the MLS. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. For the avoidance of doubt, the accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals.