42 West Bells Mill Road

Closed 11/25/25Virtual Tour

Sold

Last Sold Price

$2,600,000

7 beds5 baths5,535 sqft$470/sqft

42 W Bells Mill Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Single FamilyProperty Type

2.5 acresLot Size

1919Year Built

$470/sq ftPrice per sq ft

3 carsParking Spaces

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.

Listing closed: 11/25/2025 12:00 AM • Source: BRIGHT, MLS#: PAPH2516682

Recent comparable sales

Median sold price

$2,000,000

Avg days on market

Sale-to-list ratio

99.6%

1/69

$1,875,000

Sold 03/11/26

7
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4,800
Square Feet: 0.46
Acres

8401 St Martins Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118

$1,900,000

Sold 03/11/26

7
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4,812
Square Feet: 0.46
Acres

427 West Gravers Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118

a front view of a house with a yard and potted plants

1/39

$2,200,000

Sold 07/28/25

7
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6,831
Square Feet: 0.63
Acres

8031 Seminole Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/84

$1,900,000

Sold 04/15/26

8
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4,752
Square Feet: 0.43
Acres

30 Summit Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/25

$2,275,000

Sold 11/19/24

6
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5,580
Square Feet: 1.6
Acres

8801 Crefeld Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/43

$1,800,000

Sold 09/06/24

6
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5,413
Square Feet: 0.46
Acres

3 Norman Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118

$2,825,000

Sold 12/30/25

7
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 7,645
Square Feet: 0.82
Acres

8215 St Martins Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118

$2,700,000

Sold 03/26/26

6
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5,107
Square Feet: 1.33
Acres

608 West Hartwell Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/37

$2,000,000

Sold 05/12/25

7
Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 5,706
Square Feet: 3.22
Acres

11 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Get preapproved with Rocket Mortgage¹

Location

Listing Courtesy of BHHS Fox & Roach-Chestnut Hill

Sold By RE/MAX Keystone

Add your commute

Virtual Tour

Payment Calculator

Get preapproved with
OriginPoint Mortgage or Rocket Mortgage¹

$16,153 per month

30 year fixed, 6.55% Interest

Principal and Interest

$13,215

Property Taxes

$2,937

HOA Dues

The Payment Calculator is for illustrative purposes only.

Know your buying power with a preapproval and custom rate in minutes

Property Information for 42 West Bells Mill Road

Property Details

Taxes: $35,249 / year
MLS Type: Residential / Fee Simple
County: Philadelphia County
Tax ID Number: 092237300
Ownership: Fee Simple
Condo Coop Association: No
HOA: No
Structure Type: Detached
Style: Normandy
Levels/Stories: 3
Waterfront: No
Views: Trees/Woods
Garage: Yes
Subdivision: CHESTNUT HILL
Subdivision: CHESTNUT HILL (PHILADELPHIA PA)
Municipality: PHILADELPHIA
Total Parking Spaces: 3
Central Air: Yes
Basement: Yes
Above Grade Finished SQFT: 5,535.00
Above Grade Fin SQFT Source: Estimated
Below Grade Finished SQFT: .00
Below Grade Fin SQFT Source: Assessor
Below Grade Unfinished SQFT: .00
Below Grade Unfin SQFT Source: Assessor
Total Below Grade SQFT: .00
Total Below Grade SQFT Source: Assessor
New Construction: No

Building Information

Stories: 3
Year Built: 1919
Lot Size: 2.50 AC / 108,900 SF

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

Water View: No
Water Access: No

Water Oriented: No
Navigable Water: No
Tidal Water: No
Riparian Rights Y/N: No

Association / Community Info

Senior Community: No

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

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 Size Source: Assessor
Lot Size Dimensions: 468.00 x 362.00

Lot Dimensions Source: Assessor
Parcel ID: 930783

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: 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: Stone Retaining Walls
Outdoor Living Structures: Balcony, Patio(s), Terrace

Pool: No Pool
Other Structures: Above Grade, Below Grade

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

Date	Event & Source	Price	Appreciation
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	—

Date	Event & Source	Price
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, we often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.

Public Records for 42 West Bells Mill Road

Taxable ValueLand$514,300Additions$2,057,600Total$2,571,900

Tax Record2026$35,250 ($2,938 / month)

Home Facts

Beds7Baths4Total Finished SqFt5,290 SqFtAbove Grade Finished SqFt5,290 SqFtStories3Lot Size108,900 SqFtStyleSingle Family ResidenceYear Built1919Year Renovated1919ZoningRSD1CountyPHILADELPHIAAPN09-2237300

Schools near 42 West Bells Mill Road

This home is within The School District of Philadelphia.


Rating	School	Type	Grades	Distance
7/10	Jenks John S School	Public - Serves this home	K to 8	1.1 mi
1/10	Roxborough High School	Public - Serves this home	9 to 12	2.9 mi
5/10	Lankenau High School	Public - Choice school	9 to 12	1.9 mi
4/10	Saul W B Agricultural School	Public - Choice school	9 to 12	2.1 mi
7/10	Hill-Freedman World Academy	Public - Choice school	6 to 12	2.6 mi
7/10	AMY Northwest	Public - Choice school	6 to 8	3.4 mi
NR	Norwood-Fontbonne Academy	Private - Nearby school	PK to 8	0.4 mi
NR	The Crefeld School	Private - Nearby school	7 to 12	0.5 mi
NR	Our Mother of Consolation	Private - Nearby school	PK to 8	0.7 mi


Rating	School	Distance
7/10	Jenks John S School PublicK to 8 Serves this home	1.1 mi
1/10	Roxborough High School Public9 to 12 Serves this home	2.9 mi
5/10	Lankenau High School Public9 to 12 Choice school	1.9 mi
4/10	Saul W B Agricultural School Public9 to 12 Choice school	2.1 mi
7/10	Hill-Freedman World Academy Public6 to 12 Choice school	2.6 mi
7/10	AMY Northwest Public6 to 8 Choice school	3.4 mi
NR	Norwood-Fontbonne Academy PrivatePK to 8 Nearby school	0.4 mi
NR	The Crefeld School Private7 to 12 Nearby school	0.5 mi
NR	Our Mother of Consolation PrivatePK to 8 Nearby school	0.7 mi

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.

Chestnut Hill

Affluent families and commuting professionals. An upscale, historic neighborhood in northwest Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill is a residential gem set amidst the natural beauty of the Wissahickon Valley, replete with cobblestone streets, Victorian houses and cozy shops.

Chestnut Hill Guide

All Neighborhoods

Neighborhood Map and Transit

Similar Homes

New listings in 19118

1/32

$850,000

3
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2,180
Square Feet: 0.06
Acres

124 West Gravers Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/24

Virtual TourNew Construction

$1,895,000

4
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3,006
Square Feet

1 West Hartwell Lane, Unit PH1, Philadelphia, PA 19118

$795,000 | 8125 Shawnee Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/46

Active Under Contract

$795,000

3
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2,340
Square Feet: 0.07
Acres

8125 Shawnee Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/2

Listed By Compass

$2,350,000

5
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 7,536
Square Feet: 0.70
Acres

8864 Towanda Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/25

Active Under Contract

$275,000

2
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1,156
Square Feet: Unavailable
Acres

7601 Crittenden Street, Unit F11, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/56

New Construction

$3,750,000

4
Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 7,762
Square Feet: 0.93
Acres

9402 Meadowbrook Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118

$699,000 | 8720 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/27

Listed By CompassActive Under Contract

$699,000

4
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2,146
Square Feet: 0.30
Acres

8720 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/32

New Construction

$1,295,000

2
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: Unavailable
Square Feet: Unavailable
Acres

8610 Evergreen Place, Unit 100, Philadelphia, PA 19118

1/27

$655,000

5
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1,908
Square Feet: 0.05
Acres

8411 Shawnee Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Nearby home values

Address	Sold price	Beds	Baths	Sqft	Lot (Sqft)
This home: 42 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$2,600,000	7	5	5,535	108,900
32-42 West Bells Mill Road, Chestnut Hill, PA 19118	$725,000	7	5	–	87,120
30 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$1,875,000	5	5	6,318	102,687
29 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	–	–	–	–	49,144
99 West Hampton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	–	3	1	1,160	21,890
31 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$1,500,000	6	6	6,702	223,730
15 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$2,500,000	6	7	7,335	149,417
95 West Hampton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$2,650,000	4	5	4,250	20,473
26 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$1,200,000	5	5	5,916	156,178
9120 Crefeld Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$1,750,000	4	5	6,492	34,256
22 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$2,250,000	4	6	3,990	20,475
11 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$2,000,000	7	7	5,706	140,263
20 West Bells Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$550,000	4	3	3,254	20,584
80 West Hampton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$820,000	4	3	2,116	12,927
60 West Hampton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19118	$710,000	3	3	2,400	16,000
9110 Crefeld Street, Philadelphia, PA 19118	–	–	–	1,930	11,052

Explore Nearby Homes

No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of any information, descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified through appropriate means, including, but not limited to, in person inspection and public records, and Compass International Holdings, its subsidiaries, affiliates and independently owned and operated franchisees, and their affiliated agents and associated third parties expressly disclaim any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Offers of compensation are subject to change at the seller's discretion. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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.

Philadelphia, PA

Know your buying power with a preapproval and custom rate in minutes

Explore Nearby Homes

Homes in Nearby Chestnut Hill Neighborhoods

Homes in Nearby Chestnut Hill Cities

Homes in Nearby Chestnut Hill Zip Codes