Colonial

When the current owner first purchased 325 Millbank in 2002, the house and property, while lovely, needed some inspiration and imagination. First, the owner, an acclaimed landscape designer saw the redesign of the gardens. "Room after room" on the one (1) acre parcel were flowered, trellised, terraced, and enriched with a deep and exceptional variety of plantings with a rear yard of centennial trees providing a majestic backdrop and perfect opportunity to wind a secure walking path to Bryn Mawr college and back out into the world. The house, nestled within this sometimes formal, sometimes whimsical landscape has magic and appeal. Making sure to not squander the garden views or natural light that enliven the home, large format windows and full glass sliding doors were used at every opportunity, while richly stained hardwoods or painted tile floors add to the drama and elevated design. A double front entry leads to a step-down Living room/Dining room brightened by three exposures of light and warmed by a wood-burning fireplace. A wide cased opening connects to the Family room which also has a fireplace and beyond to an extraordinary eat-in kitchen with high ceilings, added in 2004 and inspired by the family love of cooking and gathering. All these spaces connect to bluestone patios, one with a fire-pit, with stone wall and large seated area, the other with a built-in gas grill and flat play yard. Fully custom curly maple cabinets, stone counters and an oversized seated island set the stage for highest quality appliances including an in-wall Miele coffee maker, Subzero refrigeration and Wolfe 6-burner gas cooktop and wall ovens. The performance of the kitchen design is outstanding and the feeling of welcome is tangible. One step away, find an oversized all-purpose room which functions as Butler's Pantry, Laundry room as well as extensive china storage; one step up is the coziest of den/libraries with brick surround fireplace and two full walls of shelving. The same wood crafter also saw to the kitchen desk, surrounding shelving as well as all built-ins in the mudroom/Family entrance. Ascend the front stairs to a light-filled and large master suite. The bedroom features a wood, turning fireplace and is spacious enough for additional seating and furniture. A fully outfitted large closet is accessed off the bedroom entry and offers plentiful walk-in as well as reach-in folding and hanging space. A double vanity bath with an independent tub and shower opens to a wide second level terrace with truly sweeping views of all of the rear yard spaces, gardens, and magnificent foliage. Two additional bedrooms each with bath are from the original 1938 structure while two large bedrooms with wide second level landing, purposed as an office, share a jack and jill bath with shower and tub. This home is truly more than the sum of its parts. The location is exceptional. The grounds are unmatched even when compared to those of arboretums and professional gardens and the house is at once practical, well laid out and yet warm, bright, welcoming and sophisticated