330 Mattison Avenue
It was the year that George Washington was born, eleven years before the author of the Declaration of Independence, and 44 years before the founding of our great nation; 330 Mattison Avenue was built. To say that this property is unique is an understatement. Built in 1732, this home has the distinction of being the oldest on record in the Borough of Ambler and it boasts a half acre of land (one of less than two dozen such properties in the Borough). In 1732 Wissahickon was made up primarily of farmland, as it was well before the era in which the town was industrialized, also well before the infamous train wreck and the woman whose heroic act would change the name of our town. This property originally encompassed 157 acres, which means that several of you reading this live on the original property, myself included.
When I learned that I was going to have an opportunity to see the inside of 330 Mattison Avenue, I was absolutely giddy. I have been curious about this house for YEARS. Initially it was because it is a beautifully unique, stately home on what is a rather large lot, by Ambler standards. A few years ago I decided to find out which home was the oldest in the Borough; after some quick research, I learned that it is 330 Mattison Avenue. Needless to say, my interest in the property was considerably peaked and my stalking intensified. Just joking, sort of.
Inside and out, this home is an entertainers dream. A grand foyer welcomes you into the home where you will immediately notice the beautiful detail of yesteryear. The reception room features a hearth surrounded by a lovely mantel with dentil molding, view of the staircase with original newel post, coat closet and your first glimpse of the gorgeous hardwood floors.
Through the foyer you’ll find one of the highlights of this home, the spectacular great room. It’s amazing that this room is both enormous and cozy at the same time. I envision both epic holiday parties and snuggling in front of the fire with a book, clearing the floor for dancing and cocktails, but also curling up in the windowsill watching the snow fall. Speaking of window sills, they are amazing, fairy tale window sills, the kind that you can fit more than one person on, comfortably. Not only are the windows oversized and beautiful, but they have ALL been replaced, as in, throughout the entire house.
Back to the great room… it features french doors to the side yard, foyer and study, crown molding, five inch baseboards, beautiful hardwood floors and a stunning fireplace boasting exquisite mantel and millwork. Through the great room, you’ll step down into the study which has wide plank hardwood floors, access to the covered patio and rear yard. Beyond the study is a spacious and bright dining room offering newer hardwood floors, expansive windows which provide a striking view of the meticulously landscaped property and french door to the front porch.
While the kitchen offers the modern conveniences that we have come to expect, such as Decora cabinets, stainless steel double drawer Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, slide in Jenn-Air range, granite counter with undermount sink and appealing granite island with plenty of workspace and seating for four, it has retained its period feel with beamed ceilings and brick hearth. A separate summer kitchen/pantry area provides tons of extra storage, acts as a staging area for special dinners, and touts a discreet rear stair case, as well as outside access.
Whether you ascend to the second floor by way of the main or rear staircase, you’ll find an abundance of space. The oversized master bedroom matches the great room in size and boasts the same beautiful hardwood floors.
The master bedroom shares the open landing with a second bedroom, huge linen closet and updated full bath. Down the hall you’ll find two additional bedrooms, one currently serving as a craft and laundry room. At the end of the hall is private access to the rear stairs. While this home has been extremely well maintained and carefully restored over the years, this small section is in need of some work. The owner poured much love, time and money into his home over the years, but sadly passed before completing this one small area. If desired, the new owner can complete this space and put their stamp on the home. The recently renovated third floor offers a fabulous entertainment or work area, two more bright bedrooms and an oversized, updated bath.
Last, but certainly not least, are the bucolic grounds. Every inch of this half acre has been meticulously maintained, a true labor of love. The front porch on Mattison is vast and great for watching the world go by, while the rear yard offers peace and tranquility. Just off the great room and study is a huge, covered flagstone patio complete with four ceiling fans and skylights. The patio is surrounded by perennial gardens, winding paths, an old wishing well, and a lush, rolling lawn where you’ll find one of the apple trees from the original orchard. Fencing along North Street adds privacy, there is a large shed offering plenty of storage, and the original horse ties are still in tact, for todays, modern, two horse family.
This historically significant home is a dream and is conveniently located near Ambler’s bustling restaurants, train station, and major highways. All of this within the award winning Wissahickon School District. Your chance to own this magnificent home is a once in a lifetime opportunity, don’t let it pass you by.
For a private showing, or more information, please contact me, Allison Wolf. 215-704-9888
330 Mattison Avenue, Ambler
5/6 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3,943 square feet of magic, 1/2 acre, $474,900.
