Welcome to Lionsgate at 620 N Spring Mill Rd, where classic architectural beauty & modern luxury converge in this magnificent stone manor house, restored by the present owners to its original grandeur. Built in 1929, it spans 10,664 interior sq. ft, with nearly 7,000 sq. ft. of exquisitely finished living space. Set on a beautifully landscaped and hardscaped 2.65-acre lot, featuring a large barn, gazebo, & secret garden, Lionsgate offers privacy & gracious living on the Villanova Gold Coast.
Drive thru grand stone pillars with a hand-carved lion's head & gas lanterns and custom wrought iron gate to the stately house, accentuated with brick and masterful wrought ironwork by Samuel Yellin. Yellin (1884-1940) an American master blacksmith & metal designer, is renowned for wrought iron craftsmanship.
Once inside, the grand foyer with its elegant black and white checkerboard stone floor exudes timeless sophistication. The curved staircase, with Yellin rails, & large stained-glass window highlight architecture blending art & function.
The formal yet inviting living room, stuns with a hand carved alabaster mantle surrounding a wood-burning fireplace & deep marble windowsills. A majestic dining room with wood-burning fireplace, continues this theme, providing an elegant setting for family gatherings & dinner parties.
The cherry-paneled library offers a light-filled space for quiet work, with original wet bar, a third wood-burning fireplace with Valley Forge stone mantle & French doors leading to a stone terrace & sunken, outdoor hot tub with magnificent garden views.
An addition of informal living space by architect Ann Ledger, adds contemporary flair. The sun lit breakfast room, a custom wet bar, a dedicated computer or sitting area, tiled half bath & grand, yet cozy family room with fireplace & vaulted ceiling are perfect for relaxation. The kitchen invites culinary genius with Ethan Horowitz cabinets, double oven Dacor 6 burner stove & marble counter island.
Retreat to the second floor to discover the primary bedroom suite, with gas fireplace, walk in closets, and luxurious bathroom, with its own gas fireplace, air-jet soaking tub, French doors, and custom, wrought-iron balcony. There are four additional bedrooms, three with ensuite baths.
The functional lower level has a recreation area, powder room, exercise room & extensive storage solutions, including for wine.
Lionsgate's exterior is a symphony of classic architecture and lush, thoughtfully curated landscaping, keeping with the caliber of this property. The rear exterior has a restored wraparound flagstone terrace with five gas lampposts overlooking a sunken "White Garden" surrounded by stone walls. The White Garden features a variety of white perennials for every season. The stately permanence of an old boxwood hedgerow leads to a Japanese Garden filled with azaleas, evergreens & Hakone grasses providing year-round color and texture.
Through a hornbeam archway and down a flagstone staircase, a particular highlight is the expansive lawn well suited for sports and play, with mature trees creating an idyllic park setting. Among these are numerous specimen trees including Coral Bark Maples, American Witch Hazel, Japanese maples, Styrax japonicus & Nellie Stevens hollies. Stately tall trees include majestic Red Maples, known for brilliant fall colors & broad canopies, & Yoshino Cryptomeria, Deodar Cedar, & elegant Eastern White Pines.
The charming post & beam barn, circa 2017, built with Canadian pine has two large garage bays, a potting shed & potential workshop. The Grand Gazebo serves as an outdoor living room for serene relaxation or al fresco dining. The secluded Secret Garden is a gem accessible through hedges. One can imagine a council of elves or hobbits meeting at the low table near the stone fireplace. Lionsgate is a testament to the art of living well, combining the grandeur of a bygone era with modern life. A story of luxury & enduring classical elegance.