The 7.3-acre, 12,000 sf estate at 1717 Woodland Road in Abington has been on the market for nearly two years. The current asking price is $3,999,900.
The nine-bedroom, eight-bathroom home features six fireplaces and several stained-glass windows depicting scenes from fairy tales, a billiards room, and an Italian terra-cotta tiled roof.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the home was built in 1903 and was once occupied by inventor Walter Herring and was frequented by aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart during her time at the Ogontz School for Young Ladies—now Penn State University Abington—along with famed composer John Philip Sousa. Earhart would visit the reflecting pool and Sousa was an acquaintance of Herring’s.
For two decades the home has been owned by Ginger and Michael Ott, who head Ott Scientific, one of the largest family-owned businesses in the region.
Originally listed for sale in 2023 for $4.5 million, the current owners “just kind of looked at it as we’re maintaining this gorgeous historic estate,” The Inquirer said.
From the property’s description on Zillow.com:
Welcome to an architectural masterpiece, a breathtaking 9-bedroom, 8-bathroom Normandy Tudor-style estate meticulously crafted by inventor Walter Herring. This remarkable property is situated on 7.3 acres of lush land. The main property sits on 5.3 acres with two subdivided lots, each spanning an acre, accessible through two gated entrances on Woodland Road and Herring Road for both exclusivity and convenience. Upon entering through the stone vestibule, you are immediately welcomed by the porte-cochere that sets the tone for the entire residence. Throughout the home, the breathtaking oak woodwork transcends mere carpentry; it’s a true work of art, complemented by the first of six majestic fireplaces that is the centerpiece of the living room. Off the corner of the living room sits a cozy den with a stone fireplace and views of the patio and pool. Descending a graceful oak staircase from the living room, you’ll discover a lavishly appointed billiard room, complete with a pool table, an oak bar, and handcrafted and painted renderings adorning the upper walls. To the left of the living room a parquet-floored dining room, accented by yet another fireplace, sets the scene for elegant gatherings. Continuing on, a sunlit breakfast room affords breathtaking views of the colonnade garden, accessible through French doors. Turning left from the foyer, a half bath, coat closets, and a serving area guide you to the renovated kitchen, a culinary haven equipped with a Wolf Range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, wood-burning fireplace, and a marble island featuring an additional sink. Beyond the kitchen lies the entrance to the partially finished basement, which includes a wine cellar and a half bathroom. Adjacent to the basement access, an office awaits, accessible via a discrete back staircase. A convenient mudroom and an expansive laundry area, complete with another half bath, provide added functionality. The sliding door from the hall to the left of the mudroom area leads to a quaint yard, ideal for letting pets roam, and has access to the 2-car garage. Ascending the main oak staircase, you’ll encounter a music room boasting the most magnificent fireplace, accompanied by intricate woodwork, fantastic acoustics and stained glass windows portraying timeless fairy tales. As you continue your ascent, you’ll be mesmerized by the grandeur of “The Falcon,” a spectacular stained glass window. The primary suite is a haven of luxury, featuring a fireplace, a spacious bathroom with a full shower, large double vanity, a private enclosed water closet, a soaking tub, and a walk-in closet with a central island. Three additional bedrooms, each with access to a full bathroom, line the hallway, as well as a fourth bedroom, currently utilized as an office. The private outdoor deck off the second floor hallway offers a serene view of the colonnade and courtyard. Above the garage, a private in-law suite awaits, offering two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, a well-appointed kitchen, and private access, providing versatile living options for your family and guests. The grounds surrounding this magnificent estate are nothing short of spectacular, featuring a picturesque colonnade garden connected to a courtyard overlooking lush trees and open spaces. Numerous unique specimens of trees line the property including a large cut leaf birch, japanese maple, an enormous atlas cedar, and a himalayan pine just to name a few. An awning-covered patio grants access to the travertine-paved pool that is surrounded by intricate stone work and a tranquil whispering bench. The area is anchored by the Trumbauer-designed pool house, a tribute to the architectural genius behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This estate represents a rare opportunity to own a truly extraordinary piece of architectural history, blending timeless elegance with modern amenities on an expansive and meticulously manicured parcel of land.
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Photos: Zillow.com