609 W HORTTER STREET

Tucked back from the street on beautifully manicured grounds, "High Oaks" is a quintessential Philadelphia-area stone estate, offering so much privacy that it's hard to believe you're still in the city. Built of Wissahickon schist, the stone so closely associated with Philadelphia-area architecture, the home is surrounded by mature trees and carefully curated plantings that create a lush, park-like setting.

Step inside and the scale of the home becomes immediately apparent. A wide center hall and impressive staircase set the tone, with high ceilings, oversized windows and beautiful architectural details throughout. To the right, dual fireplaces and impressive built-in shelves anchor the gracious formal living space with a pair of doors leading to the covered side porch. Across the hall, the exceptionally large dining room has its own beautiful built-ins and oversized windows that fill the room with natural light.

The updated kitchen is designed for how people live today, with a large island for gathering and casual meals, a large cook's refrigerator and plenty of storage. A pantry, mudroom and powder room round out the first floor, while both front and back staircases provide access to the floors above.

The second floor is almost a home unto itself. The four-room primary suite includes a spacious bedroom with fireplace, a separate dressing room with another fireplace, a sleeping porch overlooking the manicured grounds and a large primary bath with both a shower and jetted tub. Also on this level are an additional bedroom, a comfortable family den with fireplace (which could be used as a bedroom), two stylishly updated bathrooms and a renovated laundry room, conveniently located in the middle of it all.

Continue up the main staircase to the third floor, where you'll find three more bedrooms, an updated full bathroom, a small office or storage room and a separate sitting area that could easily become a game room, hangout space, studio or whatever works for you. An unfinished basement provides additional storage.

There's even more flexibility above the detached garage, where a finished apartment offers separate space for guests, an au pair, a home office or other uses. The apartment has also previously been used as a short-term rental.

And then there's the location --two blocks from the Upsal station with regional rail service taking you to Center City in less than 30 minutes. The White Trail entrance to Wissahickon Valley Park is even closer, putting miles of trails practically at your doorstep. From there, cyclists can connect into the larger trail network and ride along the Schuylkill River Trail toward Center City, making it possible to trade a traditional commute for a bike ride or simply head out for exercise on a Saturday morning. Neighborhood shops and restaurants, farmers markets, parks, public and private schools, major highways are all within easy reach.

For all its size and presence, what may be most remarkable about 609 W Hortter is how tucked away it feels. It's a substantial stone home surrounded by beautiful grounds, with the Wissahickon practically around the corner, yet everything that makes West Mt. Airy such a desirable place to live is close by.