An Elegantly Restored 19th-Century Philadelphia Row House Just Listed for $8.4 Million

Equal parts historic and modern, this Philadelphia home is an example of how thoughtful design can bring new life to a storied past. Listed for $8.4 million with Lavinia Smerconish of Compass—a $1.1 million reduction from its original $9.5 million asking price in 2024—an 1863 corner row house near Rittenhouse Square has been meticulously restored, blending period architecture with a contemporary flair. Recognized on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, the home honors its 19th-century roots while embracing an aesthetic that feels undeniably current. 

The property last changed hands in 2014 for $2.5 million, before undergoing a multi-year restoration completed in 2019. The overhaul was led by the homeowner, Studio Edo founder Eduardo Ardiles, in collaboration with acclaimed New York designer Steven Gambrel. Together, they reimagined the 7,500-square-foot residence, ensuring every detail from the custom millwork to the material choices felt timeless and fresh.  

Soaring ceilings nearly 14 feet high and oversized windows on three exposures flood the home with natural light, while thoughtful architectural decisions—like the raised first floor that allows for traditional window heights—elevate both form and function.

The lower-level family spaces are just as carefully considered as the public reception rooms. With its 10-foot ceilings, Belgian black heated stone floors, and rough coat plaster walls, the space is atmospheric rather than utilitarian. A casual family room sits adjacent to a striking gourmet kitchen, where limed oak cabinetry, deep stone countertops, and a La Cornue double-oven range create a workspace that is as refined as it is practical. An open pantry, a butler’s pantry with glass-front display shelving, and two Sub-Zero refrigerators ensure there’s no shortage of storage—or style. Outdoors, a built-in Argentine-style barbecue offers another option for the home chef.  

Upstairs, the second floor is devoted to the primary suite. The king-sized bedroom features linen-covered wall panels for subtle soundproofing, a marble fireplace, and motorized blackout drapery. The adjoining dressing room, with its custom oak cabinetry and bespoke wooden hangers, evokes the quiet sophistication of a Savile Row atelier. The en suite bath, clad in fine stone and stained silver oak, includes a rain-steam shower and a separate water closet. Nearby, a lacquered library is lined with vintage maps of Philadelphia under restoration glass.  

The skylit top floor houses two additional bedroom suites and a spacious den, each finished with the same level of detail found throughout the home. Outside, the brick façade, mansard roof, and dormer windows reinforce the home’s architectural pedigree, while a gated courtyard provides a rare commodity in this part of the city: private off-street parking.