705 Church Rd Wayne, PA 19087

$5,500,000
9 beds
7 full, 2 partial
7,040 sqft
14.4 acres
$781 / sqft
House

Property details

About 705 Church Rd

705 Church Rd, Wayne, PA offers a rare chance to own a piece of one of Pennsylvania’s most historic estates. This 7,040 sq. ft. home is set within the renowned Ardrossan estate, a cornerstone of Colonel Robert Montgomery’s legacy. Originally known as Aeola, it was renamed Hopelands in 1929 under his stewardship. In 1930, famed architect Horace Trumbauer renovated the estate. Ardrossan’s heritage extends beyond its grandeur—it inspired The Philadelphia Story, based on Montgomery’s daughter, Helen Hope Montgomery Scott, later adapted into a Hollywood classic starring Katharine Hepburn. This home has been carefully stewarded by the family until now. Set on 14.4 of the most premium acres in Radnor Township, 705 Church Rd is surrounded by the pastoral beauty that has defined Ardrossan for generations. Thanks to the family’s efforts, the area retains its rolling hills and open landscapes. Today, with 160 acres of the estate now part of Radnor Township parks and nearly 300 acres under conservation easements, these breathtaking views remain preserved. Hopelands is framed by expansive green landscapes, maintaining the historic charm of Ardrossan and its surroundings. Entering the property on Church Rd, across from the renowned Chanticleer Garden, offers a dramatic first impression. A long, tree-lined drive leads to the stately stone estate. Classic details include a columned entryway, intricate moldings, an elegant front door, a second-floor balcony, period black shutters, dormers, and a circular front drive. To the right, beyond a split rail fence, golden fields of corn and endless vistas stretch across the property. To the left, horse stables, a tennis court, a detached garage with Carriage House, and a dramatic stone gateway and courtyard await. The driveway continues to a second entrance on Abrahams Lane. This 3-story manor blends Federal and Colonial Revival architecture with luxurious details evoking timeless elegance. Features include original stonework, intricate millwork, wide plank hardwood floors, and period fireplaces. The home’s distinctive architecture is reflected in its classical proportions, a warm foyer, and refined interior with large reception rooms, echoing the sophistication of early 20th-century Main Line estates. Public records list the home’s construction date as 1840, though parts may date back to 1720, with the 30-by-18-foot stone core likely built over a century later. The main level includes a living room, dining room, library, butler’s pantry, kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, and 2 powder rooms. French doors off the dining room, living room, and library open to brick and stone terraces with sweeping views. The second floor features a spacious primary suite with a fireplace, sitting room, and 2 bathrooms, along with 3 additional large bedrooms and 3 full baths. The third floor is divided into two sections: one with 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath, previously used as a guest room and guest bath, and a music room; the other with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, originally intended for staff. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a living piece of history in an extraordinary setting. A grand canvas for restoration, Hopelands at Ardrossan offers prestigious lineage, unparalleled acreage, and timeless design in one of the Main Line’s most coveted locations. Seize this extraordinary chance to become the next steward of Hopelands at Ardrossan—where history, elegance, and possibility converge.

Highlights

Home typeSingle Family Residence
HeatingHot Water
StatusActive
(ACTIVE)
CoolingCentral Air
Size7,040 sqft
BasementYes
Lot size14.4 Acres
Year built1840
ParkingOversized, Detached Garage,Driveway
MLS #PADE2079626
Garage4 spaces
FireplaceMantel(s)
ViewPanoramic, Pasture, Trees/Woods

Virtual tour

Summary

  • MLS Number: PADE2079626
  • MLS Name: BRIGHT
  • Office Name: BHHS Fox & Roach-Rosemont
  • Office Phone: (610) 527-6400
  • Listing Agent: Karen Strid

IDX Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website appears in part through the BRIGHT Internet Data Exchange program, a voluntary cooperative exchange of property listing data between licensed real estate brokerage firms in which participates, and is provided by BRIGHT through a licensing agreement.

The information provided by this website is for the personal, non-commercial use of consumers and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may no longer be available because they are under contract, have sold or are no longer being offered for sale. Some real estate firms do not participate in IDX and their listings do not appear on this website. Some properties listed with participating firms do not appear on this website at the request of the seller. This home sale information is not to be construed as an appraisal and may not be used as such for any purpose.

BRIGHT MLS is the (or a) provider of this home sale information and has compiled content from various sources. Some properties represented may not have actually sold due to reporting errors. ©2025 BrightMLS. All rights reserved.
Data displayed may be a portion of, and not a complete set of all listings published in the MLS.
Last updated on: 2/6/2025, 3:20:50 AM Eastern. If you have any questions regarding the accuracy of this data, please contact us at help@rockethomes.com.

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$5,500,000

705 Church Rd

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Price information

Property sales

DateEventPrice
Oct 06, 1997
Home Sold
$9,623,916
Oct 06, 1997
Home Sold
$3,499,110

Tax history

YearAssessmentProperty Tax
2024$2,148,156$43,432
2023$2,148,156$42,152
2022$2,148,156$41,255
2021$2,148,156$66,267
2020$768,112$26,720
2019$768,112$25,966
2018$768,112$25,457
2017$768,112$24,924

History based on county public records data.

Nearby schools

7

Wayne Elementary School

Public District KG-5

1.0 mi

651 W Wayne Ave

7

Radnor Elementary School

Public District KG-5

1.8 mi

20 W Matsonford Rd

8

Devon Elementary School

Public District KG-4

2.0 mi

400 S Fairfield Rd

School ratings are a score out of 10, where 10 is the highest and 1 is the lowest.

All data from GreatSchools

Neighborhood

The neighbors living near this home have an average income of $182,212. Most Wayne, PA residents have annual incomes $200k+. Most families are married, no kids. Typical level of education for residents in this area is post secondary degree.

How much money do the neighbors make?

10%
<35k
22%
35k-100k
22%
100k-200k
46%
200k+

What level of education do the neighbors have?

High School Diploma
Post Secondary Degree
Masters Degree
Doctorate

What types of families live nearby?

19%
Single, No Kids
4%
Single, with Kids
41%
Married, No Kids
36%
Married, with Kids

Are the neighbors home owners or renters?

Home Owners
Renters

How old are people in this area?

13%
<11 yrs old
14%
12-17 yrs old
9%
18-34 yrs old
49%
35-64 yrs old
15%
65+ yrs old

What do the neighbors do for fun?

  • Skiing/snowboardingSkiing/snowboarding
  • Men's TennisMen's Tennis
  • TennisTennis

Where do the neighbors shop?

  • NordstromNordstrom
  • BloomingdalesBloomingdales
  • Brooks BrothersBrooks Brothers

Where do the neighbors go to eat?

  • California Pizza KitchenCalifornia Pizza Kitchen
  • Bonefish GrillBonefish Grill
  • QdobaQdoba

What do the neighbors drive?

  • BMWBMW
  • LexusLexus
  • AcuraAcura

What do the neighbors listen to?

  • Talk/PersonalityTalk/Personality
  • NewsNews
  • SportsSports
All data provided by Home Junction and Claritas

Frequently asked questions

About 705 Church Rd

This home is located at 705 Church Rd in Wayne, PA and zip code 19085 in the Villanova neighborhood. This 7,040 square foot home, which was built in 1840, sits on a 14.40 acre lot. Features: 9 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms. It has been listed on Rocket Homes since February 5, 2025 and is currently priced at $5,500,000.

In January 2025, from all listings sold in Wayne, PA there were more than 8 sold above asking price, over 7 sold below and more than 4 were sold right at the asked price. The number of homes for sale in Wayne, PA decreased by 10.9% between December and January 2025. Listings spent 49 days on the market in January 2025, and had a median list price of $905,125 during the same period.

From Rocket Homes Real Estate and based on county public records data.

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