The best homes are years in the making. Little by little, the house and land revealed themselves; resulting in this beautiful, sensible, and unique property. Offered to the market for the first time since 1984,, the current owners have carefully improved, enhanced, expanded, and stewarded this private Flourtown compound. It has been transformed over the years into a splendid country escape, full of light and space and functionality. Built horizontally across the landscape and sited up off the road, the design takes maximum advantage of its location. To describe the house simply as a 5-6 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath property does not begin to describe the flexible and welcoming space so elegantly designed for life, work, rest, and, dare I say, entertaining. The rooms flow seamlessly from one to another, offering an open plan so sought after by today's buyers, but not so open that you can't find quiet or privacy in the house. Every room has multiple windows; many with exposure on three sides to bring the outside in and offer garden views. Built as one of seven houses on the cul-de-sac, this one sits at the apex of the street, and offers the peace and quiet rarely found so close to the city. A five minute drive to Chestnut Hill, regional rail lines, and highways, the location offers a tranquil refuge, not too far from where you have to go. Approach the house up a winding driveway, where you can enter the kitchen area from a side door, or walk a beautiful flagstone path to the front door. Through the front door you enter a large foyer with two coat closets and custom cabinetry that can hold gear and such needed for everyday. Once through the foyer the house opens up to the formal dining room with a wood burning fireplace, and luxurious living room. To the right is the large smart kitchen with a nine foot island, stone counters, two sinks, and all the necessities for the multi-cook family. The kitchen is open to the family room and casual dining area. Circling back to the front hall, head left from the front door to the master suite. The luxury of having the main bedroom on the first floor is just the start. A full 29 feet x 17 feet, the suite gives ample room for many uses. There is a walk-in closet, a pretty dressing area, a large bathroom with separate whirlpool tub, two sinks, and a stall shower. The bedroom also has a seating area with a fireplace as the focal point. There is a private staircase in the master bedroom that leads to a private ground floor space that is currently used as an office, with the potential for a private, outside entrance. This large bright space could be repurposed as an exercise area, yoga studio, art studio, or library. The first floor is completed by one more bedroom/office with its own ensuite half bath. Upstairs are four commodious bedrooms and two more bathrooms, as well as a laundry area. One of the bathrooms is part of a suite of rooms at the end of the hallway. The three other bedrooms on this floor are served by a hall bath with two sinks and a tub/shower combination. All about the house you will find the "extras" that make life easier; big closets, built-in bookcases, custom cabinetry, an extra drink fridge in the kitchen dining area, two laundries, one on the first floor and one on the second. There is a staircase off the kitchen that leads to a finished basement area that was once full of Legos, building blocks, trikes, and trucks. Who knows what use you will put it to, but it will be a good one you'll be grateful for. Headed outside by one of the four doors, you will find a gardener's eden, full of specimen trees, a well-planted understory, perennial beds that offer color throughout the growing season, and multiple destinations for sitting, relaxing, play, or contemplation. This one is too good to miss. The photos are great, but you will be even more charmed with the real thing.