Then and Now: Stonecliffe - The Taylor Mansion of Philadelphia

Then

Construction: Stonecliffe was commissioned for T.M. Stewart in 1880. Sometime after April 1884 it became the residence for Charles Taylor, a prominent businessman and partner in the Taylor and McCoy coal company. The residence was designed by the notable architect Theophilus P Chandler, Jr. . It was constructed of Chestnut Hill stone with dormers, balconies and gables in white pine and roof of red slate.

Architectural Style: The house is a fine example of the early 20th-century American Renaissance style, blending elements of classical architecture with more contemporary features of the time. The use of stone and detailed craftsmanship reflects the wealth and status of its owner.
Interior: The interior floors were Georgia pine. The large hall was done in oak with a paneled and beamed ceiling. The library was paneled to the ceiling in ash. The home had five bedrooms on the second floor and six on the third.

Location: Originally positioned on a hill on its 10 acres in Chestnut Hill, Stonecliffe was designed to take advantage of its scenic views and natural beauty. The location was ideal, offering both privacy and accessibility.
Ownership and Use: After the death of Charles Taylor in 1914, the house remained in the Taylor family for several decades. Over the years, it served various purposes, including private residence and community events. However, the mansion, once located on Sunset Avenue off Norwood Ave, no longer exists. Instead, we find the house below.