Biddle Estate in Huntingdon Valley lists for just under $1M

An immense, classic mansion in Huntingdon Valley with ties to the legendary Biddle family has hit the market for just under $1 million.

The legendary Biddle family of Philadelphia is known for many things: Family members served in the Revolutionary War and numerous wars thereafter; another was once president of the Second Bank of the United States; and yet another was a groundbreaking female landscape architect.

Perhaps the most well-known landmark left of the Biddle family is Andalusia on the Delaware River, the country home—mansion, really—of Nicholas Biddle, who served as the third and last president of the Second Bank of the United States.

But while the home for sale at 1855 Melmar Road is not as well-known, it’s significant in its own right. After a Curbed reader tipped us off about the listing, we reached out to the listing agent Nicole Murphy to find out more information about the property.

“Unfortunately, it’s hard to find any information about this specific property,” Murphy said. “But the current owners say that everyone always has stories or has heard stories about the home.”

Here’s what they do know: The original Biddle Estate was built for Sarah Lippincott by her father when she married Nicholas Biddle of a later generation in 1911. (Fun fact: While he wasn’t as wealthy as the rest of his family, Biddle also resided in Andalusia during his youth.)

The 9,637-square-foot mansion features 10 bedrooms, five full baths, and four half baths. It sits on two acres, which features stately formal gardens. The interiors are pretty spectacular, and maintain many of the original features, according to Murphy. “[The current owners] did do a lot to the home because when it was purchased, because it was in need of a lot of work.”

The kitchen and bathrooms have been renovated, and there’s a new roof and gutter system. “But they tried to their best to preserve what they could,” Murphy added. On the second floor landing of the grand staircase there is a set of original leaded windows. And the back staircase leading to the servant’s quarters has been left intact, too.

“They tried to keep it as much within the time, but still mixing in modern amenities where it was needed,” Murphy said.

The asking price of the Biddle Estate is $999,900.

• 1855 Melmar Road, Huntingdon Valley [Nicole Murphy, BHHS Fox & Roach]