Incredible Fairelawn Manor in West Mt. Airy asks $700K

A palatial Tudor mansion in West Mt. Airy has hit the market as a short sale, with an asking price of $700,000.

Today, the 10-bedroom, 4.5-bath home is known to locals as Badeau Manor, named after Hector and Sue Badeau who have raised their 22 adopted children, 35 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren at 30 Pelham Road since 1992.

But the mansion’s history goes all the way back to 1903, when it was designed for a wealthy industrialist’s daughter by George and William Hewitt and called Fairelawn Manor. The Hewitts are perhaps most well-known for designing the iconic Bellevue-Stratford Hotel on Broad Street, although they’re responsible for a number of large mansions around the region, too.

Given the immense size of the mansion—it is a mind-boggling 10,000 square feet—it took a team of 60 artisans four years to complete construction of the home. Over its long history, the mansion served as a convent, then in 1986 opened as the bed and breakfast Pelham Inn.

Today, the Tudor has seen some better days, which is a bit expected after being home to such a large family for more than two decades. That explains why the home is listed as short sale and is being sold in as-is condition.

Yet there’s no doubt that for its age, the home is pretty incredible. There are eight fireplaces among the mansion’s 42 rooms, including one that features built-in benches around it. There are also multiple billiards room, a library, and a solarium.

So why is the Badeau family selling after 22 years? “Sue and Hector Badeau are now empty nesters after raising 22 children,” said listing agent Wendy Schwartz. “They want to down-size and spend more time with their children and grandchildren.”

• 30 Pelham Road [Wendy Schwartz Team]
• Our Vision [Badeau Manor]