Lynnewood Hall, Pennsylvania’s largest house, spans over 70,000 square feet with 110 rooms. Built between 1897 and 1900 by Peter A.B. Widener, it showcases Neoclassical Revival architecture. Once housing priceless art collections, its decline began after the Titanic tragedy. Restoration plans aim to preserve its historical grandeur.
Largest House in Pennsylvania – The Lynnewood Hall
- 📍 Location: Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
- 💰 Estimated Price: Approximately $16.5 million
- 🏗️ Year Built/Remodeled: Built between 1897 and 1900
- 🌳 Size of Land: Originally 300 acres; currently 33.85 acres
- 🏠 Size of House: Approximately 70,000 square feet
- 🛏️ Rooms: 110 rooms, including 55 bedrooms
Historical Background
Built at the height of the Gilded Age, Lynnewood Hall was a product of the Widener family’s immense fortune, derived from industries like railroads and streetcars. Designed by Trumbauer, the mansion cost over $8 million to construct—an astronomical sum in the late 19th century. It wasn’t just a home; it was a statement of power and influence.
Lynnewood Hall embodied the excess of its era. Its 300-acre estate once boasted meticulously maintained gardens, reflecting pools, and a ballroom that could host up to 1,000 guests. During its heyday, this mansion wasn’t just a home; it was a stage for the lavish lifestyles of America’s elite.
For perspective, think of Lynnewood Hall as the East Coast’s version of Hearst Castle, minus the Hollywood backdrop. Even by today’s standards, its grandeur is unmatched. And yet, the very qualities that defined the Gilded Age—excess and exclusivity—would also lead to its decline.
Architectural Features
From the outside, Lynnewood Hall commands attention. The symmetrical facade is anchored by six towering Ionic columns, giving the mansion its temple-like appearance. These columns are topped with intricate carvings and cornices that highlight the Neoclassical design.
The original landscaping was equally grand, featuring manicured hedges, expansive lawns, and ornamental pools. Today, overgrown vegetation and cracked stonework reveal the toll of neglect, yet the structure’s beauty still shines through.
Grand Entrance Hall
Few spaces command attention like the grand entrance hall of Lynnewood Hall. As you step in, you’re greeted by an expansive checkerboard marble floor in classic black and white, a striking visual that immediately sets the tone for the mansion’s grandeur. The centerpiece of the hall is a majestic staircase, its green carpet cascading like a river of opulence. Flanked by ornate iron railings, the staircase appears to float between the towering plaster columns that frame the space.
Ballroom
If walls could talk, the ballroom of Lynnewood Hall would share stories of lavish galas and grand celebrations. The most captivating feature is the ceiling fresco, a celestial design painted in muted tones of gold and cream. Though weathered, the fresco retains its ethereal beauty, depicting a dreamlike sky adorned with swirling clouds and mythical figures.
Living Spaces
The living spaces of Lynnewood Hall were designed to combine comfort with elegance. Each room offers its own palette, from the soft pastel blues of a bedroom to the warm earthy golds of the living room paneling. These variations add depth and personality to the mansion’s interior.
In every private room, the fireplaces serve as focal points, each adorned with intricately carved mantels and framed by ornate mirrors. Tall French windows dominate the walls, inviting in streams of natural light that soften the edges of the rooms, even as the paint peels and the furniture succumbs to decay. Despite its current state, these spaces hint at the comfort and refinement the Wideners once enjoyed.
Bathrooms
Even the bathrooms at Lynnewood Hall exude luxury. White marble dominates the space, accented by deep purple veining and polished gold fixtures. One bathroom features a built-in marble bathtub, framed by delicate archways that evoke classical Roman design.
Service Areas
Behind the scenes, the service areas of Lynnewood Hall tell a quieter story of the mansion’s operations. The kitchen is both utilitarian and charming, with its white cabinets, glass-fronted doors, and central worktable. Despite the worn surfaces and outdated appliances, the space offers a glimpse into the lives of the staff who kept the mansion running.
Nearby, the dining hall reflects the scale of the Wideners’ entertaining ambitions. Though worn, the hall retains its spacious layout, with long wooden tables and a tile floor that adds a hint of elegance. These spaces may lack the glamour of the grand entrance or ballroom, but they provide critical context for how life functioned within such a sprawling estate.
Current Condition
Lynnewood Hall is a study in contrasts. On one hand, its marble floors and gilded details stand as reminders of its glorious past. On the other, its peeling paint, damaged wood paneling, and disused furniture tell a tale of neglect. The sitting room is particularly haunting, with its weathered sofa, crumbling plaster, and once-elegant French doors.
Yet, even in its decay, Lynnewood Hall remains captivating. The interplay between its resilience and fragility sparks an emotional response. It’s as if the mansion is patiently waiting—waiting for someone to restore its grandeur, to bring life back to its halls, and to let its beauty shine once more.
As an interior designer, I often think about what it would be like to reimagine Lynnewood Hall. How would you honor its history while making it livable for today’s world? One thing is clear: this home is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a legacy.
Should Lynnewood Hall Be Restored or Left as a Relic?
The answer isn’t straightforward. While preservationists and historians argue that Lynnewood Hall’s Neoclassical beauty and Gilded Age significance make it a cultural treasure worth saving, the cost—estimated at over $16 million—remains a major hurdle. Restoration could transform it into a museum or event space, benefiting the public and honoring its history.
However, others see its current state of decay as part of its identity, a haunting reminder of the Titanic tragedy and the fleeting nature of wealth and power. Ultimately, whether Lynnewood Hall will rise again or remain a relic lies in the hands of its preservation advocates and the public’s support.
What is the address of Lynnewood Hall?
Lynnewood Hall is located at 920 Spring Avenue, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027. This historic mansion is situated in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
How much is Lynnewood Hall worth?
The current market value of Lynnewood Hall is not publicly disclosed. However, it was purchased by the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation in 2023 for an undisclosed amount, with reports indicating that $9.5 million was raised for the acquisition and initial restoration efforts.
Can the public visit Lynnewood Hall?
As of now, Lynnewood Hall is not open to the public. The Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation plans to restore the mansion and eventually open it for public tours and events, but specific dates have not been announced.
What architectural style is Lynnewood Hall designed in?
Lynnewood Hall is designed in the Neoclassical Revival style. This architectural style is characterized by grand columns, symmetrical facades, and elaborate decorative elements, reflecting the grandeur of classical architecture.
Conclusion
Lynnewood Hall is more than just the largest house in Pennsylvania—it’s a monument to an era. Its Neoclassical architecture, opulent interiors, and storied history make it a treasure worth preserving. Even in its current state, it commands admiration and respect.
Exclusive Podcast Commentary: Exploring Lynnewood Hall’s Legacy
