A Colonial Residence at Chestnut Hill 
Philadelphia 
GEORGE T. PEARSON, Architect 
T HIS house, the residence of H. H. Kingston, 
Esq., is on St. Martins Lane, Chestnut Hill, 
Philadelphia, and its walls are of Chestnut 
Hill stone, with squared and dressed faces, being the 
first new house of such as are known as “Colonial” 
to be made with such walls, and it is probable that 
none of this character have been built for about 
seventy-five years. 
The exterior trim detail is most satisfying. It 
follows closely examples of such work constructed 
almost a century ago which are still to be seen. 
The wide projecting eaves and gables with the 
shaped consoles under the soffit of the cornice, the 
frieze with its correct members, the carefully drawn 
columns and balustrades of porch and veranda, the 
white window trim and sash, the small panes of 
glass,—all go to perfect the impression that it is a 
remarkably well-preserved “original specimen.” 
The style was chosen with a view of express¬ 
ing quiet dignity and substantiality of structure, 
to which an ample site contributes. The interior 
wood finish in the living-rooms throughout the house 
is painted white. The stair hall is panel wainscoted 
to a height of about seven feet, and has wooden cor¬ 
nice and paneled beams. The newel-post and hand¬ 
rail of stairway, and the treads and risers are of 
mahogany. 
The library has ample bookcases with leaded glass 
doors, a charming mantel and fireplace, low paneled 
wainscot, and a finely modeled wooden cornice. 
The dining-room has beamed ceilings, a high plate- 
rail, commodious china closets and a large fireplace. 
FIRST FLOOR PLAN—KINGSTON HOUSE 
107 
