High Hollow, Norman residence in Chestnut Hill, Northwest Philadelphia, United States
High Hollow is a stone residence featuring rounded arches and handcrafted metalwork by blacksmith Samuel Yellin in Chestnut Hill, Northwest Philadelphia. The two-story structure displays careful craftsmanship throughout its exterior and surfaces.
Architect George Howe completed the residence in 1917 with elements inspired by his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in France. The Paley family, prominent in American broadcasting, later donated the property to the University of Pennsylvania.
The design brings together Italian, French, and Norman building traditions in a way that connects to the natural setting of Wissahickon Valley. Visitors can observe how the architecture was intentionally shaped to relate to its surroundings.
The residence sits at the edge of Fairmount Park in Chestnut Hill and can be viewed from the public pathway nearby. Access to the property itself is restricted since it belongs to the university.
The stone was sourced from a quarry in Pennsylvania, giving the building a regional connection. This choice helped it blend naturally into the surrounding landscape.
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