Oaks Cloister

Oaks Cloister is a three-story Tudor-style mansion in Germantown with decorative half-timbering and steeply pitched gable roofs. The building combines Renaissance Revival and Craftsman architectural elements throughout its design and structure.

Architect Joseph Miller Huston designed and built this residence between 1900 and 1927 while working on the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building project. The extended construction period reflected the ambitious scope of the work.

The mansion reflects a mix of design styles that were popular in early 1900s America, blending influences from different architectural traditions. You can see this combination in the ornamental details and overall layout throughout the rooms.

The mansion is located on Wissahickon Avenue in Germantown and now hosts meetings and events following a major restoration completed in 2012. Access may depend on scheduled activities, so it is worth checking availability before visiting.

The ballroom contains an imported hand-carved stone fireplace from France that was discovered during the decade-long restoration by Dr. Russell Harris and John Casavecchia. This fireplace represents a hidden detail that emerged only after careful conservation work.

Location: Philadelphia

Architectural style: Tudor architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.04300,-75.18100

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:44