Elm Court

Elm Court is a large stone residence with 40 rooms built into a hillside location and featuring a central courtyard with multiple gables. The structure combines limestone, marble, and slate finishes over a steel-reinforced concrete framework.

The residence was built between 1929 and 1930 by architect Benno Janssen for Benjamin D. Phillips, whose father founded T.W. Phillips Gas & Oil Company. The project reflects the resources available to wealthy families at that moment in time.

The Tudor Revival design features intricate stone carvings and varied window styles that reflect how wealthy families wanted their homes to look in the 1930s. Walking through the rooms, you see the craftsmanship that owners valued most during that era.

The property spans several acres of hillside terrain between Polk and Elm Street. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear since the structure is built into sloping ground with uneven surfaces throughout.

A fully restored Skinner Organ, Opus 783, a player instrument, sits within the residence and adds musical character to the space. This rare instrument makes the home particularly interesting for those who appreciate mechanical music and organ craftsmanship.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.86860,-79.89190

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30