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"Roslyn" the P.T. Watt Mansion is available for sale!

By Melissa Brosey

Real Estate Agent with Prudential Homesale Services Group

October 10, 2008 06:24 AM

"Roslyn"

1035 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603

One of my all-time favorite properties was just listed by my colleague, Anne Pyle, of Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a historic, Marietta Avenue mansion. "Roslyn" was built in 1896 by celebrated Lancaster architect, C. Emlen Urban. Mr. Urban was also the designer of many city properties including, but not limited to, Central Market, the Griest Building, Watt & Shand (the soon-to-be convention center) and the Theological Seminary. This beautiful home is listed on the Lancaster County Historical Sites Register as a "Significant Level I" site, meaning the property is "exceptional" or of top importance.

This beautiful home was commissioned by Peter T. Watt, co-founder of Watt & Shand. Mr. Watt presented the property to his wife, Laura, on her birthday. The property remained owned by members of the Watt family for over 70 years. The current owners purchased the home in 1974.

Origninally priced at $4,999,999, now reduced to $2,999,999! "Roslyn" is an exquistie 9,320 sq. ft. mansion. This spectacular home features 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, original stained glass windows and a turret that any princess would dream of. It is situated on a large, landscaped, corner lot that is over 2 acres and includes a 4 car (+) carriage house complete with a large, 2,000 sq. ft. apartment. "Roslyn" is a true gem that has been lovingly maintained in all of her original glory.

Please give me a call today to view this beautiful home. All prospective buyers must be pre-qualified.

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Jeannie Kontis

Lancaster, PA

I have always admired this spectacular property! Thanks for sharing a peek of the interior. What a classic!

Oct 14, 2008 09:40 AM

Melissa Brosey

Prudential Homesale Services Group - Lancaster, PA

Jeannie - This property has been a favorite of mine for a long time too!

Oct 15, 2008 01:15 AM

Jessica Bigger

Bigger Communications - Reston, VA

Freelance Real Estate Business Writer

Gosh Melissa - What a beauty. I just love all those old homes on the East Coast. So much history there.

Oct 22, 2008 08:46 AM

Jessica - "Roslyn" is one of our most spectacular properties. She's a really special home. I spent some time in Humboldt County years ago and there are some gorgeous victorian and craftsmen homes out your way too. Plus you have the redwoods...I really miss those awesome trees.

Oct 22, 2008 09:12 AM

Anonymous

Rita Wiebner

We have lived in Lancaster for almost 10 years, and this is my favorite property in the entire city. I always love driving by and admiring the spectacular architecture. I hope it finds some great owners!

Dec 15, 2008 03:15 PM

Andrew

Man, their decor says "I love mauve and I also haven't purchased anything since the 80's"

Jan 21, 2009 06:38 AM

Thomas Maul

Is it still owned by the eshelans? I was raised in the home directly across the street from the entry gates on President Ave

Feb 03, 2009 11:54 AM

Amy

I too have always loved this house! Now that it is up for sale, I personally think it would make a wonderful bed and breakfast. One that would add to the revitalization of downtown. I picture the house being repainted so that the craftsmanship and grand architecture stands out..... beautiful victorian style gardens that guests could enjoy on a warm summer evening........,weddings being held on the lawn........ events to coincide with first friday....... local artist having there art work and paintings displayed on the walls inside, this and so much more is my wish for that house. :)

Sep 27, 2009 09:25 AM

Pam Erselius

I think I was actually searching for info. about this home today! Does it have a stone street entry "post" with the work WATT carved in it? When I lived in Lancaster I was always intrigued by this place. Thanks for the photos.

Oct 22, 2009 12:06 PM

Amy - it's funny how often my neighbors and i talk about uses for this property! it's such a treasure!

Pam - The one and the same. glad i could share it with you!

Oct 27, 2009 07:11 AM

Logan

I was always very intrigued by this house. Thanks for sharing a picture of the inside. It really is just as beautiful as I thought it would be

Apr 18, 2010 10:20 AM

#11

Nicole

What is the status of this property? What would it take legally for someone to turn it into a B&B?

Nov 02, 2011 09:20 AM

#12

Connie Rae Beaston Clark

Thelma Beaston Eshelman passed away this week. She will be missed! Thelma and her husband Lester loved living in this great mansion. Lester still is residing here! This home is beautiful. I always loved visiting

Dec 18, 2011 11:39 AM

#13

Kathleen Gray

I am a neighbor and was saddened to learn of Mrs. Eshelman's passing in December. Today I see a public auction is scheduled for the antiques and personal property in a few weeks. Such a beautiful property! It is a shame to see so many of the furnishings that are probably original to the house being sold.

It is a spectacular property,especially since the landscaping work was done several years ago so that one can see the property to great advantage. I hope someone who loves that property will buy it and cherish it. It is a wonderful landmark!

Apr 04, 2012 04:11 AM

#14

Stacey S

I just viewed this home yesterday . It needs a tremendous amount of work to bring it to a condition to live in. But the wood work and the stone are truly priceless . The taxes are 34k a year! It is a great home for someone that needs a project! The size lots is great as well.

May 17, 2012 05:02 AM

#15

Lisa Buchter

this is a beautiful place ......we did alot of landscaping and cleaning up for it to get sold .......i was so proud to be a part of it .....hope the new owners enjoy it

Jan 22, 2016 12:28 AM

#16

mary

just looked at the house today as a drive thru.. such a waste of a beautiful piece of property.. would hope the realtor would have kept it in better shape as far as the ground go.

Sep 05, 2016 07:07 AM

#17

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Melissa Brosey

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