For Sale

Description

Built in 1927 to architectural designs attributed to C. Emlen Urban, with grounds laid out by Thomas W. Sears, Breeze Hill is a rare survival of an early-twentieth-century Lancaster estate where house and site were conceived as a single composition. The 1.54-acre plan, stone walls, and original circulation patterns remain intact. The house was built to substantial standards: exterior walls of three courses of solid brick with steel beam structural support, finished in stucco and stone beneath an original Peach Bottom slate roof. The foyer opens with heartwood flooring accented by inlaid tile, a grand staircase, crown molding, chair rail, and wainscoting. A powder room sits beneath the staircase. The formal dining room, entered through paned French doors, centers on a large bay window with a marble-surround fireplace framed by a window and a glass-front built-in. A connecting hallway with tile flooring and beadboard wainscoting leads to a butler's pantry with sink and built-in cabinetry, with access to a secondary staircase. The kitchen has granite countertops, extensive cabinetry, Sub-zero refrigerator and wine fridge, Thermador double ovens and gas cooktop, cast-iron sink, and a fireplace with original mantel - uncommon in a working kitchen. A bay window forms the breakfast nook; French doors open to the exterior. To the right of the foyer, a grand sitting room features hardwood flooring, crown molding, chair rail, recessed mantle art lighting, and a striking marble fireplace with detailed trim and wall sconces. French doors on either side open to a sunroom with brick tile flooring, floor-to-ceiling paned doors with transoms, stone accent wall, and built-ins. The sunroom flows into a wet bar with copper countertop, wine refrigerator, and Vaulted Ceilings. Beyond, the family room rises to cathedral ceilings with paneling, French doors flanking a stone fireplace, and upper-level windows. The main staircase ascends past a large window to a second-floor landing with sitting room or office and hardwood flooring, crown molding, and wainscoting. The primary suite includes a marble fireplace with finely milled mantel and a walk-in closet with custom built-ins; the recently renovated En-Suite bath has a soaking tub, glass-enclosed shower, double vanity, and Vaulted Ceilings. A laundry room with built-in cabinetry sits nearby. Additional bedrooms feature hardwood flooring and built-ins, served by a full bath with walk-in shower and soaking tub. The third floor is original to the house and fully habitable: hardwood flooring, architectural millwork, Vaulted Ceilings, and a full bath with clawfoot tub. Currently configured as library and art studio with cedar-lined storage. Major systems have been comprehensively updated and documented under current ownership: full-house rewire to modern 200-amp service with integrated smart dimmers by Stephen M. Daniels, 2023; high-efficiency natural gas boiler with four-zone hydronic distribution by Red Truck, 2024; interior plaster and ceiling restoration; and new pumps and heater for both an in-ground pool and spa. The 1.54-acre grounds were laid out by Thomas W. Sears and retain the stone walls, mature plantings, and circulation patterns of the original plan. A circular driveway centered by a brick island and framed by wrought iron fencing establishes the approach. The rear grounds are anchored by a heated Gunite pool and spa, professionally maintained, with a stone patio and brick outdoor fireplace, a raised patio with dual changing rooms, in-ground surround speakers, and flagstone pathways connecting the spaces. A three-car carriage garage sits at the end of the drive. Ideally situated along Lititz Pike, this property offers excellent visibility and easy access to major routes, Lancaster City, and nearby shopping, dining, and everyday amenities, making it a prime spot for both accessibility and connectivity.