The Top of the Touraine, Estate of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Sep 23rd 2010 at 1:01PM

Looking for an unusual place to dwell? How about an adobe penthouse atop a landmark Philadelphia building?
Today's estate sits on top of The Touraine. Located in Rittenhouse Square, the Touraine was built in 1917 and has been revamped into a luxury building. Atop the building is this incredible bit of the Southwest designed by architect Adolph deRoy-Mark. The home is surrounded by large gardened terraces with city views.

A piece in The Bulletin last year offers more details about the home, including the fact that it has a basement, a foundation dug into the thick room. The home was built in 1981 and the terraces are covered with plants and tall Southwest style grasses. The owners have filled the home with antiques from around the world. The space itself is undeniably quirky but has a feel that really takes it far away from the urban landscape, until you notice that the wide window show skyscraper views. The property is a lease-hold estate property and is listed at $2.9 million.

Gallery: The Top Of The Touraine

Tags: estate of the day, pennsylvania real estate, philadelphia, the touraine

Filed under: Estates

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

DJ Sep 23rd 2010 1:55PM

This is the EOTD because you were:

1 - Tired of showing us truly beautiful homes?
2 - Haven't shown anything in Philly for quite a while?
3 - Felt sorry for the owners because this very unremarkable home is never going to sell?
4- The broker sent you chocolate and flowers as a bribe to feature it?

This is just a disaster on so many levels, especially the asking price.

nukeya Sep 23rd 2010 2:37PM

You've got to be kidding. There are so many nice residences available. This is a very small place, horribly decorated, the layout is well, it just makes no sense. 2.9 million for this? No thanks, this one will have to be given away. And southwestern in center city Philadelphia? Really? Really?

KLS Sep 23rd 2010 8:18PM

Nukeya,

Do you live in Philadelphia? Because I think your getting Southwest Philly mixed up with the Southwestern section of Center City. When they say, Location, Location, Location they are talking about Rittenhouse Square. I think this is a beautiful place and a little paint and new decor go along way to make this place your own. I would love to live here if only I had the money. .

Becky Sep 23rd 2010 3:32PM

I love it!!! I am from Las Vegas, and this style is beautiful, the open shower, the windows....fantastic!!!

mannamedjoe Sep 23rd 2010 5:47PM

To the first 2 commenters, are you nuts or just green with jealousy? You can't afford anything nearly as beautiful as this home so insted of admitting it, you talk trash about it. Jealousy is such and ugly trait and hatefulness is even more so, go back to your little single wide and keep telling yourself, "I have a beautiful home, I have a beautiful home", someday you might even begin to believe it!

Dan Sep 23rd 2010 6:03PM

Um... really? I'm looking at the top of the Touraine right now from my 19th floor apartment and I see: a satellite dish, a rusted out steel shack (a/c maybe?) and a brick chimney. Other than that, there is nothing adobe-like in sight. To the 2.9 mil naysayers, keep in mind the 3 things to take into account when purchasing real estate: location, location, location. That building has all 3. Just can't seem to find this penthouse...

rick Sep 23rd 2010 6:10PM

I certainly can't afford it, but I think it is kind of quirky and cool. I'd love to be able to spend a weekend there with my wife, hiking around to museums other attractions - and then taking a long hot shower while enjoying the view before heading out to dinner! Oh well, maybe in my next life.

Hamrick4 Sep 23rd 2010 6:22PM

I think it's absolutely beautiful and anyone should be so blessed to own such a fabulous residence. What's wrong with some of you people?? Envy and jealousy are such wasted emotions!

Deb Sep 23rd 2010 6:39PM

Why would anyone buy this place? The interior is dated, cluttered and the furniture is from when...1990? There's nothing pleasing about this place in the least. If these people have enough money to travel everywhere why don't they take one less vacation and hire a stylist? Nothing in that apartment takes advantage of the room sizes or proportions.

David S. Sep 23rd 2010 6:47PM

Um, you are paying for the view. The inside isn't great, but not as horrible as what you describe. Furniture can easily be changed. But, to each his own.

DUDE Sep 23rd 2010 7:06PM

DAMN, THAT'S HOT!!!! WISH I WAS RICH.

Luisa Sep 23rd 2010 7:47PM

At least you are honest. I like that.
me

Karl Sep 23rd 2010 10:03PM

Ya know, it would be a boring, boring world if we all like dthe same things and had the same tastes. Thats why we have victorian and ranch and contemporary, etc. Baskin Robins doesn't just have ONR flavor -vanilla. We ALL have different tastes in apartments or housing. Some people like a 500k home 6 feet from the neighbor in a gated community. Other folks might be happy with a pup-tent sitting on a thousand acres because they want to be secluded. Some folks are vain and want to Keep up with the Jonses" and show off. Some people like utilitarian functional housing and could care less about what you think about it. To be judgemental about "how you think this home is stupid and you'd never buy it," is pure silliness. Personally, I would not enjoy living in this home myself, however, it might be JUST the thing for some other people who coincidentally might hate my tastes. Don't resent our differences - embrace them.

lisa Sep 23rd 2010 11:46PM

what a cluttered ugly mess. this home has no class..2.9 million? this is why our country is in the trouble its in real estate prices way overboard for cheesy homes. greed drives the appraisers and real estate agents who assess these properties
The American Dream is dead because of stupid prices for homes that are not worht these prices

brantaydes Sep 24th 2010 2:16AM

Beautiful place. Unfortunately it's in Philly. I used to live in Pittsburgh before escaping to Sausalito and San Diego, thank goodness.

michele Sep 24th 2010 9:36AM

I have mixed feelings about the place - i DONT like the decor - very cluttered and dont particularly like the furniture - however.....I LOVE the bathroom ...I really like the layout - Im a private person tho and feel its a little to "open" for me..but that bathroom rocks!