This 19th-century Pennsylvania gatehouse is now a whimsical Tudor family home

Front facade with three matching steep gables, half-timber detailing, and a paved motor court

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Nestled on a historic estate along the Main Line of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a 19th-century gatehouse was all that remained of the original property. It has now been transformed into a 21st-century family residence by Peter Zimmerman Architects, with updates and improvements designed to complement and enhance the whimsical spirit of the original Tudor style.

Creating a new glazed family entry off the main driveway provided easier access to the newly configured mudroom and the rest of the house. Two new shed dormers on the second floor subtly enhance the exterior but also present an opportunity to dramatically increase finished living space, creating a primary bedroom suite with ample closet and circulation space. Where necessary, new casings and trim profiles were milled to match existing ones.

ARCHITECT Peter Zimmerman Architects
INTERIOR DESIGN BGD ltd
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Hess Landscape Architects
CONTRACTOR Cherokee Construction

Front exterior of a Tudor-style cottage with steep gabled roofs, half-timbering, and a decorative entry porch

Windows throughout were replaced with new solid wood ones, with original sticking profiles and sash construction all meticulously replicated from existing examples. A new full-height basement was excavated over the existing crawl space footprint to create additional living space.

Antique Dresser and Wood Staircase in the Entry Hall

Entryway with staircase, antique wood dresser, upholstered armchair, and multi-pane windows

At the exterior, a new detached garage and secondary driveway, pool, and pool pavilion were designed. The new Tudor-styled garage and pavilion create a cohesive aesthetic with the house.

Staircase landing with wood dresser, striped runner, and multi-pane bay windows

The placement of these accessory elements, nestled into their surrounding gardens, is a focal point from the house and main terrace, a destination to admire and explore as part of the overall experience.

Hallway view through an arched doorway into a room with a built-in window seat

A deliberate sequence of intimate landscaped moments links the architectural elements to the new terraces, gardens, and lawn, all helping to enhance the site’s natural beauty.

Sage-Green Living Room with Marble Fireplace

Sitting room with sage-green walls, red floral armchairs, and a starburst chandelier

What We Love About This Home

This transformation keeps the original 19th-century gatehouse’s playful character while updating it for family life today, from the new shed dormers that expand the owner’s suite to the full basement built where the old crawl space once was. We especially love how the new garage and pool pavilion pick up the main house’s steep gables and half-timbering, so the outbuildings look like they’ve always been there. A string of terraces and gardens ties the buildings together, giving the whole property a natural, easy flow from house to pool.

Tell Us: What is your favorite detail from this home? The Tudor exterior, the pool pavilion, or one of the interior rooms? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Check out a couple of other sensational home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania stone house radiates with warmth in the Brandywine Valley and A historic Pennsylvania bank barn was transformed into a breathtaking luxury home.

Sitting room with sage-blue walls, marble fireplace, gilt-framed art, and starburst chandelier

Coffered Ceiling Sunroom and Window-Seat Breakfast Nook

Sunroom with coffered ceiling, floral armchairs, sectional sofa, and wall of windows

Breakfast nook with wood table, patterned cushions, and a built-in window bench

Subway Tile Kitchen with Marble Island and Wolf Range

White kitchen with marble-topped island, subway tile backsplash, and wood floors

White kitchen with subway tile, marble counters, stainless range, and blue pendant light

Green Leaf Wallpaper in the Powder Room

Powder room with green leaf-print wallpaper, marble console sink, and patterned tile floor

Floral Headboard Bedroom with Built-In Window Nook

Bedroom with patterned floral headboard, built-in window nook, and gold pendant light

Built-in window seat under the eaves with patterned wallpaper, sconces, and striped cushion

Cloud Wallpaper and Freestanding Tub in the Owner’s Bath

Bathroom with cloud-patterned blue wallpaper, freestanding tub, and mosaic tile floor

Blue Built-In Cabinetry in the Mudroom

Mudroom with blue built-in cabinetry, upholstered bench seat, and patterned rug

Driveway view of the Tudor house with iron gate, gabled rooflines, and landscaped entrance

Side view of the Tudor house showing multiple peaked gables and stucco-and-timber facade

Backyard view of the Tudor home with a timber-framed pavilion beside a green lawn

Stucco Carriage House and Garden Paths

Small stucco outbuilding with a peaked gable roof, weathervane, and double carriage-style doors

Poolside pavilion and guest cottage surrounded by mature trees and gardens

Covered outdoor living area with seating, fireplace, and lantern lighting overlooking the pool

Patio with wrought-iron furniture overlooking the pool, pavilion, and lawn beyond

Guest cottage with steep gable and multi-pane windows, viewed across the swimming pool

Timber-Framed Pool Pavilion with Outdoor Fireplace

Twilight view of the pool and timber pavilion with flowering plants along the patio edge

Illuminated Tudor guest cottage at dusk, reflected in the adjacent swimming pool

Nighttime view of the main house and pool pavilion glowing under landscape lighting

PHOTOGRAPHER Jeffrey Totaro