Philly area farmhouse built with reclaimed stone, wood, bricks

The 20-acre out-of-work farm in Ambler was the perfect setting for Lou and Maggie Polisano’s new family home. The couple appreciated the large wooded property and the privacy it offered. They bought the land in 2013 and spent the next year building the home they named GraCat Farm, for daughters Grace, 23, and Catherine, 21.

“We were looking for an old farmhouse without having to fix everything,” said Maggie, director of CamaPlan, an Ambler-based financial services company. The use of salvaged materials for joinery, baseboards, stairs, wainscoting and wainscoting was a priority.

“The stone on the house is from an early 1800s barn in upstate Pennsylvania,” said Lou, president and owner of Center City-based RockITdata. “The brick in the locker room is from a demo in South Philly, the Belgian block is from a demo under the Ben Franklin Bridge, the large ceiling beams are from a barn in upstate New York, and the Glass shelf brackets behind the bar are bucket hooks from our stables.

Designed by Period Architecture in Malvern, the 7,000 square foot home features five bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two bathrooms, a gym, wine cellar and full basement. The family room opens onto a generous outdoor deck that overlooks the creek and meadow beyond.

“The house is a mix of our backgrounds,” Maggie said. “Lou wanted more of a farmhouse, and I liked the warmth of a farmhouse, but I wanted higher ceilings, big patio doors, and lots of windows to let the sun in and keep the house bright.”

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Architect Jeff Dolan helped the Polisanos design an open floor plan to maximize natural light. The kitchen, family room, great room and master bedroom all face south. The house has three fireplaces, one wood burning in the family room and gas fireplaces in the dining room and bedroom.

“Inspired by the work of the early 20th century Philadelphia architect R. Brognard Okie, we loved uniting the timeless farmhouse aesthetic with family living and entertainment goals,” said Dolan, co-founder of Period Architecture. “A home where muddy boots and muddy paws are welcome.”

A homage to the Florida home where Maggie grew up, GraCat features arches throughout, including the porte-cochere leading into the house and the entrance to the house, which offers views of the arches in two directions.

“We wanted a warm feel when you walk into the house,” said Maggie, who created an inviting space for entertaining friends and family. “It had to be substantial to give you the feel of the old charm of these farmhouses.”

The impressive great room has cathedral ceilings and a bar where you can enjoy a drink before heading to the connecting kitchen. The couple, who love to cook, designed a kitchen that was easy to use but big enough for friends to get together.

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The family was excited to host pre-pandemic events, including their annual Seven Fish Christmas Eve party. Guests gathered around the large central island as the couple prepared the meal. A separate dining room was used for more intimate or formal occasions.

The house offers a natural flow to facilitate entertaining. Separate sets of French doors lead from the bar and dining room to the blue slate patio in the backyard. The dining room serves as a buffet where friends can grab some food and then head to the patio seating area around the fireplace.

Maggie’s favorite place in the house is the view from the family room. “When we first moved in, we felt like we were in a resort,” she said. “You have so many great views down the long driveway, and it’s quiet. In the morning it’s a great place to have a coffee, and in the evening it’s where we watch TV and on Friday night we eat pizza or takeaway. It is a very comfortable living space. »

Before moving to GraCat, the couple raised their children in Ambler. They enjoy the small-town vibe with great restaurants and shopping.

“I love that the house and property is a gathering place,” Lou said. “We do outdoor activities like snowmobiling and ATVs, and in the past we’ve had Thanksgiving with 55 people sitting at a long table.”

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