Described by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as...one of the masterpieces of...architecture of the 1890's", this historic Lancaster, Pennsylvania Victorian mansion and carriage house (circa 1893-1896) is now available for sale by the owner.

      A collaboration of celebrated architect C. Emlen Urban and notable builder William H. Wohlsen created the opulent Wohlsen Mansion as the private residence of the Wohlsen family and a showcase for their talents.   Magnificently preserved and sensitively restored and upgraded by the present owner over the past 12 years, the mansion is four floors of superb construction and materials available only to the most affluent.

      The original iron fence surrounds the entire property, including a separate Carriage House, greenhouse, gardens, and private parking area.   The property is lush with trees, hydrangea bushes, a rose garden and crepe myrtle.

      Located on a posh, tree-lined street replete with Victoriana, this mansion property is within walking distance of downtown tourist attactions and the prestigious colleges of Franklin and Marshall College and Lancaster Theological Seminary.   Away from the "madding crowd", it is an easy 15 minute drive to the bustling, mega-discount shopping areas.   Trolleys ferry tourists to Amish country and conference center sites from the historic downtown district which is within easy walking distance.

      Live in the owner's residence of 9 rooms, bath, basement laundry and workshop while using the rental income ($2,600 a month) from 5 carefully separated apartments for current income, mortgage payments and to shelter other income.

       Among the many special features of this home are:

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Tiffany opalescent-jeweled art nouveau windows Hand carved rare hardwoods of Mahogany, Cherry, Oak, Maple Leaded and beveled glass cabinet doors, windows & mirrors Crystal chandeliers, fine hardwood floors, magnificent windows Slate roof with copper valleys, pediments Authentic built-in cabinets, armoires, cupboards, bookshelves, fireplaces Solid hardwood doors delicately balanced to close with little effort

      There are unlimited conversion opportunities for creative, imaginative investors such as

Impressive Professional Offices Lawyers Architects Accountants Photographers Public Relations Firms Showcase Fine Catering and High   Victorian Teas Victorian weddings Victorian merchandise,    laces, furniture,   window treatments Decorators and Interior    Design Firms Bed and Breakfast

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Ten foot ceilings are adorned by splendid wood beams and crystal chandeliers Opulent hand-carved wood trim artfully varies Greek Neo-Classical, French Fleur-de-lis, and Victorian Art Nouveau Floors are beautifully laid hardwood and new carpeting 3 magnificent, artfully placed fireplaces with inset beveled mirrors Fancy, formal foyer with Tiffany glass and wood paneled wainscoting Reception room framed by elaborate wooden arches Dining room with enormous windows and built in china closet Immense wood paneled pocket doors separate and unify the front hall, parlor, library and dining room A pleasant butler's pantry bridges the dining room and kitchen, and serves as an informal breakfast room The fully equiped kitchen, with wonderful windows, has additional access to an outside side door and a nice stairway to the laundry/basement areas.

The grand staircase is two stories with two generous landings and Tiffany glass windows in Victorian Art Nouveau At the head of the grand stairway is an open hallway that allows the glorious Tiffany glass windows to be appreciated from this level. Four spacious bedrooms are reminiscent of the main floor with exotic woods, built-in armoires, cupboards, bookshelves, high ceilings and grand windows. The bathroom has a period mood with painted wainscoting, porcelain utilities... and a Jacuzzi shower/bath tucked behind the shower curtains. A large closet and small cupboard store towels and toiletries while a walk-in closet adds convenience for seasonal clothing.

      The Greenhouse Apartment

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With quarry tile walls, a deck floor, glass walls and ceiling, a stone waterfall, heat & grow lamps, hot and cold water, the Greenhouse can nurture plant life and provide a magical entrance and sun room.       The kitchen and living/dining room view the greenhouse and garden.  The bath is all tile and has a shower unit with a built in marble bench, lighting and spot heating.       Cozy, even hot water heat is supplied by cast iron wraparound baseboards and a new gas boiler in the basement.       The bedroom has paneled walls, acoustical ceiling, and 2 louvered windows.

      The Carriage House

      A separate, 2 story building of brick and aluminum is a large 2 bedroom apartment with an eat-in kitchen, bath, dining alcove, living room and loft with cathedral ceiling of tongue & groove cedar and a black iron spiral staircase.  HVAC is central air and new electric heat.   There is a ceiling exhaust fan, large paddle fan and windows on all four sides.

      This unit has its own private washer and dryer as well as first floor utility and storage rooms and 3 private entrances to the parking lot and garden.  The floors are hardwood or carpeted; the kitchen floor is newly tiled.  The walls are painted plaster with cedar shingles on 2 walls.

      The Bi-Level Apartment In the Mansion

Six rooms, bath, and walk-in closets on the same grand scale as the Owner's Residence are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors.   The kitchen, entirely surrounded on 3 sides by glass, is a converted solarium and is more or less "in the trees" along the entire north side of the Mansion.       The walls of the extra-large, authentic Art Nouveau bathroom are covered with blue teal metal tiles and a maroon metal trim to a height of 5 feet. Among the many features is a built-in fancy beveled glass medicine cabinet and recessed shelf, flanked by original lamps.   There are 2 double windows, three closets, and washer/dryer hookups.       The living room has a floor to ceiling double window that accesses an ornate widow's balcony.   East side and west side rooms are separated by a generous hallway so all rooms are private.   The Parisian-like view is of rooftops, sky, weather, trees and neighborhood life.

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      The Art Nouveau Game Room Apartment (the Mansion's Billiards Room)

      The original floor is inset with Art Deco tile.  The wood and brick walls are warmed by a warm-white paint while the ceiling is white acoustical with recessed lighting.

      A corner brick fireplace surrounded by a slate bench and wall lamps is located in the bedroom, offset area.   The bright and airy ambiance is further enhanced by 3 high set windows.

      The apartment has a separate kitchen, bath, and 2 entrances.

      The Shelter Apartment

      A lower level efficiency apartment, constructed on all sides and ceiling of steel- reinforced concrete, served as a 1960's fallout shelter.   Brightly redecorated (3 windows, separate kitchen and the requisite bathroom), this apartment is a cozy sanctuary for the modern day minimalist.

Contact the owner:

Mary Lou Jenkins
537 W. Chestnut Street
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603
mljenkins@desupernet.net