Renowned jazz vocalist Bobby McFerrin and his wife, Debra, faced a dilemma when deciding to move from Minneapolis to Philadelphia. Bobby longed for a country house, while Debra preferred the allure of city life.
Despite their conflicting desires, the couple miraculously discovered a home that satisfied both their preferences. Nestled within 340 acres of protected woods, trails, and meadows belonging to the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, they stumbled upon a remarkable 1860s manor house.
Surprisingly, this natural haven is just a short 15-minute drive from Philadelphia’s bustling Center City. In 2001, the McFerrins purchased the property, which spans 1.27 acres. After fifteen years and a significant renovation, they have made the decision to list the house for $3.495 million.
To transform the manor and create an addition, the McFerrins sought the expertise of Philadelphia-based Purdy O’Gwynn Architects. Mrs. McFerrin expressed her desire to seamlessly blend the new structure with the existing house, stating, “This house is the remodel I’m most proud of because it truly embodies our lifestyle.”
It’s worth noting that Mrs. McFerrin has previous experience renovating homes, having revamped four houses in the past, including a Victorian mansion in San Francisco and a brownstone in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.
The house itself boasts five bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms, and spans approximately 8,000 square feet across four levels. Its highlights include a spacious great room that combines the living area, dining room, and eat-in kitchen, all of which open onto a charming brick terrace overlooking the gardens and swimming pool. The front porch, an original relic from the home’s past, seamlessly connects with the terrace.
Among the notable rooms are a music room, a study, and a sunroom. The finished basement offers a media room, a fitness center, a full bathroom, ample storage space, and direct access to the pool.
The new addition serves as Mr. McFerrin’s studio. Bobby, a ten-time Grammy award winner and celebrated conductor famous for his hit single “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” required a nearly soundproof space. His studio features its own entrance, triple-pane windows, and a private balcony.
Moreover, the addition includes a guest suite complete with a kitchenette and full bathroom, often occupied by the McFerrins’ children. Mrs. McFerrin remarked, “We always have a lot of guests coming to visit.”
However, the McFerrins are preparing to welcome guests on the West Coast as they plan to sell their current home and relocate to California, desiring closer proximity to their family.
Responsible for the sale is Donald Pearson of Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty. Take a moment to browse the accompanying gallery for a glimpse inside this remarkable home.