Gentilhommiere
Girard Park, 21st & Shunk Sts.

Gentilhommiere was Stephen Girard’s country retreat as well as a working farm of more than 500 acres where he pursued an interest in scientific agriculture. The eastern wing of the house predates Girard’s acquisition of the property in 1797. To this modest farmhouse, he added the center (1800) and western (1825) sections, creating a more-or-less symmetrical composition of modest elegance. On both the north and south facades, the white stucco-coated wings contrast with the central pavilion of red brick, surmounted by a cross gable highlighted by a round window. On the north, presumably the principal facade, the central section is set back to allow for a shed-roofed porch supported by four classical columns. Gentilhommiere is administered by the Fairmount Park Commission, but is not currently open to the public.

NEXT - Exit the park at the southeast corner, 21st and Shunk Sts. Cross 21st St. and turn left.