An Attachment To Place

Richard (“Rick”) Cantor and his wife Joan love their home. They love it for its architectural style and grace, but also its character and warmth. From the moment they purchased the property, they wished its beauty and integrity could somehow be preserved forever. By placing a conservation easement on the 3.69-acre property, their wish came true.

Rick remembers how sad he was when Whitemarsh Hall, a splendid childhood playground of his and an historic estate in Wyndmoor, was torn down. He learned first hand the emotional attachment people can feel for a place. When he and Joan relocated to Philadelphia from the suburbs, they immediately felt that type of attachment to their new home. Soon they realized they not only owned a special property, but they also belonged to a unique neighborhood as well.

Situated close to both Fairmount Park and Carpenter’s Woods, the Cantors’ neighborhood is wonderfully relaxed and friendly. Their property is one of several beautiful parcels of land, but it is unique in Rick’s eyes. Set far back from the street, the Cantors’ 1911 home, designed by Charles Barton Keene, feels like its own lovely, somewhat secluded world. In addition to the historic Georgian house, the property features large specimen trees, a wide variety of plants, a family of red foxes, deer, raccoons and the occasional coyote.

Once he heard about placing a conservation easement on his property from a neighbor, Rick knew it was the right thing to do. He was pleased to work with experienced, friendly people from CHHS to create an easement that best suited his family’s needs and wishes for the future. Special time was spent clarifying even the smallest details, and CHHS staff worked diligently until the Cantors thoroughly understood everything.

Now Rick views the decision to place a conservation easement on the property as a “no-brainer.” He and Joan have the peace of mind, knowing that the place that is so special to them will still be here, undisturbed, for generations to come.