Formerly on Northeast side of what is now Sunset Avenue, near Crefeld Street

 

(photograph from Chestnut Hill Historical Society-John Naylor Collection: 1970.47)

 

MAP NUMBER: 73
DATE: 1885
ORIGINAL OWNER: George Imlay Bodine
ARCHITECT: Unknown
CONTRACTOR: Unknown
DEMOLISHED:  1945

Moses King included "Belle Ayre" in his 1901 book, "King's Views of
Philadelphia," p. 88 stating, " 'Belle Ayre' with its imposing and hospitable
stone residence built in 1885 by George I. Bodine, head of banking
firm of Bodine, Altemus & Co., is a comfortable home in Chestnut Hill
on part of the Hildebrun estate, with a grand commanding view of the
White Marsh Valley."  One of several homes in Chestnut Hill that had
an open porch on top of  a tower so that the owners might take advantage
of the views and breezes.  A two-story carriage house was constructed in
1899 by Macey Hendeson & Company, Ltd.  The carriage house was
converted to a dwelling in 1932 and survives as a residence at 100 West
Hampton Avenue.  The original stone wall bordering the Bodine house and
stable still stands on Hampton Road, Crefeld Street, and Sunset Avenue. 

See Keels and Jarvis, "Chestnut Hill," p. 34.