On the market: A Merion Station estate with room to grow

Jonathan Beatty's parents bought their Merion Station estate in 1999. He said the grounds on the 1.6-acre lot drew them to the property.

"They were intrigued by the sprawling lawns and gardens," he said.

His mother, Dolores, has recently decided it's time to list the home for sale. Her son is overseeing the process.

"My parents loved living there and wanted to stay there as long as they were physically able," he said. "They reached a point in health where it no longer made sense for such an estate."

The property is stretched over more than 7,400 square feet. The home can be configured as one six-bedroom property with five full baths and a powder room, or as a four-bedroom property with four full baths and a powder room, along with a two-bedroom, one-bath in-law or au pair suite.

"I would think that the layout is one of the more appealing aspects of the home," Beatty said. "There are convenient connections between rooms, which is ideal for raising a family while maintaining privacy."

The home also includes a library with stone flooring and built-in shelving.

"My father had the library built for his lifelong collection of books, and he spent countless hours there in his pursuit of knowledge," Beatty said.

If the library was among his father's favorite spaces in the home, Beatty's mother spent much of her time tending to the gardens or admiring them from inside, he said.

"My mother loved the sun porch, which was filled with flourishing plants from its incredible natural light," he said.

Beatty said the property also lends itself to entertaining. The home includes a formal dining room, which was often the site of family occasions.

"The sprawl of the first floor also provides opportunities for large gatherings," he said.

Now that the property has been listed for sale, Beatty said he thinks the location will entice new owners.

"The neighborhood is quiet, friendly and pleasant," he said. "You have a private escape just minutes from the city in one direction, or parks and great local restaurants in the other."

The property is listed with Lauren Leithead at Keller Williams for $985,000.