Not only was this magnificent home abandoned long ago, but it was demolished. Here is the story of “Farwood.”
Built in 1895 for Richard L. Ashhurst in Overbrook, Pennsylvania, Farwood was considered one of architect Wilson Eyre, Jr.’s finest country home designs. Eyre was known for his welcoming country houses and for for being an innovator of the Shingle Style.
For Farwood, he created a barnlike form that struck a bold pose along the 100′ facade of the house, while the first floor blueprint was simple. Three rooms formed one space, which today might be called open concept. Wide windows, massive fireplace, octagonal bay, and a complicated stairway graced the home.
In addition to his country home, Ashhurst maintained a home on South 11th Street in Philadelphia. He was born in 1838, admitted to the bar in 1859, and was appointed postmaster for Philadelphia. In 1911, Ashhurst mysteriously vanished when he apparently either fell, jumped or was pushed off the Atlantic City Pier into the ocean. His heavy cane with his name inscribed in silver was found hanging on the pier and some believed scratches on the railing indicated a struggle. The end of Mr. Ashhurst brought about the end of Farwood, as it was demolished some years later.
