Jonathan and Bobbie Turner have crafted a distinctive home in Philadelphia’s Society Hill, seamlessly blending two properties – a 1765 “cottage” and a 1963 rowhouse. Their residence stands out in a neighborhood known for its historically preserved facades.

A Neighborhood of History

Many homes in Society Hill display plaques from the Philadelphia Historical Commission, signifying historically accurate facades dating back to the 18th and early 19th centuries. While the Turners’ brick, Colonial-style rowhouse initially appears to fit this description, it was actually built in 1963.

The area underwent a significant rebirth in the early 1960s, coinciding with the establishment of Independence National Historical Park. Many original homes were in disrepair, leading to both restoration projects and new construction.

The Initial Purchase and Garden Oasis

Jonathan Turner purchased the two-story house with a dormer in 1984, unconcerned with its lack of historical status. “It had the biggest backyard,” he explained, which he transformed into a charming garden. Originally from Derbyshire, England, Jonathan moved to Philadelphia after acquiring a shipbuilding hardware manufacturing company.

Blending Styles and a Growing Family

Jonathan met Bobbie, and they married in 1994, choosing to remain in Society Hill. Bobbie, now director of convention and meeting services at the American College of Physicians, appreciated the home’s convenience to both her work and her family in South Jersey.

The couple incorporated furnishings from Jonathan’s British family heritage alongside Bobbie’s personal touches. A kitchen renovation, assisted by interior designer Rosa Cucchia, introduced new appliances, beige cabinetry, and granite countertops.

Interior Design Evolution

Over time, Bobbie and Cucchia continued to refine the interior. The kitchen cabinets were painted a deep coral, complemented by a gray and coral floral wallpaper. In the living room, Cucchia designed a salmon-colored silk window treatment to harmonize with the rug, and sourced a reproduction antique secretary.

Recently, the salmon-colored treatment was replaced with a blue version, echoing the rug’s colors. Bobbie’s chair and Jonathan’s vintage armchairs were reupholstered in shades of blue, and the space was completed with blue and white porcelain and cream-colored walls with pale blue panels.

A Legacy of Taste

Much of the artwork throughout the home belonged to Jonathan’s father, Max. “He had impeccable taste,” Jonathan remarked. A large painting of two hawks by an Irish artist adorns the dining room, which features white walls and deep gray wainscoting.

The étagère displays tastevins, small silver dishes used for wine tasting, reflecting the couple’s shared interest in food and wine – they first met at an event hosted by Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Expanding the Home

In 2002, with the birth of their son James, the Turners purchased the adjacent two-story, 1765 “cottage” and connected it to their existing home. The cottage features original wood-burning fireplace and preserved pine flooring in the front parlor.

The cottage’s butler pantry houses antique English furniture dating back to the 1600s. The room is decorated with a scarlet rug and sofa, and a unique square piano.

Continued Updates and a Harmonious Blend

Cucchia recently updated the guest and primary bedrooms in the cottage, continuing the blue color scheme. A basement leak prompted a renovation into a comfortable entertainment center with bright green storage cabinets.

According to Cucchia, the Turners’ home is “a blend of their personalities,” creating “a livable environment where there is a different energy in every space.”