Kragsyde

Kragsyde was a notable Queen Anne style country house located near Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Designed by the architectural firm Peabody and Stearns, and completed in 1889, it was commissioned by George W. Vanderbilt II. Kragsyde was renowned for its dramatic cliff-side setting overlooking the Schuylkill River, its picturesque massing, and its integration of landscape and architecture. It drew inspiration from the seaside architecture of New England and English vernacular styles, featuring shingle siding, irregular rooflines, and numerous porches and balconies that took advantage of the views. The interiors were equally lavish, showcasing intricate woodwork, stained glass, and custom furnishings. Despite its architectural significance and recognition, Kragsyde was demolished in 1929 due to rising maintenance costs and the evolving tastes of the Vanderbilt family. It is now remembered primarily through photographs and architectural drawings.