Grace Kelly, the iconic American actress who became Princess of Monaco, spent her childhood in a stately home located in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born on November 12, 1929, Grace Patricia Kelly was the third of four children in a wealthy and influential family.
The six-bedroom mansion was built in 1928 by Kelly’s father, John B. Kelly, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in rowing. It is located in the city’s East Falls section, surrounded by mature trees and an impeccable lawn. A historical plaque outside the estate highlights its significance to passersby. Regional travel guides offer walking and biking trails to admire the best views of the renowned house. The front door manifests the multicultural ties of its inhabitants with three flags: Monaco, the USA, and Ireland. The first two countries are understandable: Monaco was the country Grace moved to after marrying Prince Rainier III on 1956, the United States of America was her native country. Kelly’s father was one of 10 children of Irish immigrants.
The very fact that John B. Kelly built the house hints at his connection with architecture. So it was. Mr. Kelly was a prominent Philadelphian businessman and the founder of a brickwork contracting company, John B. Kelly, Inc. The house is a bricked chocolate bar, after all. Ellen Sheehan, the Co-President of the East Falls Historical Society, said Phil Aiello was the architect commissioned to design the home. Aiello’s wife’s maiden name was Majer, just like Kelly’s mother, Margaret, which means the two women were related. Thus, it was a true family home designed and built for one particular family, taking into account their peculiarities and needs.
Since Grace lived in this Colonial-style house with her parents and siblings (sisters Peggy and Lizanne and her brother John Jr. (or Kell)), the house had to be spacious. It featured six bedrooms (four of which occupied the second floor) and four bathrooms. The four thousand square foot home was located on a 69-acre territory and boasted a beautiful garden. In the basement was a den where Kellies used to throw fascinating Xmas parties. There, the family had the interview after Prince Rainier and Grace announced their engagement announcement, and Grace showed her engagement ring to her parents. The film crew accompanied Prince Rainier to commemorate the great day.
A real bar was adjacent to the den. The family called it “Kelly Tavern.” Above the bar hung an oar, probably Mr. Kelly’s former possession, and his skull’s point was also displayed there. The bar shrill has its original structure, a reference to John B. Kelly’s prowess in the sport.
The estate had numerous nooks and crannies, which was comforting for little Grace. Sometimes, the quiet girl needed a break from the boisterous family members. However, Grace remained there for hours: she enjoyed playing with her dolls and was happy with the peace and quiet.
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