Rathalla- A Gilded Age Mansion now a part of Rosemont College
This stunning Gilded Age beauty is called Rathalla and is now a part of Rosemont College . In Gaelic Rathalla means "Home of the Chieftain upon the Highest Hill." Philadelphia architects Hazlehurst and Huckle designed the house and it was completed in 1889. The firm built a range of buildings including Churches, factories, large mansions and sprawling suburban homes. While they were prolific, only a few of their buildings still stand. This house has 32 rooms and at the time of occupancy required 7 servants. It was built for Joseph F. Sinnott who had a fascinating life. Starting out as a penniless Irish immigrant, he became extremely wealthy and very philanthropic sharing his wealth with many organizations. In 1854, he arrived in Philadelphia at the age of 17. His plans were to continue on to South Carolina, to join family there. However, upon coming to the U.S. he learned those family members had died of Yellow Fever. It was then that he decided to stay in Philadelphia and...
