Noted as a fine example of Flemish bond brickwork, Belleair Manor (completed 1750) is a Georgian house that stands apart in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park at 2000 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia. Called “The Lakes”, the park is located near the Navy facility and cut-off by the elevated highway, making for a perfect enclave to get away from the city and take a tour of history. The American Swedish Historical Museum is also located in FDR Park.
Bellaire Manor (Samuel Preston House) (source)
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The house of Samuel Preston was originally built on land granted to Swedish settlers by William Penn in the late 17th century. Lawrence or Lassie Cock was one of the first registered owners of the land, still called the Passayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia after 400 years.
Lasse Cock was a prominent member of the Swedish colony and a large landowner. He served as a justice in the Upland court and was a founder of Gloria Dei… He spoke several languages and a number of Indian dialects and became the official interpreter for William Penn and Governor Markham.
Interior photographs of the manor show the beautiful wood paneling in all the main rooms of the house, fine examples of built-in furniture, and classic Georgian details on the stairs and fireplace mantles. Bellaire is one of the many Fairmount Park Houses.