Walnut Grove, Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia
The Cliffs, Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA | Library of Congress
Bellevue Mansion (North Philadelphia, near 29th St. and Allegheny Ave.; now site of Etting Square park)
Built in the late 18th century as a country estate by English merchant Thomas Ketland. Purchased in 1802 by Wharton's grandfather, Charles Wharton (1743–1838), a Philadelphia merchant, for £3,500 as a summer retreat overlooking the Schuylkill River. The 106-acre working farm featured a large ballroom (used by the family as a game room), orchards, barns, and gardens with willows and oaks. In 1834, Charles gifted it to his son William Wharton (1790–1856), Joseph's father, who lived there seasonally with wife Deborah Fisher Wharton, raising their 10 children (including Joseph). Joseph spent his youth here, walking to the river for swims. By the 1870s, industrial threats (e.g., Reading Railroad line built 1839, just 30 yards away) and city plans for the Cambria Reservoir led to condemnation threats. Joseph and siblings sold or lost the property amid urban expansion; the mansion was demolished around 1880–1890. Site now a playground; reflects early Quaker estate life but not Joseph's primary mansion.
119 Lombard St. Townhouse (near 12th and Walnut Sts., Center City;
After marriage, Wharton and Anna lived in a townhouse owned by his mother (Deborah Fisher Wharton) near 12th and Walnut (or documented as 119 Lombard St. in Historic American Buildings Survey). Modest urban Quaker home; Anna stayed here while Joseph traveled for business (e.g., Bethlehem zinc works). Preceded Ontalauna; sold or passed on as family moved to estates. Site now part of modern Philadelphia (possibly redeveloped); reflects early career phase.
The Cliffs, Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia
The Cliffs, Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA | Library of Congress
Oak Hill Mansion, Philadelphia
The Cliffs, Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA | Library of Congress
Ontalauna Mansion (Branchtown neighborhood, Philadelphia; Old York Rd. near Chelten Ave.; 63-acre estate)
Wharton's primary residence from 1881 onward. He bought the land in the 1870s as a summer estate, then built a grand Second Empire-style mansion (French-inspired with mansard roof, towers, and ornate interiors) around 1880–1881. Named "Ontalauna" (possibly derived from Native American words meaning "beautiful hill" or a family reference). The estate included ponds for skating, gardens, and walking paths; Joseph hosted family dinners and walks here into his 80s. It symbolized his wealth and industrial success. Wharton died here on January 11, 1909, at age 82. Passed to heirs (e.g., daughter Joanna Lippincott and sons); sold by family in the early 20th century amid suburban development. Demolished in the 1920s–1930s; site now part of residential Philadelphia (near East Germantown)
Batsto Mansion (Batsto Village, Wharton State Forest, Washington Township, NJ; Mullica River area)
Welcome To Batsto Village - Batsto Village
Acquired in 1876 for ~$14,000 at a master's sale from the Richards family, who had expanded an 18th-century ironmaster's home (earliest section c. 1790). Wharton renovated it into a 32-room Italianate-style mansion (added tower, elegant interiors, and verandas) as a "gentleman farmer's" retreat on his vast 150-square-mile Pine Barrens holdings (purchased 1870s–1880s for water supply experiments and conservation). Not a primary residence but used for family visits and agricultural trials (e.g., logging, nurseries). Unlike his Philadelphia homes, it was private and far from society. After Wharton's death, family retained until 1954, when sold to New Jersey for $2 million to form Wharton State Forest core. Now a historic site/museum in Batsto Village (open to public; tours available).
Wharton also owned industrial sites (e.g., Bethlehem Steel precursor) and vast NJ Pinelands (110,000+ acres)
Marabella (also called Horsehead;) 240 Highland Dr. Jamestown, RI
Built 1882–1884 (attributed to architect C.L. Bevins; builder J.D. Johnston) as a Shingle-style seaside estate on land Wharton bought in the 1880s. Overlooking Narragansett Bay on a dramatic site, it featured panoramic views, verandas, and fieldstone foundations—among Rhode Island's finest Shingle-style homes. Used as a summer residence for sailing and relaxation; Wharton had Newport roots via family. Remained in Wharton family post-1909 (e.g., descendants owned into 20th century). Sold privately; current status private (not open to public). Ranks with notable estates like McKim, Mead & White's Low House; no "Oak Hill" reference.
Marbella
Lippincott House, 216 Highland Dr., Jamestown, RI
216 Highland Dr, Jamestown, RI 02835 | Zillow
A 1926 Colonial Revival home designed by architect Albert Harkness, potentially built for J. Bertram or his heirs. Smaller than Meeresblick but in the same area, used for summer stays. Family ownership continued post-1940.
Beavertail Farm House 177 Beavertail Rd., Jamestown, RI
Constructed 1904 as a classical Shingle-style farmhouse (designed by Charles Bevins) on 10+ acres amid Wharton's larger Jamestown holdings. A 6,400 sq ft private estate with 6 bedrooms, rolling lawns, meadows, and ocean views; renovated to high standards post-original build. Used as a family summer retreat; exceptionally secluded. Remained in Wharton family (e.g., listed for sale in 2016 via Lila Delman Real Estate). Sold in 2016; now private. Ties to Wharton's RI roots but secondary to Marabella.
Beavertail Farm
Meeresblick (J. Bertram Lippincott House), 177 Beavertail Rd., Jamestown, RI
Jamestown summer home sells for $2.4M
Built 1892–1893 by architects Pritchett & Pritchett as a Shingle-style seaside villa overlooking Narragansett Bay. "Meeresblick" (German for "sea view") was commissioned by J. Bertram and his wife Joanna, uniting the Lippincott publishing dynasty with the Wharton industrial family. The 4,000+ sq ft home features expansive verandas, fieldstone foundations, and panoramic ocean views on 10+ acres (part of the family's larger land holdings on the peninsula). It was used as a summer retreat for fishing, sailing, and family gatherings. The property remains in Lippincott family hands (e.g., Bertram Lippincott III associated via public records), with parts sold for development in the 1980s. Listed in architectural histories