The Gothic fortress in Wynnewood that was originally built as a home for Isaac Hallowell Clothier of Strawbridge & Clothier has altered its purpose several times since, serving as an elite school for girls, a set for a Hollywood movie, and finally, a church, writes Stacia Friedman for the Hidden City Philadelphia.

In 1865, Clothier commissioned architect Addison Hutton to design a Scottish Baronial fortress on 60 acres along Lancaster Avenue on the former Henry Morris’ Maple Grove Farm.

Once completed, he named his castle Ballytore and continued to live there until his death in 1921.

Twelve years later, the estate was rented to Agnes Irwin School – founded in 1869 by Agnes Irwin, a great-great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin. The school bought the property in 1936 and stayed there until 1961 when it moved to its present location in Rosemont.

The following year the castle was a set for the David and Lisa movie, rated Best Movie of the Year by Time Magazine.

In 1963, Ballytore became the Saint Sahag Saint Mesrob Armenian Church, and remains as such to this day.

Read more about Ballytore at the Hidden City Philadelphia by clicking here.