Some homes invite you to admire them, this one invites you to step into history. Built c.1851, this Victorian treasure sits just a half block from Germantown Avenue, in historic Penn-Knox, where church steeples, lush gardens, and centuries-old landmarks tell the story of Philadelphia’s past. Behind its handsome brick façade, ornate details, and welcoming wrought-iron gate, you’ll find a home where old-world character has been carefully preserved while offering everyday comfort.
Step through the sun-filled, enclosed front porch, overlooking the historic block with mature trees. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by original hardwood floors, a spacious living room, followed by a formal dining room with a built-in china cabinet. A cheerful kitchen opens directly to the backyard, where a covered slate patio, intimate garden beds, and gated breezeway create a serene urban retreat. A sweet powder room and basement access complete the first level.
The second level features three bright and sunny bedrooms with oversized windows, wooden doors, and generous closet space. A retro hall bathroom includes a bathtub, vanity, and a window overlooking the garden. Ascend the handsome staircase to the third level where two additional bedrooms offer birds eye views of the treetops or the rear garden. Built-ins, solid wood doors, and a graceful staircase highlight the home’s timeless craftsmanship, while hardwood floors in both oak and pine add warmth throughout.
From your porch, gaze across to Trinity Lutheran Church and its historic graveyard, final resting place of Germantown settlers and soldiers of three wars. On the corner, Christopher Sauer’s print shop once produced the first Bible printed in the American colonies. Today, the neighborhood hums with fresh energy, with shops and restaurants lining Germantown Avenue. Take a short walk to Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books, Howell Park, or the Penn & Greene Community Garden. A selection of public, private, and charter schools are within walking distance, while universities including Jefferson (formerly Thomas Jefferson University), Drexel University College of Medicine, La Salle University, and Chestnut Hill College are just a few minutes away. The revitalized Wayne Junction houses Attic Brewing, Merzbacher’s Bakery, and Deke’s Barbecue, while Wissahickon Park’s 57 miles of wooded trails offer an escape into nature. Center City is just a 20-minute ride by train or car, and the Route 23 bus stop on the corner makes for an easy commute to Chestnut Hill or downtown.
With its blend of historic charm, architectural detail, and a location at the heart of a vibrant community, this Penn-Knox Victorian is more than a home, it’s a story waiting to be lived.
