Philadelphia loves its history. What’s not to be proud of? Aside from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitutional Convention and the Liberty Bell, we were the first capital city of the US, and the second-largest English speaking city in the world, after London, in 1776.
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So it follows that we love historic houses. Elfreth’s Alley, the Summer White House, and the Betsy Ross House are major tourist attractions because of the fact that they are historic homes. Philadelphia’s quaint row houses put Baltimore to shame. We have Victorian mansions in Germantown, old-fashioned apartments in Rittenhouse Square, and historic factory loft conversions in Fishtown. Depending on your interest, historic homes can also be found at any price point, though some neighborhoods are a bit “older” than others, so location may be a factor.
If you’re a bit of a history buff and think you would enjoy an older home, check out these five most historic houses for sale in Philadelphia:
2129 Walnut Street (Center City West)
Huge fireplaces, ornate crown molding, and pocket doors are some of the gorgeous federalist-era details you’ll find in this 1801 4-unit beauty.
1118 East Hewson Street (Fishtown)
This 1815 home has been updated, but if you look closely, you’ll appreciate some original doors and hardware, plus an exposed brick chimney and adorable curved staircase tucked behind a door, early-19th century style!
537 Pine Street (Center City East)
Original hardwood floors, a transom window over the front door, and ornate built-ins in the living and dining rooms bring lots of charm to this 1807 home in Society Hill.
150 Brown Street (Northern Liberties)
An 1865 rowhome near the Delaware River, 150 Brown Street features hard-to-find pine floors and a marble mantle.
8864 Germantown Avenue (Chestnut Hill)
The Kneedler House, an 1855 Italianate mansion, has 11 foot ceilings, inlaid wood flooring, grass-cloth wall coverings and an intricately turned staircase.
Historic homes can often be described as unique. You may need to be comfortable with designs that are not typical of modern layouts, including lots of room separation, low ceilings, smaller bedrooms, and less storage. Some historic properties have been renovated to fit today’s needs, while some can’t be changed too much if you want to retain historic charm. For your efforts, though, you may be rewarded with multiple fireplaces, rich hardwood floors, intricate wood or plasterwork, and charming built-ins.
If you have any questions about finding a unique, historic home in Philadelphia, please contact me. And remember: friends don’t let friends buy or sell homes without Agent Lady!
About Agent Lady: Cherise Wynne is a leading real estate agent in Philadelphia, helping home buyers and sellers navigate the City of Brotherly Love, with a special focus on first time home buyers. To chat about getting started with your first time home buying experience, click here.
