1224 S 51st St, Philadelphia, PA, 19143

Elegant without being stuffy, this corner property with striking historic details alongside modern upgrades is nothing short of magic. Featuring high ceilings, original pine floors, much of the original woodwork, oversized windows and sprinkles of leaded glass throughout, the home was thoughtfully renovated less than 10 years ago and features new systems, including dual-zone HVAC, and potential for parking via the side curb cut. From the front porch, enter through a wide vestibule with original wainscoting and tile floor into a large open hall at the base of the turned staircase with gorgeous millwork and a powder room tucked beneath. This gracious neutral zone separates the front parlor from the formal dining room. Standout details on this floor include the leaded glass window and original mantel in the parlor; coffered ceiling, bay window, intricate chair rail and wall molding in the dining room; and a wall of intact original subway tile in the kitchen. Here there are granite countertops, ample white Shaker-style cabinetry complete with a pantry, and a center island with breakfast bar and extra-deep undermount stainless steel sink with gooseneck faucet. Appliances include a Maytag five-burner stainless gas range, GE microwave and dishwasher, and Samsung black stainless French door fridge. The extra-charming original rear staircase with window is intact. Up on the second floor, the massive front room with original crown molding, bay window and decorative fireplace has a nice-sized closet, so it can be used as a living room or primary bedroom. The spacious hall bath has two windows, tasteful gray porcelain tile floors and a deep tub. The third floor has three more spacious and charming bedrooms, a proper laundry room with linen closet, and a hall bath with finishes that match the one on the second floor. As a bonus, there’s a full standing-height attic with a skyline view. The partly finished basement with high ceilings and powder room offers an opportunity for much more than storage, and the large paved rear yard provides plenty of space for outdoor living and/or container gardening if you don’t need off-street parking. In a great Cedar Park location overlooking the Kingsessing Rec Center and Library grounds (currently undergoing a $7m renovation via the city’s Rebuild program), the house is just a few blocks from Baltimore Ave and convenient to multiple trolley lines as well as the Regional Rail stop just across the park.