4953 Mckean Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19144

A remarkably beautiful home, circa 1876, with a unique floor plan that is different from other semi-detached 3-story Victorian stone homes--offering a first floor suite perfect for the at-home professional office OR the comfortable mother-in-law suite OR the Air BnB suite with full bathroom that helps pay for the mortgage! The rest of the house is a spacious, light-filled home with fantastic new kitchen that opens to large family/dining area and offers 3-4 bedrooms with 3 more full bathrooms. Here's the floor plan: 1st floor: delightful front porch leads to broad 1st floor entry way with powder room off to the side; stunning great room with tall arched windows with interior shutters facing the western sun and handsome fireplace mantel; on the other side of the entry way is the two room suite described above, the first room graced with fireplace mantel and huge bay of light-filled windows, the second room large enough for a bedroom or a waiting room (depending on an owner's use); then a brand new full bathroom with shower stall; then an exit to the rear of the property. 2nd floor: 3 large rooms: large eat-in new kitchen with long center island that offers miles of polished granite counter, deep stainless steel sink with garbage disposal, dishwasher as well as broad lip for at least 4 stools on one side. And more: gas cooking, abundant cabinetry, tumbled marble backsplash, stainless steel refrigerator/freezer, and easy-on-the knees cork flooring--all surrounded by high Victorian windows; the kitchen opens to a large family room that can accommodate both seating and dining areas if desired and offers a large built-in floor to ceiling storage cabinet; full new bathroom with shower over tub; front large room that might be an extension of the family area OR a beautiful bedroom; deep hall closet. 3rd floor: 3 attractive bedrooms: the rear bedroom has good closet and its own new full bath with shower stall; the middle bedroom with great closets is huge and leads to the jack 'n jill brand new bathroom with shower over tub, gleaming ceramic tile finishes. This bathroom is also accessed by the front large bedroom that enjoys the western sun, excellent views of dramatic Center City architecture and offers a wall of closet; large hall closet with ceiling access to attic; another hall closet for washer and dryer. Full basement: unfinished for utilities, storage and work areas with bilco door exit to side yard. Things to know: 1) There is a deck accessed from the attic at the top of the house with fabulous views and shared with the neighbor at 4951; 2) The 2 room with full bath suite on the first floor is sound proofed with double doors and a layer of homosote for insulation under all the 2nd floor carpet; 3) The 2-car garage accessed from the Morris Street end of the property has an electric door opener; 4) There are 9 heating zones in the house controlling the high-efficiency gas-fired boiler (2021) in the basement AND there are 8 heat pump split systems (2021) for cool air throughout the house in warm weather. These split systems can also provide heat if desired. 5) This home and its attached twin at 4951 was built by the Justus Strawbridge Family (of Strawbridge Department Store fame) for his sons. At that time, Justus himself lived in a large estate home across the street which unfortunately is no longer there. Today the neighborhood has a rich history, long-time residents committed to the community, acres of green Fernhill Park where one might see goats eating the grass, the Germantown Cricket Club on Manheim Street. Easy walk to Wissahickon Charter School, Kelly Elementary School, Germantown Friends School, Green Street Friends School or Penn Charter and a variety of places of worship. It's just a 15 minute drive to Center City OR easy ride on commuter rail from newly renovated Wayne Junction. Quick settlement possible. Showings start on Friday, April 1, 2022.