215 College Ave

Swarthmore, PA 19081

Permanence and strength. This is a home that has stood the test of time. Built for a retired farmer in 1881 as one of the first 100 homes in Swarthmore, 215 College Avenue stands tall with American Queen Anne elements. Its most distinguishing features are perhaps the elaborate brickwork and wide wrap around porch with sustainably harvested IPE wood decking that will welcome you home. Notice the asymmetrical faade; the beaded board ceiling on the porch; the intricate brick pattern, employing denticulated motifs; and the similar brick pattern carried between the second and third stories. The first floor, with tall ceilings and flooded with light, flows seamlessly from room to room. From the entry you can access the DINING ROOM and LIVING ROOM which includes 2 unique features: Pocket Windows that slide open from the floor up into the ceiling; and a wall of custom bookcases surrounding the wood burning brick Fireplace. The DINING ROOM has a front to back layout allowing even the largest of gatherings. The eat-in KITCHEN has a well-designed layout and movable granite top island. A 5 Burner BOSCH gas stove, Tankless H2O heater, whole-house water filter, 2X wide sink, Granite Counters, Custom all wood Cabinetry, and door to the Back Yard are featured. The OFFICE/PLAYROOM has such versatility, this room can be used in many ways: consider party flow and a sheltered bar area, or a study/play area near cooking parents. And do not miss the NEW FULL BATH off the Living Room featuring a Spanish tile surround, walk-in shower, custom vanity, and hand laid flooring. This bath allows the first floor to also accommodate visiting family. The hallway to the bath has a wall of built-in closets for the ultimate in easy storage and organization. The second floor includes: a MASTER BEDROOM, delightfully filled with natural light, his and hers closets, window seating, and ceiling fan. FULL BATH 2 includes a walk-in shower, Italian Ship lighting (actual lights from a ship), tumbled Italian tile, 2-person cedar sauna, a deep linen and laundry closet. BEDROOM 2 is also light filled and spacious, and BEDROOM 3 is a charming smaller room nestled in the eaves ? both have access to the back stair and FULL BATH 3, updated with tub shower, tile flooring and single bowl vanity. The 3rd floor includes BEDROOMS 4 and 5 and updated FULL BATH 4 featuring a large soaking tub, walk-in shower, terra cotta floor tiling and custom single bowl vanity. The house has been stabilized and completely renovated with an eye for every detail! While the walls, windows, floors, roof are all new, they replicate the original, quirky style that makes Victorians so interesting. All appliances are energy efficient, as are the true-divided wooden Pella windows, allowing for sound mitigation and cost savings while retaining the original look of the house. The garden is special and always has something in bloom. As a featured house on Swarthmore's 2012 house tour, this house has been on several garden tours (including Scott Arboretum's and Shipley's), and is a designated Wildlife Habitat- planted to attract a plethora of birds and butterflies. There are hand laid brick pathways winding through, with one leading to a charming Cedar Shed on the side. The 2 car parking pad includes the electric car charging station. This is a great party house, from children's birthdays, to weddings, to porch cocktail parties, to catered dinners for 40. The house handles them all, with stylish ease. The location is ideal: a quick walk to the town and train; across from the Wallingford-Swarthmore Blue Ribbon schools; and a short drive to Rtes 476, I95, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and King of Prussia. Make a point to schedule a private viewing of this extraordinary home! Showings start Friday, October 30.