227 E Gowen Ave Philadelphia, PA 19119

The red brick Victorian home, named Rosemont by its original owner, was built in 1885. Located in Mt. Airy (one of Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live 2013") on what Victorian Homes Magazine declared "The Prettiest Street in Philly." The home is cataloged as an attribution in "Frank Furness, The Complete Works." Furness was one of the most accomplished architects of his era (PA Academy of Fine Arts, U of P Library, Mt. Airy Train Station, ). The home combines many Victorian elements: a substantial slate roof with alternating square and fish scale slates, balconies, bay windows, prominent rafters and braces, half-timbering in the gables, stained glass and bellyband interior casings. This built to last structure was constructed with a no-nonsense approach to the masonry work: precisely formed bricks, laid in a thin butter joint style, chiseled granite lintels span the window and door openings, a band of "sunflower" tiles adorns both gable ends. A grand front porch, a mahogany rear deck and a pergola covered patio offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and professionally landscaped grounds. The center entry hall with its richly detailed woodworking and beautiful staircase, will set the stage for what is to come. The current family has painstakingly loved and cared for this home. Tending to details of the home's history, featured twice on the Gowen Estate tours, they have done many upgrades: a new custom kitchen (2012, all the modern conveniences with a nod to the Victorian flavor of the home), new slate front roof (2004), mahogany deck (2010), updated all bathrooms (1999),.... see seller disclosure for list. The crowning glory of this home is the sumptuous third floor master suite. Originally a billiards room, this grand loft has been converted to a spa-like treetop retreat, wrapped in a richly patinaed wood. You'll find yourself "checking-in" on Friday eve and hating to leave on Monday morn. Enjoy a sunset and a glass of wine on the back balcony or a sunrise and cup of coffee on the front balcony. Melt the stress away in the sauna/shower/soaking tub equipped bath. Binge watch a season of "House of Cards" in the generous seating area. Teleconference into your Sydney Office's Monday morning meeting from your bedroom office. The new mini-split air conditioner makes it the perfect get-away all year. If you must stretch your legs, it's a short stroll to the shops and restaurants on Germantown Ave. or hop the train to center city just steps away.