300 N 39th St Philadelphia, PA 19104

The term "one of a kind" gets thrown around a lot, but this West Powelton house with connected garage and magnificent garden is the real deal. Overlooking Saunders Park and occupying a double lot, this former home of a renowned local architect is nothing short of enchanting. There are lovely original details at every turn--from the wide-plank floors to the plaster crown molding, from the stately vestibule to the lovely millwork throughout?and the innovative renovation brings a contemporary sensibility while paying proper respect. The main level has a classic floorplan with a large living room with marble mantel, formal dining room with picture rail, and separate eat-in kitchen, but each room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the yard, so the vibe is bright, airy and decidedly unstuffy. The kitchen is clearly where guests will gather, with its spacious layout and a breakfast nook that opens onto the brick-paved patio overlooking a large lawn with perimeter planting beds and a koi pond. The farmhouse-cool kitchen features Marmoleum floors, crisp white Shaker cabinetry, gray quartz countertops with deep undermount sink, butcher block-topped island with prep sink, and stainless steel appliances, including a five-burner slide-in range and counter-depth Summit refrigerator. Opposite the rear staircase is a pantry and the sweetest powder room with cute corner sink. Off the kitchen is a large laundry room with access to the garage, which has a great Dutch door that opens to the garden. On the second floor, both the front and rear bedrooms benefit from windows on two walls; the front has amazing full-wall built-in shelving. It also connects to the smaller middle bedroom, whose double closets make it a great option for a dressing room. The Scandinavian-spa bathroom, accessed via the middle bedroom or hall, has a deep whirlpool tub, separate shower with frameless glass doors, and built-in shelving. The third floor is drenched in light and could work just as well as the second floor for a master retreat, with a spacious front bedroom and a smaller bonus room that leads to a charming full bath with wood floors, corner shower and a pretty custom vanity with open shelves and beadboard wall accent. The garage offers stress-free parking, of course, but there are multiple public transit options nearby, and UPenn, Drexel and University City shopping and dining are all a no-car-needed commute. This one is simply magical.