Green Home in Manayunk Combines Luxury and Sustainability

Admit it: when you think of real estate in Manayunk, you do not immediately conjure manicured landscaping and green design elements. It is more likely that you think of rowhomes flush against the sidewalk with an occasional porch and lots of stucco. But this home is not that kind of bro manor. In fact, with this litany of luxurious – and sustainable – upgrades, snobs could be forgiven for assuming this home was situated somewhere tonier than on a quiet hill in Manayunk.

The home checks every green design box. There is a solar energy system, a geothermal heating and cooling system, tankless water heaters, and an electric car charging station. There is a fireplace fronted by reclaimed coconut shells and reused wood throughout. Of course there is a green roof (more on that later) and a slew of efficient appliances. A smart home auto system allows owners to control climate, lighting, audio and security from touch screens installed around the home or remotely via computer or mobile device.

Each bedroom in the property includes its own bathroom and walk-in closet. Two of the three share one floor and the master suite occupies the third floor. The master includes its own sitting room with the coconut fireplace as well as a “morning kitchen” with its own Miele built-in coffee system, microwave and sink. The master bath is practically a petit spa, with an infinity bathtub, radiant heated floors, a flatscreen and an electric fireplace. The full kitchen downstairs is replete with Viking appliances and an instant hot sink. Also downstairs is a media room with a wet bar and wine cooler. The home is also outfitted with a central vac, which might be our favorite upgrade.

The outdoor spaces in this home are remarkable. There is a landscaped backyard with a deck and built-in gas grill. That would be coup enough but there is also a lush green roof that offers Center City views. While the listing doesn’t picture the roof, it is described as having a “flat screen TV bordered by waterfalls, firepits and torches with a slate floor that sits under a canopy of solar modules.” Which literally sounds like some kind of impossible landscaping daydream.

THE FINE PRINT
Beds: 3
Baths: 4
Square feet: 3,775
Price: $899,900

Listing: 4711 Sheldon Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127 [Berkshire Hathaway]