“Ladies in Waiting” Home Built for a Queen in Historic Tulpehocken Station



Mysteries abound at this darling gingerbread home in uber-historic Tulpehocken Station. Among them: why was it named “Ladies in Waiting House?” And why did architect John Fallon build the home for Queen Maria Christina of Spain? Alas, Googling and close analysis of the tome-like listing do not reveal any answers.

The Victorian stunner was the second home built in the neighborhood, in conjunction with a home called the Queen’s House across the street (why was this not the home built for Maria Christina then? So many questions!). It exudes American Gothic charm with gingerbread and bargeboard trim as well as diamond-mullioned windows and stained glass.

The home is currently being used as two separate residences, with one of which generating “significant” rental income. It is zoned as a triplex, so the new owner should have plenty of options. As it stands now, the home offers six bedrooms and six baths (five of which have delightful claw-foot tubs) as well as an updated kitchen and beautiful sunroom with cathedral skylights. Outside there is a perennial garden with flagstone walkways.

THE FINE PRINT
Beds: 6
Baths: 6
Square feet: 4,478
Price: $475,000

Listing: 20 West Tulpehocken Street, Philadelphia