First-Time Find: A 2-Bedroom Tudor Gem in East Falls

3468 W. Penn St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19129 | TREND images via Elfant Wissahickon Realtors

The classic Philadelphia row home experienced a brief period of architectural experimentation in the 1930s and 1940s. The traditional neo-Classical style gave way to a wave of Tudor and English Revival homes with picturesque fronts and layouts that incorporated the new “Airlite” construction method.

A large collection of Tudor rowhomes occupies the heart of East Falls’ residential district, and this week, we were fortunate enough to stumble across one of them that’s been updated for modern living and priced for the first-time buyer.

While recently rehabbed, this home still maintains many of the uniquely Tudor characteristics that not only add to the great value of this property but also make it a standout in a world of blander row homes. Among the features that were meticulously preserved are the oak-strip floors, high baseboards, classic spindles and handrail on the staircase, and arched doorways. The original casement windows have been replaced with new, energy-efficient ones that are historically certified to match the home’s architecture.

The paved front terrace leads to the main entrance, which in turn opens into the living room of the home. An attractive space, this room is a large, airy space that gets plenty of light from the full-width front window.

A generous archway separates the living room from the dining room, giving both a more open feel. Modern accent lighting provides a contemporary touch to the space. Another modern touch that was added in the renovation is the wide opening to the galley-style kitchen, which opened up space for a breakfast bar on the dining room side.

The kitchen itself includes granite countertops, brand-new cabinetry and up-to-the-minute stainless steel appliances, including a convection dual oven and convection microwave. The original rear door leads to the fenced backyard patio, a cozy space that’s perfect for enjoying a warm summer night or even setting up a barbecue station.

Upstairs, you’ll find the two bedrooms. Both provide ample space for a nice sized bed as well as a seating area, and an abundance of natural light opens up each room. The only bathroom in the home is a classic. While adding a new vanity and lighting, the bathroom renovation preserved the original hex-tile floor and subway tile walls, mixing the old with the new.

The unfinished basement has a laundry facility and has plenty of room for storage, or something more.

The most important updates, however, are the ones you can’t see, such as the new incoming water service that means you’ll enjoy excellent water pressure. Recessed lighting and energy-saving ceiling fans round out the improvements.

This home also boasts an ideal location on a charming tree-lined street just a few minutes’ walk from the center of East Falls. That walk takes you past East Falls Regional Rail station, where you can catch a train for a quick ride into town or up to Manayunk and Conshohocken. Like to bike? The Schuylkill River bike trail is just down the hill from you, with connections to the trails on the river’s west bank and up the Wissahickon Valley.

Energy efficient, charming, and well priced, this Tudor in East Falls is a true jewel for the first-time buyer.

THE FINE PRINT

BEDS: 2

BATHS: 1

SQAURE FEET: 1,120

PRICE: $264,900

3468 W. Penn St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19129 [Neil Kugelman | Elfant Wissahickon Realtors]