On the Market: Early Victorian in Chestnut Hill
One of the first houses Henry Howard Houston built in "Wissahickon Heights" is on the market. It's kept up with the times to boot.
318 W. Springfield Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118 | Bright MLS images via RE/MAX Services
What did life in Chestnut Hill look like back in its early days, when it was called Wissahickon Heights?
It looked like this.
This house for sale dates to 1885, which makes it one of the oldest houses standing in Chestnut Hill. Henry Howard Houston, the Pennsylvania Railroad executive who developed early Chestnut Hill, commissioned noted architects George and William Hewitt to design it and its neighbors on this block of Springfield Avenue.
Front porch
Yet this grand old dame looks as fresh and sharp as the day it was completed, thanks to owners who have invested in its upkeep. Their efforts have created a comfortable contemporary home within this welcoming Victorian shell.
Foyer
The welcome begins on the wraparound front porch. It continues into the foyer, from which you can quickly take in the main floor’s traditional arrangement of spaces.
Living room
There’s a living room with a tile-framed fireplace, one of two.
Dining room
The dining room is behind it.
Kitchen
And behind it is an updated kitchen with a breakfast area. There’s also a buffet to go along with its island.
Master bedroom
The second-floor master bedroom has also been nicely updated, as has its bathroom. Same goes for the other four bedrooms and two bathrooms in this house.
Backyard
On the outside you’ll find a spacious yard in the back.
And everything else people like about Chestnut Hill is close at hand. St. Martins Regional Rail station is just steps from your front door, and three blocks beyond it lie the shops and restaurants along Germantown Avenue. Pastorius Park also lies in this direction. In the other lie Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, the Wissahickon Valley and the Valley Green Inn.
THE FINE PRINT
BEDS: 5
BATHS: 2 full, 1 half
SQUARE FEET: 2,524
SALE PRICE: $675,000
OTHER STUFF: This house’s sale price was reduced by $20,000 on Feb. 21st.
318 W. Springfield Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118 [Richard McIlhenny | RE/MAX Services]
