449 W Stafford St

Philadelphia, PA 19144

Built in 1886 as a family wedding present, 449 West Stafford Street, a 3-story stone and stucco single in the Queen Ann Victorian style, is part of the late 19th century neighborhood of Price Street, Stafford Street and Lehman Lane that has become an enormously popular Germantown community into the 21st century. And this particular property sits high on a hill with a commanding presence over Wissahickon Avenue and Lincoln Drive's entrance to the parklands along the Wissahickon Creek. Yet, both the half acre of landscaped grounds and the house are amazingly private, in superb condition, lovingly cared-for and updated over the years by the current owners who made sure all the original 1886 detail remained. This is a house to love. 6+ bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, gorgeous new chef's kitchen (2004) that is still up to 2020 high standards, fireplaces, oak floors, beamed ceilings, Queen Ann mullioned windows, central air and more. Here is the floor plan: 1st floor: Wrap-around front porch; Grand entry hall with beamed ceiling and fireplace with wood-burning insert and handsome original carved mantel; Library with bank of west-facing windows, built-in book shelving, exquisite fireplace mantel over wood-burning fireplace; Living room (or family room) with built-in shelving and fireplace (non-functioning); Powder room off the grand hall; Formal dining room that can host a feast for 4 or 12, surrounded by windows, original corner cabinet, corner fireplace (non-functioning); Superb cook's eat-in kitchen (2004 with upgrades since!) with gorgeous chestnut floors, abundant cherry cabinetry some with pull-out drawers, handsome soapstone countertops, soft-close drawers, commercial 6 burner plus grill gas stove and oven, stainless steel sink with garbage disposal, dishwasher, brand new refrigerator/freezer, trash compactor, breakfast area at far end and in the middle a stunning soapstone island with storage capacity, small second sink as well as ample room at one end for as many as 5 stools; Rear stairs; Exit to patio and landscaped grounds. 2nd floor: Sunny bedroom, currently used as combination exercise room and office with built-ins, deep window sills, fireplace mantel and 2 closets; 2nd bedroom facing northwest with closet; Hall full bath, fully renovated with ceramic tile floor and surround, pedestal sink, shower over tub with glass doors; Laundry closet with stacked washer and dryer; Main bedroom suite, renovated in 2004, to include large main bedroom, large main bath with double sink cabinet, glass enclosed stall shower, linen closet, recessed lighting, ceramic tile floor and finishes all of which lead into an amazing walk-in closet/dressing room with three spacious interior-lit closets. 3rd floor: Two large bedrooms, one with fireplace (non-functioning); Suite of carpeted rooms including full bath with shower stall and ceramic tile, great room, several spacious closets, and sweet south-facing smaller room: a perfect area for in-laws, au pairs, children's play/study area--big enough for a large pool table! Basement: Full, unfinished, for utilities, storage, work area, huge cedar closet, huge temperature-controlled wine cellar, huge separate storage closet, high ceilings, partially water-proofed. Gas hot air furnace. Central air. 200 AMPS circuit breaker electric panel and all new wiring throughout house. New water line to the street. New roof 2012. Detached 2-car garage. Half acre of colorful landscaped grounds with glorious patios and porches for outside enjoyment. This property stretches from Stafford Street to Price Street. Approached by the historic and original brick-lined one-way Stafford Street, it is just a 10-15 minute drive to Center City and a quick walk to the Chestnut Hill West line commuter train station. A 5 minute walk takes one into the natural glory of Fairmount Park's trails along the Wissahickon Creek. More photos to come! Showings begin Friday, 9/11.