2920 Center St,
Bethlehem,
PA
18017
It is a rare pleasure to encounter such a property, renowned for its enduring beauty and its unexpected location with the home tucked away on nearly eight pristine acres in the heart of the Christmas City. The very essence of elegance is evidenced at first approach along a picturesque driveway lined with stately sycamores. The home is prominently positioned far from the road and is enveloped by mature trees and shrubs, manicured lawn and perennial gardens. The sophisticated and timeless design of this distinctive 1930's estate home has transitioned over decades to a stunning, modern-day treasure. Painted brick, black shutters and a slate roof enhance the distinguished exterior. A bucolic setting of nature at its best is visible from most every room, and frames the main house, which is filled with natural light. A handsome entry foyer has Venetian stucco walls and leads to a floor plan incorporating grand rooms for entertaining and quiet and comfortable rooms for everyday living. The formal living room is highlighted with oak floors, crown molding, built in bookshelves and a wood burning fireplace ' one of five throughout the home. Tall windows showcase the flagstone patio and the outdoor living spaces beyond. The gourmet kitchen and adjacent caterer's kitchen blend beauty and efficiency with 2020 stainless appliances, custom cabinetry, a Travertine marble floor and breakfast area with a wall of windows. Steps away, the sun-filled great room is an architectural masterpiece which features three sets of French doors providing patio access, and a soaring ceiling supported by antique chestnut beams. Gracious and elegant, the primary suite pampers with a fireplace, dressing room, and a stunning and luxurious bath, befitting the pages of a designer magazine, appointed with a steam shower and soaking tub. Front and back stairways provide access to five additional bedrooms, two with en suite baths, great storage, and built-ins. The second floor laundry is particularly convenient. In the lower level are an incredible 2,000 plus capacity temperature-controlled wine cellar and a recreation room with billiard area, fireplace, and paneled wood walls. The outdoor surroundings are a joy. Colorful songbirds and hummingbirds visit feeders and three water features complement the serene space. Dogwoods, beeches, magnolias and maples thread the acreage and a grove of sycamores, planted in classic linear array pattern, rests behind a heated, in ground swimming pool. The smartly equipped pool house is an inviting gathering area with a herringbone brick floor, kitchen and wet bar, media closet, and two changing rooms with showers. A shaded tennis court stands ready for a set or two. Two parking courtyards, a three-car attached garage, one bay equipment garage, and six home heating and three home cooling zones are important features for a property of this scale.