223 Rex Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19118

Historic twin on one of Chestnut Hill's most popular residential roads at the Top of the Hill. 223 Rex can be found on the 1861 Lake and Beers map of the community, making it possibly one of Chestnut Hill's earliest homes. Today, its unique character, architecture, modern upgrades and joyful deep gardens make it a genuine find! Special features include: spacious open kitchen/dining area that has been transformed to offer garden views through the wall of windows overlooking the private back yard; large gleaming 2nd floor bathroom with luxurious shower; mini splits for cooling; off-street parking.Here is the floor plan: FIRST FLOOR: Main entry into foyer with slate flooring, coat closet and convenient half bath. A solid door opens into the rear half of the first floor which is undoubtedly the heart of this home- - a central gathering space large enough for dining and comfortable seating open to the kitchen, renovated by the current owner and boasting modern amenities, high-end appliances (6 burner-Viking range, deep sink with garbage disposal, dishwasher), loads of counter space for meal prepping or pulling up a bar stool to enjoy a quick bite and ample cherrywood cabinetry. A back door in the kitchen leads to a small porch and steps to the backyard. Whether you're a gourmet enthusiast, or just love preparing family meals, this kitchen is sure to inspire your inner chef. The kitchen (and central space) is cooled with a dedicated mini-split. Wood floors add a touch of elegance and an entire wall of newer 2020 windows allows for an abundance of natural light and overlook the private green canopy out back which includes a custom built chef's garden with irrigation system, created by Backyard Eats. In addition, mature, established trees and a wide variety of perennials provide privacy, beauty and a landscape that changes with each season. Back inside, the front half of the first floor offers a living room space with built in bookcase, a decorative non-functioning fireplace, random width southern red pine floors, a dedicated mini-split and double doors that lead back to the kitchen area or can be closed for privacy. A center staircase takes you to the second and third floors.SECOND FLOOR: Primary bedroom with oversized custom closet, pine floors, a mini split system and 3 windows that offer cross breezes. Primary hall bathroom renovated in 2022 includes a large vanity, soaking tub and tiled shower all surrounded by new windows.The second room on this floor could be part of a primary suite, or a nursery or second bedroom, or a convenient home office. A door from this room gives access to a private rear deck. This is a great bonus space to round out the 2nd floor.THIRD FLOOR: A suite of 2 bedrooms connected by a walk-through closet. The back bedroom also has an IKEA built in closet system and a full bathroom with shower stall.BASEMENT: Full, unfinished, with laundry, utility sink, 40 gallon hot water heater, Weil McLain gas boiler (2022), 100 amp electric service, workbench, outdoor access to gardens and garden shed.This location can't be beat. For nature enthusiasts, a quick walk SW will take you to the treasured Wissahickon Valley Park. This oasis provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking to bird-watching and fishing. A stroll on Rex in the other direction will land you at Germantown Avenue's top of the hill, with shops, restaurants and public transportation by commuter rail or bus. Showings scheduled to begin Friday, November 3rd.