That House Out There: Back to the Future in Northern Liberties

This elegant townhome has been restored to its original Victorian splendor while adding the amenities modern buyers demand.

723 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 | Images courtesy Solo Real Estate

723 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 | Images courtesy Solo Real Estate

Do you long for the elegance of the Victorian era yet still want to enjoy modern comfort and convenience?

We’ve got just the home for you in Northern Liberties.

This large townhouse boasts the high ceilings, plaster moldings, and classic design of the late 19th century, all meticulously restored. At the same time, it boasts the sorts of amenities modern buyers want: a high-end kitchen, modern bathrooms with radiant heat floors, and dual-zone central air conditioning.

The elegance begins the moment you step into the marble-floored foyer and proceed into the grand entrance hall. Just off the hall is a double parlor with two-toned ceiling molding, random-width pine floors and a decorative fireplace. Past the stairs and side entrance lies a 21st-century kitchen with quartz countertops, period cabinetry, a pressed tin ceiling and backsplashes, and the latest stainless steel appliances, including a Bosch dishwasher, Electrolux refrigerator and gas range.

Behind the kitchen is the formal dining room, whose chandelier is suspended from a plaster medallion. This room also has a pellet-burning stove and stairs that lead up to the rear of the second floor. Access to the large rear and side garden is through this room as well as the side entrance from the street.

On the second floor, you’ll find a family room in the front, two bedrooms, and an updated bathroom with a custom tile floor, subway tile walls and a washer/dryer closet in the rear.

One floor further up in the rear is the main bedroom, which features a birch plywood floor, vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan and storage area above the bathroom. That bathroom boasts a slate floor and shower enclosure, a pedestal tub and a copper sink. In front there are two more bedrooms and a half bath with a glass tile floor. A chute connects the third-floor bathroom and powder room to the laundry in the second-floor bathroom.

The top floor contains one huge room where dormer windows provide natural light. An unfinished basement offers plenty of storage space.

And Northern Liberties offers you a wide choice of places to go for dining and neighborhood shopping. You’re also not far from the eclectic shops and restaurants in Fishtown and the Old City gallery scene. In this fashion, you can enjoy the past and the present while being part of the future of one of the city’s best neighborhoods.

THE FINE PRINT

BEDS: 5

BATHS: 2 full, 1 half

SQUARE FEET: 3,200

SALE PRICE: $675,000

723 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 [Deborah Solo | Solo Real Estate]