KALPANA JOSHI

Description

From the outside, this charming, French-style townhouse matches the architecture of the neighboring historic property where Joseph Bonaparte—Napoleon’s brother—once lived. And while it was built in 1985-6, it blends right in with the trinities across and down the street, built 200 years before. Surprisingly, this enclave of peace and quiet west of Washington Square Park lies in the heart of all that Center City Philadelphia has to offer, and everywhere you’d want to walk. (Though you do have a free parking space alongside your home.) But once you step through the gated threshold and come inside, the wow factor is undeniable. The mezzanine hallway provides views into multilevel, multifunctional spaces. Downstairs you’ll find a sitting room or dining room spacious enough for family Thanksgiving or elegant dinner parties, plus a breakfast room or family room. The fully renovated kitchen is chock-full of cabinet space and includes a coffee bar, granite countertops, white Shaker-style cabinets, a cheery tomato-red tile backsplash, and a surfboard-shaped island (well, peninsula) with bar stools on the other side. While you’re on this level, step outside to the brick-paved patio, big enough for entertaining, grilling, relaxing, and container-gardening. When the wisteria blooms along the fence, it’s also a private haven. A corner fence on wheels hides your trash cans and gardening supplies, and new steps with steel railings and a metal patchwork design hides the heat and AC pump that services the first two floors. Up the steps is an idyllic courtyard with spectacular magnolias that burst with pink blossoms, and many mature shrubs, providing color in every season. A row of arborvitae trees block the cars in the parking spaces reserved for the four households of Bonaparte Court…your space is the one on the end, closest to the patio. Back inside, carpeted steps and landings make the ascent to three more levels easy and safe. The second floor features a powder room, living room with wood-burning fireplace and French doors out to a long balcony. The loft-like library contains shelves that go on and on. Your houseplants will love the big sunny window and a tile mosaic floor makes watering a breeze. The third floor has a spacious bedroom with two sets of French doors opening to a Juliet balcony, and another bedroom with a single set of French doors and Juliet balcony. The large bathroom features a brand-new washer/dryer, a jacuzzi bathtub and shower stall, and two closets. New Pella windows and Phantom screens let fresh air circulate. Stairs to the top floor bring another wow moment, as you take in the huge primary bedroom, soaring ceilings, another fireplace, and an adjacent area perfect for an office or workout room. Sliding doors open to a second long balcony, with stairs to the roof for access to the heat and AC pump that serves the top two floors. There’s a kitchenette on the way to the primary bathroom, which features an expansive shower stall, and a pull-down ladder so you can utilize the ample storage space in the attic. Outside your front door you’ll meet welcoming and supportive neighbors, artists and musicians, folks walking their dogs and people of all ages. Choose from dozens of nearby innovative, award-winning restaurants and inspiring live theatre, old world gardens and world- class hospitals. This is the perfect home for diving into the history of Philadelphia as we approach the 250 th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And it’s the perfect home for living your best life in the present, and looking forward to a vibrant future.

Features