Berkshire Hathaway realtor Tyler Bradley points to the newly laid marble floor of 2 E Chestnut Hill Ave Unit #3 during an open house in this picture. The nearly completed 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, 4500 square foot house next to the Chestnut Hill Library is listed at $2,495,000. Bradley led the way through the house pointing out its prime location and elaborating on its luxurious amenities.
The exterior is local schist stone and hardy plank siding which will be painted a shade of gray selected by the Chestnut Hill Historical Society, Bradley says
Off to the left as you walk in the front door is a large light filled corner kitchen with a large black island and black oven hood with contrasting white shaker cabinets.
In the center is a large flexible space which could be used as a dining room. Through an archway to the right is a spacious living room with a coffered ceiling, fireplace and large windows offering views of Germantown Avenue and the Chestnut Hill Library.
As new construction, the house qualifies for Philadelphia’s generous, and controversial, 10 year tax abatement, the subject of current reform efforts by some City Council members . Bradley estimates the yearly taxes at $2000 (By comparison, a Chestnut Hill home currently listed at $800,000 less comes with over a $17,000 yearly tax bill)
Upstairs are a guest suite, 2 bedrooms, a laundry room, and a luxurious, expansive master bedroom. The marbled bathroom has a walk-in shower and a soaking tub. There is a linen closet and a large walk-in closet. At the south end is a sitting room which is plumbed to potentially accommodate a wet bar or eating area. This opens out onto an L shaped balcony.
The finished basement has a laundry room, large bathroom and could accommodate a fifth bedroom, au pair suite or in-law suite. There is additional space which could serve as a media room, playroom, or office. A doorway at the south end leads to a two-car garage. The relatively steep curved driveway is graded. And it is heated to allow snow or ice free access.
When asked about some neighbors' perception that the structure is disproportionately large in relation to the lot size, Bradley acknowledged that perception but expressed the view that as with any new construction, once it is painted and landscaped, it will appear to have been there for decades.
Who might want to live here? Families who raise their children in Chestnut Hill, Bradley says. And he reports an influx of empty nesters from the suburbs who want to be close to “Main [street] and train."
The future inhabitants will have an easy walk down the avenue to cafes, restaurants, markets and gyms or to either of two Septa stations for a 30 minute commute downtown. "One of the biggest trends in real estate now is walkability.”
