On the market: A two-bedroom loft condo in a historic Old City building for $425,000

Having grown up in the Scranton area and the Poconos, Ash Ambirge was looking for something very different in terms of style.

“I didn’t want something generic,” says Ambirge, a writer and blogger, recalling the 2018 search for a pied-à-terre in Philadelphia. “I wanted my living space to tell a story.”

She was living in Costa Rica at the time, and it wasn’t much of a search: “I bought it sight unseen. ... It had great bones, and it looked phenomenal. A working fireplace, hardwood floors. It was coming of age of my own.”

The condo, which Ambirge is selling because she is relocating to Europe, is in a building that once housed the Christ Church Hospital for Women.

Perhaps to show its versatility, the building was also the location of the Queer Eye Netflix TV show’s Philadelphia season in 2020.

Built in 1900, the building is architecturally inspired by the Flemish bond brick pattern common in the 18th century.

The ground floor entrance to the condo is through the rear and is shared with one other residence.

The second floor foyer has black brick floors, vibrantly painted wainscoted walls, and a portrait gallery of women.

The third floor living space has 13-foot ceilings, wide windows with treetop views, exposed beams, and a working, wood-burning fireplace.

The galley kitchen with a newly updated stove features poured concrete countertops, a wine closet, and an adjacent laundry area with stackable washer/dryer.

There are two bedrooms and a large bathroom with new vanity and lighting and a large walk-in closet.

The unit has Google Nest thermostats, wireless LED recessed lighting, universal surge protectors, and updated appliances.

The building is approved for short-term rentals (30 days or more) with the ability to explore Airbnb with condo board approval.

The owner will also consider selling the unit furnished at a negotiated price increase.

It is listed by Elizabeth Convery of Compass Pennsylvania for $425,000.