On the market: A hideaway on Washington Square West for $699,000
The home in the gated community is near Center City attractions but sheltered from traffic and street noise.
Helene Scherer and Alan Kurtz raised their two children in Montgomery County, but Washington Square West was always in their blood.
“We couldn’t wait to get back to the city,” Kurtz says, explaining their decision to buy there in 2005 when they became empty nesters.
They had lived in Washington Square West as young marrieds. Later, they would take the children to Reading Terminal, the Mummers Parade, the orchestra. And the children became citified: The daughter lives in South Philly, their son in Seattle.
Their most recent house in that neighborhood had been perfect — until now. The couple have retired, Scherer from a career in technology project management, Kurtz as an environmental and housing consultant. With time bringing the need for one-story living, they are moving to an apartment a few blocks away.
Kurtz describes the two-bedroom, 2½ bath house in a gated community as the ideal combination for Center City: near its attractions but sheltered from traffic and street noise.
A brick pathway leads to a tree-shaded courtyard and the house’s large bluestone patio.
The open-concept living room/dining room combination has built-in shelving and cabinetry, ceiling lights and large sliding glass doors to the patio, and a gas fireplace with slate surround.
The chef’s kitchen has three south-facing windows, a six-burner Viking range and vent hood, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and glass backsplash.
The second floor principal bedroom has a cathedral ceiling, large walk-in closet, and an en suite bathroom with white subway-tiled frameless shower.
The second bedroom has an office alcove space with its own window to the courtyard. There is also a hallway bathroom with tub/shower combination.
The finished lower level adds flex space that can be used as a media room, gym, studio, or office. That level also has a powder room, two walk-in closets, and a laundry/storage room.
Other features include hardwood floor, zoned HVAC, and ceiling fans.
The house is convenient to Acme, Whole Foods, and numerous garages and parks.
It is listed by Brian Stetler of BHHS Fox & Roach-Center City Walnut for $699,000.