House of the week: A 19th-century Federal-style stone house in Ambler for $659,900

Carol and John Blagojevic had lived in three new-construction homes during their marriage, but they thought it was time for a change.

They found it in Upper Dublin Township in 2008, a five-bedroom, 3 ½ bath Federal-style home on a 2.87-acre parcel, and moved in with their 4-year-old son, now a college student.

“We knew we’d be happy in a historic home,” said Carol. John said it had “a very warm, charming feeling.”

But now it’s time to scale down for the Blagojevics, who are both in pharmaceuticals for different companies, Carol in engineering, John in manufacturing.

The main part of the house was built in 1821, although parts of it date back to the 18th century, and some are relatively recent.

The couple has made several major changes, including a new slate roof, new garage roof, rewiring, rebuilding the six fireplaces, and adding a septic system, an all-house generator, and a water-purification system.

“As an owner of a historic home,” Carol said, “you’re really a steward of the home. You do what you’re able to do for the home for the time you have it. Then the next generation comes along and continues the process.”

The center hall Colonial features high ceilings, deep windowsills, and a family room with a walk-in fireplace once used for cooking in a 1740s structure connected to the main house later.

The high ceilings continue in the formal dining room, which also has wood floors and deep windowsills.

The country-style kitchen has stainless steel appliances, a four-burner gas stove, and a breakfast nook with entry to the side yard.

The second floor has the primary bedroom, and the third floor has three bedrooms and a full bath. There is a first-floor laundry/mud room and a full basement.

The sunroom is heated and offers excellent views of a brook and the rest of the property, which also has a separate two-car garage. Total square footage is 3,434.

The home has easy access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and a Regional Rail stop.

The house is listed by Jane Douglass of BHHS Fox & Roach Blue Bell for $659,900.