House of the week: Point Breeze rowhouse with a versatile basement for $325,000
A new roof and windows were recently installed in this South Philadelphia home.
When looking for a place to buy a house, versatility was a key for Molly Beiting and her husband, Horatio Blackman.
They found that in Point Breeze, where a two-bedroom, two-bath house on a quiet side street was still accessible to the city’s bustle.
And there was versatility in the house itself, with a large high-ceilinged basement with a full bathroom that could serve as a playroom, living quarters, or an office.
“You get a quiet neighborhood vibe, but you’re near everything” in Center City, said Beiting, who often takes the 20-minute walk there.
“There’s a strong neighborhood culture, with a community of longtime homeowners, rehabbed houses, and new builds,” she said. “To us, this differentiated the neighborhood from the other areas we’ve lived in the city and was a big draw.”
The couple bought the house in 2018 after renting in Fishtown and Graduate Hospital. Fifteen months ago, they welcomed a son.
But now the family is headed for North Carolina, where Beiting, a researcher in communication sciences, has a new university job. Blackman is a top official of a major civil rights organization.
The first floor of the house’s open-concept floor plan includes a patio, installed in 2019, with a wood privacy fence and gate.
Both bedrooms are on the second floor, which includes a large deck.
A new energy-efficient roof was installed this year and new windows in 2020.
The house is close to Wharton Square Park, Washington Avenue, and a broad array of bars, restaurants, and shops. There is a bus line a block away and easy access to I-95. It’s a family-friendly neighborhood with large parks, basketball court, and a community center is a five-minute walk.
Total square footage is 1,157.
The house is listed by Brenda Beiser of Redfin Corp. for $325,000.