182 E Park Avenue, Ambler
182 East Park Avenue is one of only three homes in the Borough that feature this unique, Dutch style, cross gambrel roof. This feature certainly sets the home apart from others in town, but it’s just one of the things that sets this home apart from all of the rest. Despite being constructed in 1925, almost every inch of this home has been renovated or restored. It truly is the best of the old, and the best of the new. From the walls, to the floors, to the duct work, electrical and water/sewer lines, it has all been done, and done with the utmost attention to detail by a true craftsman. Not only was the work done by a master craftsman, but it was done out of love, and no expense was spared. The current (second generation) owner of this home began to make changes in 2001 and finally stopped last year after there was nothing left to improve. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen a more turn key home in my ten years selling real estate.
The meticulous manner in which this home has been cared for is evident even before you step foot inside. The professional landscaping is lush and perfectly thought out. Whether you know a lot about plants and flowers, or just appreciate them, you’re sure to be impressed with this landscape design. You’ll enjoy the sweet scent of the lily of the valley and various bulbs providing a much needed pop of color in early Spring. Bleeding hearts, peonies, lilac, hydrangea, angel’s trumpets and more will wow you for months to come; there is always something in bloom.
Another outdoor ‘wow factor’ is the outdoor living space. You have your choice of a spacious front porch (a must for Ambler living), a sprawling trex deck, and a private lower patio, totaling almost 1,000 square feet of outdoor space to entertain and enjoy! There is also plentiful yard space in the front, side and rear of the home. When the lower patio was constructed, not only was the retaining wall reset with the original stone from a family mason, but the patio was constructed to support a hot tub in the future (if one desires). It’s the little details like this that highlight how much thought and care were put into the improvements in this home.
The house itself is very bright, with tons of natural light in every room, on every level. The first floor features a living room, dining room with bow window and crown molding, spacious kitchen with adjoining breakfast room and powder room, all have hardwood flooring throughout. The breakfast room has two sets of french doors leading to the deck and Velux skylights overhead, which are remote controlled and have a rain sensor. So yes, if the skylight is open and it begins to rain, they automatically close (WHAT?!). Again, no expense was spared. Carrying on… The kitchen offers a boat load of storage and tons of work space on the wraparound granite counters. Perfectly positioned recessed lighting is exactly where you need when prepping and cooking.
Heading upstairs, the turned staircase is a lovely detail, as well as the stunning architectural note overhead from the gambrel roof design. This detail was originally masked by plaster and hidden in a closet, fortunately the owner has an artistic eye and saw the importance of showcasing this detail, both in the stairwell and in the master bedroom. Once upstairs, you will find two bright bedrooms with ample closet space and ceiling fans, a sizable hall bath and a huge master suite. Originally a four bedroom home, the two front bedrooms were converted into one large bedroom, with room for a sitting/dressing area, wonderful closet, and tasteful ensuite full bath.
The basement is very roomy with nice ceiling height, tons of storage and a full, at grade, walk out to the rear of the home. Also of import, this is one of the most clean and tidy basements that I’ve ever seen. The basement exit walks directly out to the parking area and garage in rear, perfect for easy access, in and out.
Now, onto some of the other important details which make this home so remarkable. If you don’t know much about construction, some of this may be over your head, and if that’s the case, ask someone who knows, they’ll not only be impressed, but tell you that these improvements cost a small fortune. The plaster was removed on all exterior walls so that fiberglass insulation could be installed and all new drywall was installed in its place (to the tune of @ 350 sheets). All of the trim has been replaced. There are new advanced Low-E, double pane argon, windows throughout, as well as newer Velux skylights and updated exterior doors. All original knob and tube wiring was removed and new Romex installed, along with new boxes, outlets and switches. New cable and phone lines were run. The gas water heater was replaced in 2014. A new high efficiency heater and central air conditioner were installed in 2008, as well as all duct work replaced at the same time. All cast iron sewer pipe and galvanized water pipes were removed and replaced with PVC 4″ sewer pipe and copper water lines throughout the house. The underground sewer line was dug up and replaced all the way to the main in the street. The water main was also dug up and replaced with new copper lines. R11 foam insulation was installed in various areas of the basement, and new insulation was also added under the sub floor in the master bedroom, as well as in the attic. Outside, the rear deck was built with double threaded screws, one for trex and one for pressure treated, the vinyl railing have aluminum inside and the posts, metal poles inside, for added strength. The concrete patio has 10″ of compacted stone, four structural pillars, 6″ of concrete with wire mesh and the lower left quarter specifically reinforced to properly support a hot tub.
If the house and its incredible condition aren’t enough, the location is choice. Located on the south side of Ambler, between Mattison and Rosemary, Park is a quiet street, yet in close proximity to all that Ambler has to offer. Unlike most area neighborhoods, here you have the option of walking or riding your bike to great restaurants, bars and shops, a movie theater AND playhouse, the library, a weekly farmers’ market, several festivals and events year round, and the train to the city. Aside from this huge benefit, the community and your neighbors in Ambler are second to none. As I write this (a block away), I hear the sound of the ice cream truck driving through the neighborhood. I can’t tell you how many times I feel like I need to be pinched living in this town, it’s simply the best!
Let me guess, your head is spinning and you haven’t even seen the house yet? This Sunday is your chance to see this beauty in person and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Showings begin at the open house, May 15th, 1-3pm. For a private showing, or more information, please contact me, Allison Wolf, 215-704-9888.
182 East Park Avenue
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, $375,000
