332 Lindenwold Avenue, Ambler
Very rarely do you have the opportunity to become the next steward of one of Ambler’s cherished Queen Anne Victorian homes. The reason is twofold; first, there are very few Queen Anne’s in the borough, and second, once someone makes one their home, they hold onto it for a long time.
Today, 332 Lindenwold offers you this rare opportunity. This incredibly special home has been cared for by the same loving owners for the past 44 years, and while parting is such sweet sorrow, it is time for a new era to be ushered in.
If you’re local, you’ve likely noticed 332 in your travels, as the home is certainly one to be admired, with the turret being quite the showstopper. You’ll be pleased to learn that the interior of this home and the gardens, are just as impressive.
As you approach the home, you are greeted by a beautiful mahogany porch, set against a natural stone facade. The porch has been entirely rebuilt, the flooring and steps were very recently sanded and refinished/repainted. The entire exterior of the home has been professionally painted over the past three years. The roof was replaced eight years ago with Certainteed ‘Highland Slate’ shingles and is warrantied until 2066. At that time, copper valleys were also installed, demonstrating the expert care and respect this home has been given.
Inside, you are welcomed into a striking foyer, where you are instantly assured that the character of the home has been maintained throughout. This is one of the few homes where the original Chestnut doors, woodwork, and moldings have not been painted over, but have been beautifully preserved. Your eye will likely be drawn to the left, where you will find beautiful stained glass accenting the winding staircase inside the turret.
To your right, through gorgeous double doors, you will find a stately parlor, or living room, as it is used today. The bowed window is a beautiful highlight; you will also appreciate the high ceilings and hardwood flooring. Through the living room you will find a library or den which boasts a gas fireplace, lovely windows, and custom made built-in cabinetry and shelving.
A French door leads you into the dining room, which is the heart of the home. The scale of this room allows for the most spacious of dining room tables; you will have no choice but to host the holidays. Beautiful natural light pours in from the oversized windows and the pièce de résistance is the spectacular built-in hutch. I do not exaggerate when I say that it took my breath away the first time I laid eyes on it. Wow, just wow. Beyond the dining room, you will find the kitchen.
This lovely kitchen was completely gutted and very thoughtfully renovated using high end materials that are in concert with the era of the home. Handmade cherry cabinetry, honed granite countertops, Pratt and Larson handmade tile backsplash, and antique chestnut flooring reclaimed from a barn in New Jersey. New windows and doors with antique reproduction hardware were installed, not a detail was overlooked. There is also a rear stair case from the kitchen, leading up to the second floor. Off the kitchen you will find a mudroom (currently being used as a pantry area) with access to a convenient powder room. There is outdoor access from the mudroom, which is quite handy, as that will likely be your main point of entry when parking in the garage. It’s also convenient for grilling and outdoor entertaining.
The second floor offers three bedrooms, a large laundry room/studio, and a nicely sized hall bathroom. The hardwood flooring has recently been revealed and refinished on this level and it is gorgeous. The rooms all boast lovely natural light and fresh paint in many areas. The convenience of a second floor laundry room in a home of this age is not to be underestimated. When this room was redone, new walls, a skylight, cork floor, and built-in cabinets were all added.
Ascending the turret, up to the third floor, is a dream. They just don’t make homes like this anymore. This floor opens with a small landing and a lovely bedroom off to your left. Straight ahead is a beautiful bedroom that is so large it could serve a multitude of needs. You have the benefit of the Victorian roof lines that imbue the space with bold character, an abundance of natural light, and two closets (one of them is a huge walk in). This large bedroom could become a primary suite, it could serve as an incredible office or playroom, whatever the heart desires. The windows on the third floor have all been replaced with beautiful custom windows that suit the home perfectly.
Down below, the basement is not your average turn of the century Ambler basement. Years ago, the basement was completely stripped, a French drain and additional sump pump were installed, and the walls were refinished. Also, the house was converted from oil to gas and central air was installed.
If you think it can’t get any better, prepare yourself to be blown away by the rest of the property. Surrounding the home, you will find extensive native gardens, fruit trees and shrubs, friends of pollinators at every turn, secret paths, two patios, a rain garden, and more. This spectacular garden was selected by Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, for its garden tour in 2017, and recognized as a garden of distinction. A plant list will gladly be provided and you’ll likely be able to reap the bounty of the peach and pear trees this season. The rear yard is completely fenced and features gates on both sides of the house (a custom built gate on the left side, facing the house).
In the rear you will find a large detached garage, which offers parking for two cars, plus an additional room. The interior of the garage was refinished this past year and the exterior stucco was done a few years ago. The garage roof was replaced in 2021. Both garage doors are installed with remote openers and electrical was added to accommodate a future electric car. The garage can be easily accessed by an alley that runs along the rear of the property. In addition to the garage parking, there is also a graveled area that can accommodate two vehicles.
You will love living in the borough, with the ability to walk to several fantastic restaurants (there are a few new ones on the horizon, too!), multiple pubs, breweries, and cocktail bars, unique small town shopping, a wonderful array of services, a vibrant cooperative grocery store, the new remodeled library, street festivals throughout the year, and so much more. Sought after Wissahickon schools (Lower Gwynedd Elementary) and low taxes are the icing on the cake.
332 Lindenwold is a living piece of Ambler’s rich history and presents an opportunity that you do not want to miss. Showings begin Thursday, July 11. For more information, or to schedule a private showing, please reach out to me, Allison Wolf: 215-704-9888 or [email protected].
332 Lindewold Avenue ~ 5 bedrooms ~ 1.5 baths ~ 2,482 square feet ~ $675,000
