Situated in the historic French Village district of Philadelphia, this enchanting French Norman Revival gate house was built between 1924 and 1936 and stands as one of only two mirrored gate houses in the area. Set in a lush, wooded neighborhood, it boasts dramatic architecture with a curved staircase, wrought-iron balcony, and abundant natural light throughout its three stories. The spacious kitchen, cozy fireplace study, and garden-facing French doors enhance its old-world charm. Surrounded by mature gardens, a koi pond, and a bluestone terrace, this 24-home enclave offers a serene, romantic atmosphere just steps from Wissahickon Valley Park. Listed at $1,199,000, this home perfectly blends historic character with modern living.
Historic Stone Exterior
Rugged stone walls with textured, aged masonry create a charming façade, highlighted by steep, shingled gabled roofs. Tall, narrow windows with blue wooden shutters add a touch of soft color contrast to the sturdy stone. A quaint turret with a conical roof provides a castle-like ambiance. The courtyard is surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees that cast dappled sunlight on the paved stone ground. Clay pots with ornamental plants dot the area, contributing to a serene and idyllic garden atmosphere. Copper gutters and downspouts blend with the muted natural tones, enhancing the historic aesthetic.
Garden Pond Area
A tranquil garden pond edged with natural stone creates a peaceful outdoor retreat. The pond includes vibrant koi fish and a small waterfall cascading over stacked stones, adding soothing water sounds. Lush greenery surrounds the water feature, with a mix of ground cover plants, leafy bushes, and taller trees providing dappled shade. A rustic stone bench invites quiet relaxation nearby. Subtle decorative touches include a stone turtle sculpture on the edge of the pond and a realistic heron statue among the foliage. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of nature and thoughtful landscaping design.
Garden Courtyard with Pond
Stone walls of the home surround a serene garden courtyard, dense with lush greenery and mature trees that create a secluded, tranquil feel. A clear water pond with golden koi fish adds life and peaceful sound to the space. The structure’s architecture includes a steep, shingled roof and arched windows with pale blue shutters that contrast softly with the natural stone exterior. French doors open outward onto a flagstone patio, inviting outdoor enjoyment and blending historic craftsmanship with nature. The setting evokes an intimate, private retreat within a historic, charming estate.
Shaded Garden Patio
A lush garden patio nestled beneath a canopy of mature trees casts dappled sunlight across a mossy lawn punctuated by stepping stones. Stone columns and walls frame the space, lending a rustic, historic charm. Vibrant foliage, including ferns, shrubs, and a flowering bush with red blooms, creates dense greenery. A small stone bench is tucked beside the towering tree trunk, inviting quiet rest. In the background, a quaint stone structure with a sloped, shingled roof enhances the pastoral aesthetic. The interplay of shadow and light conveys peaceful seclusion and natural beauty.
Garden with Sculpture
A lush garden area enclosed by a weathered wooden fence, dappled sunlight filters through tall trees, casting shadows on the abundant green foliage. Dense ground cover, including ferns and broad-leaf plants, creates a natural and serene environment. Centrally placed, a colorful horse sculpture stands on a stone slab, adorned with vibrant graffiti-style writing and patterns, blending artistic expression with nature. The backdrop includes mature trees with thick trunks and climbing vines, along with a peek of a historic house roof and chimney, adding context to the peaceful, private outdoor space.
Stone House Exterior
A charming, historic stone house set amidst lush greenery with a slate roof and prominent chimney. The exterior walls are constructed of rugged, textured stone blocks, providing a medieval, Tudor-style aesthetic. Blue wooden shutters frame the multi-pane white windows, enhancing the period charm. A small, arched stone porch leads to the front entrance, with a wrought-iron railing on the balcony above. Vibrant flowering shrubs, including red and white blooms, along with raised garden beds, add a touch of natural color and life. A small paved path winds past a rustic bench and a whimsical garden sculpture, encircled by mature trees and dense vegetation that create a serene atmosphere.
Exterior View of Historic Home
Tall steeply pitched roofs with varying angles and multiple chimneys characterize this historic stone home, surrounded by lush, mature greenery. The textured slate roof tiles and the stone façade give a timeless, castle-like aesthetic. A small balcony with wrought iron railings overlooks a shaded porch and entryway. Flower beds and dense trees envelop the property, providing privacy and a natural, serene environment. The intricate roofline includes conical turrets evoking medieval architecture, blending rustic charm with classic elegance in a tranquil woodland setting.
Garden Gate Entry
Stone walls form a quaint enclosed garden entryway, weathered and textured with moss and lichen, reflecting the historic character of the property. A charming blue wooden gate with diagonal planks is set beneath a stone arch, adding a rustic touch. Lush green foliage and various leafy plants thrive at the base of the walls, creating a fresh contrast against the stone. Dappled sunlight filters through overhead tree branches, casting gentle shadows on the pathway of rectangular stone tiles leading through the space. A black lantern-style light fixture is affixed to the right wall, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.
Garden Gateway
A charming stone archway leads into a serene garden area framed by lush greenery and flowering plants. The textured stonework of the historic wall, covered partially with climbing vines, contrasts beautifully with the vibrant pink blossoms of a tree beyond, adding a splash of lively color. A small blue wooden gate on the left offers additional access, while the walkway is paved with weathered flagstones that enhance the rustic, timeless aesthetic. Dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves creates an inviting atmosphere, evoking a peaceful, old-world courtyard garden tucked away from modern life.
Entrance Courtyard
Stone walls with a rustic texture and historic charm create a sturdy backdrop for a quaint entrance courtyard. The blue, paneled front door with transom windows above adds a pop of calm color contrasted against rough stonework. An arched stone passage connects two parts of the structure with a slate shingled roof topping the archway. Vibrant pink blossoms cascade from a flowering bush, softening the hard edges of the architecture and brightening the space with vivid natural color. The stone-tiled pathway and trimmed boxwood shrubs contribute to a timeless, serene outdoor entryway ambiance.
Front Door Entrance
A solid, paneled front door painted in a muted blue stands centered in a thick stone wall, framed by an arched stone surround that adds historic charm. Above the door is a transom window divided into six panes, allowing natural light into the entryway. The stone steps leading up to the door are weathered, contributing to the house’s aged character. To the left, vibrant pink flowers from a large bush contrast beautifully with the grey stone, while greenery peeks out at the base of both walls, softening the rugged texture of the stone facade.
Kitchen and Workspace
An expansive kitchen with white cabinetry and a clean, bright aesthetic is paired with warm honey-toned hardwood flooring. The cabinetry features classic raised panels with small brass knobs, contrasting subtly with the black stainless steel appliances including a stove, microwave, and refrigerator. A central island offers additional work and seating space, topped with white countertops and two woven modern chairs. To the right, a built-in desk/workstation with glass-front cabinets above provides a functional office nook. Floating shelves hold minimal decor and plants. Recessed ceiling lights illuminate the room uniformly, enhancing the spacious, airy atmosphere.
Modern Kitchen Island
Bright white cabinetry with classic raised panel doors surrounds the kitchen, topped with light gray countertops that extend to a central island with a built-in cooktop. The island features a small, curved breakfast bar with two stylish white wicker chairs supported by slender black metal legs. Hardwood flooring in a warm honey tone adds natural texture and warmth while contrasting with the sleek black refrigerator and stainless steel dishwasher, oven, and microwave. Recessed ceiling lights provide ample task lighting, and a window above the sink offers views of green foliage outside, infusing the space with natural light and freshness. A glimpse into an adjoining dining area with dark wood and black accents adds depth to the overall layout.
Dining Room Details
Rich hardwood floors contrast with crisp white walls and trim, lending a warm yet crisp atmosphere to the space. A dark wood dining table anchored by four black and gold chairs and two black and woven back chairs creates an inviting gathering spot. Built-in shelving flanks a wide, multi-pane casement window that opens to verdant greenery outside. On the right, a sleek sideboard with woven drawer panels supports stylish lamps and vases filled with dried floral arrangements. Minimalistic wall sconces illuminate the room, enhancing its airy, elegant and contemporary-traditional fusion aesthetic.
Porch Seating Area
The porch is framed with heavy stone columns and arches, showcasing a rustic yet inviting charm. Two rounded, woven wicker chairs rest on a patterned area rug, with a small, round wooden table centered between them. A simple black metal railing borders the porch, offering a subtle boundary between the seating area and the lush garden beyond. Bird feeders and wind chimes hang from the ceiling, enhancing a connection with nature. The abundant greenery, featuring varied trees and blooming flowers, provides a tranquil backdrop to this cozy outdoor living space.
Dining Room Details
A spacious dining room with warm hardwood floors complements the white walls and crown molding, delivering a clean, classic ambiance. The centerpiece is a rustic wooden dining table surrounded by a mix of cane-backed chairs and black leather upholstery with brass legs, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Soft wall sconces emit a gentle glow, enhancing the room’s serene mood. French doors at the far end open to a lush garden, inviting natural light and greenery indoors. Decorative vases with pampas grass and foliage add texture and organic charm to the minimalist setting.
French Doors to Patio
A pair of elegant white-framed French doors opens outward to reveal a serene stone patio and lush greenery beyond. The room has a warm wooden floor partially covered by a large, richly patterned Persian-style rug in shades of red, blue, and cream. To the left, a modern gray bench with a textured, fringed pillow adds casual comfort, while a traditional white radiator stands to the right. The walls are painted in a soft, neutral tone, lending a clean and airy feel that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant garden view outside.
Cozy Reading Nook
Muted sage green walls envelop a quiet reading nook, accented by built-in bookshelves filled with uniformly stacked books interspersed with copper baskets. Two plush, dark gray chairs sit near a small round table with a decorative plant and copper mugs, inviting relaxed conversation or solitary reading. An upholstered curved teal loveseat with botanical throw pillows anchors the space beside a patterned ottoman. Large windows admit soft natural light, highlighting the elegant hardwood floors and a cream geometric rug. A classic fireplace with a dark screen and a large mirror above adds warmth and historic charm, complemented by sculptural wooden giraffes and leafy decor. The white ceiling fan balances the room with a fresh, airy feel.
Entry Hallway
Long, narrow entry hallway with rich wooden flooring and white walls creates a bright, inviting space. Two vibrant, patterned rugs introduce bold reds, blues, and oranges, adding warmth and texture. A modern wooden bench with neutral taupe upholstery, accented by textured throw pillows, sits along one wall. Opposite, a sleek console table with wood shelves and black circular metal sides displays decorative items and fresh greenery beneath a round, framed mirror. The hallway leads into an adjoining room through French doors, while curved stairs with dark stained steps and white risers ascend on one side, showcasing a blend of modern and classic aesthetics.
Living Room Seating Area
A serene living area with a neutral color palette of soft grays, creams, and whites enhances the airy atmosphere. The curved gray sofa and two rounded plush chairs wrapped in a textured fabric face a glass coffee table with gold accents, resting on a large area rug with subtle gradient patterns. White walls feature minimalistic artwork, while a classic white fireplace with a stylish gold-edged mirror above anchors the space. Natural light streams through French doors and multiple windows. Modern track lighting and brass-toned furnishings blend contemporary comforts with timeless elegance.
Bathroom Vanity and Toilet
Dark floral wallpaper with oversized botanical patterns envelops the bathroom, wrapping both walls and ceiling in a dramatic, nature-inspired motif. The rich, dark wood vanity has polished silver knobs and a white porcelain basin with classic chrome fixtures, exuding a timeless, elegant style. Two geometric-shaped wall sconces with soft, warm lighting flank a small sunburst-style mirror above the sink, enhancing the vintage charm. Natural wood floors add warmth underfoot, contrasting with the white porcelain toilet and cast-iron radiator. A metallic wastebasket and minimalist black toilet paper holder complete the thoughtful details of this compact, stylish space.
Entryway and Staircase
White paneled front door with a small transom window above allows natural light into the entryway. The walls and ceiling are painted crisp white, lending a bright, clean feel. The dark wood flooring contrasts elegantly with the white, running consistently throughout the space and up the staircase. A narrow, colorful woven rug in red and blue geometric patterns lies along the entry, adding warmth and character. The curved staircase features white risers and dark-stained treads, complemented by a simple, modern black handrail. Architectural moldings frame the doorways, preserving the historic charm.
Upstairs Landing
A spacious upstairs landing with warm, rich hardwood floors that add depth and character. The white walls and trim create a clean, bright atmosphere, while the railing blends classic white balusters with a black handrail for contrast. Two small, square windows bring in natural light from the outside, accentuating the soft curves of the rounded ceiling, which is painted a muted rose color. A central brass chandelier adds an elegant, vintage touch. The potted plant introduces organic greenery, enlivening the serene and airy space with natural texture and softness.
Spacious Bedroom with Fireplace
Bright and airy bedroom with white walls and ceilings creating a serene atmosphere. The room features three large windows with white frames that allow ample natural light, highlighting the polished dark hardwood floors. A large area rug with a geometric pattern adds warmth and texture underfoot. The bed, with a striped neutral duvet and an assortment of soft pillows, is flanked by modern bedside tables and lamps. A black-framed fireplace anchors one wall, above which sits a mantle adorned with framed artwork, a contemporary mirror, and decorative accents. A black chair and side table create a cozy seating nook near the windows. The ceiling fan provides subtle modern functionality, blending with the classic, yet updated, aesthetic.
Bathroom Sink and Shower
A bright bathroom with a predominantly white color palette. The vanity has a long countertop with a built-in sink and simple, rounded wooden knobs on the cabinets. Above the sink is a large mirror that extends to the ceiling, flanked by a light fixture featuring exposed round bulbs. The tiled shower has a textured glass sliding door with a polished chrome frame and matching towel racks adorned with neatly folded white towels bordered by navy stripes. The floor has a decorative pattern with floral motifs in subtle gray shades. Three framed artworks add a touch of warmth to the white walls.
Bedroom with Workspace
Wooden floorboards add a warm, historic touch beneath a large textured area rug with neutral tones. A centrally placed bed with beige linens and layered pillows sits against a crisp white wall, flanked by twin windows with traditional white mullions that invite natural light. A simple wooden nightstand holds a small lamp. Opposite the bed, a minimalist workspace includes a light wood desk and a modern black chair, accompanied by a decorative lamp with floral patterns. Clean lines, soft neutral tones, and subtle botanical wall art create a calm, airy ambiance in this serene bedroom.
Bathroom Vanity and Shower
White walls and ceiling create a bright, clean atmosphere. The vanity has a simple white cabinet topped with a white sink, complemented by gold-toned fixtures and a row of round globe bulbs above the large mirror. The floor features patterned tiles with a muted blue and gray floral motif, adding an elegant historic touch. Near the window with white grid panes, a white radiator stands beneath, with a white toilet beside it. A clawfoot bathtub with a dark floral patterned shower curtain brings a classic element to the space. Textured and neutral-toned towels hang on a polished towel rack, enhancing the subtle vintage charm.
Home Office Seating
A compact and bright office space with white walls and ceiling adorned by a white ceiling fan. The flooring is polished dark hardwood, complemented by a large, colorful area rug featuring geometric and tribal-inspired patterns in red, orange, yellow, and beige tones. The focal point is a glass-top desk with sturdy wooden legs, flanked by two comfortable, light beige upholstered chairs that have wooden legs and festive cushions. A brass desk lamp adds a touch of vintage charm. A wooden side table with a ceramic lamp and a few books finishes the cozy, functional workspace. A large window with French doors opens to greenery outside, inviting natural light and nature into the room.
Bedroom Interior
White walls and ceiling create a bright, airy atmosphere paired with warm hardwood floors. A simple white bed with neutral bedding sits against one wall, accompanied by a small white nightstand holding a lamp with a soft yellow glow. Two sconces with brass accents flank the bed, adding subtle elegance. A ceiling fan hangs overhead, practical yet minimal. A patterned area rug with blues, yellows, and creams lays on the floor, adding texture and color. Two doorways lead to adjoining spaces, one revealing a bathroom with black-and-white checkered flooring. An arched window with a view of greenery softens the clean lines.
Bedroom with Adjacent Bathroom
White walls and ceiling contrast with a warm, honey-toned wooden floor. The room has a subtle historic charm with angled dormer windows and a traditional cast iron radiator beneath the windows. A white ceiling fan hangs overhead, enhancing comfort. The queen-sized bed is dressed in crisp white linens, accented by a patterned pillow for a touch of color. A vintage-inspired area rug with muted blues, creams, and orange hues anchors the space. A small white bedside table holds a lamp with a textured glass base and a yellow shade, complementing the soft wall sconces. Through the open doorway, a black and white checkered tile floor in the adjoining bathroom adds a bold, classic contrast to the otherwise modest and serene bedroom decor.
Bathroom Interior
A classic black and white checkerboard tile floor anchors this bright bathroom, enhancing its vintage charm. The room features clean white walls with an arched window nook offering views of lush greenery outside. A white porcelain bathtub with a tiled splashback runs along one side, complemented by a wooden bath tray holding bath items. Opposite, a dark vanity with a white sink contrasts sharply with the light surroundings. A small framed floral artwork and a single sconce light fixture add subtle decorative touches. The bathroom presents a blend of traditional style and modern simplicity.
Breakfast Nook
The space is a cozy breakfast nook or casual dining area located in an upper floor room with slanted ceilings. Walls are painted crisp white, enhancing natural light filtering through two windows with arched trim. Hardwood floors offer rich, warm tones, contrasting with the modern minimalist white round table at center. Around the table, four black molded chairs with wooden legs provide seating. A simple white pendant light hangs overhead. On the left side, a small storage unit with woven baskets and black panels sits beneath one window fitted with a vintage-style box fan. An old-fashioned radiator below the other window hints at the home’s historic character.
Listing Agent: Rob Lamb of Compass RE via Zillow