Welcome to 223 S. Chester Road, a stunning, historic and spacious home located in the highly sought-after Borough of Swarthmore. As you approach the home you are greeted by the incredible wrap-around, covered porch which has been lovingly re-created by the current owners, restoring the front elevation to its original grandeur and beauty.
You will immediately appreciate the craftsmanship of this home including a handmade porchlight and stained glass, refinished hardwood floors throughout, soaring high ceilings, incredible millwork, interior shutters and period tiles. The front entry hall is light-filled and open, highlighted with a wood-paneled staircase and original doors leading to both dining room and living room. A powder room is tucked to the left of the entry hall.
To the right is a bright and spacious living room with large windows and glass French doors and transom glass that flood the room with natural light, as well indirect lighting creating a bright welcoming atmosphere. The decorative coal fireplace is a centerpiece of the room with its carved mantle and gorgeous tilework.
Straight ahead from the foyer, the dining room is perfect for entertaining, with its large bay windows pass through to the kitchen. Connecting the two rooms is the family room, featuring another decorative fireplace and pocket doors in both openings, enabling an open floorplan that is not typical is most homes of this era. Off the dining room is a well-appointed, spacious kitchen complete with ample storage, gas cooking, a center dining island and plenty of counter space. The second staircase leads upstairs from the kitchen. Off the back is a sizeable deck with canopy, offering yet more outdoor living space.
Upstairs, you'll find spacious bedrooms with large closets, beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings and plenty of natural light. Central air has recently been added to the two upper levels. On the second floor there are four bedrooms – the smallest of which is currently serving as a yoga/meditation space but could also be a wonderful home office. The layout and adjoining doorways creates the option of using multiple rooms as a large suite. There is a full hall bath, and a wonderful laundry room completing this story.
The third level contains 2 more wonderful bedrooms, a full hall bath, and a bonus room which is currently a home office with coffee bar. This entire floor could be an owners retreat, functioning as a huge single suite, or as 2 to 3 distinct bedrooms, perhaps also functioning as an in-law suite or home for an au pair. The home is zoned R20-two family, and the bonus room could easily revert back to a small kitchen.
Back downstairs, step outside onto the large back porch and take in the serene surroundings of the beautifully landscaped yard. The lawn area is equipped with an invisible fence for dogs. A newly installed patio and privacy screen cordwood fence creates the perfect spot to gather and enjoy the outdoors. A raised bed garden is well designed, situated to capture sunlight during the growing season and to be friendly to the farmer's back. The front yard is recently enclosed with a custom stone gabion wall with planting bed on top to allow greenery to drape down. Inside, the garden are newly planted, appropriately scaled, ornamental maples and dogwoods.
The driveway leads back past the home to the garage, and then bends around to the right to lead to Yale Avenue. The detached carport with newer 100 amp service offers plenty of storage space for all your outdoor equipment and vehicles. To the right of the garage, both in front and to the back is additional parking for numerous vehicles. The basement of the home is accessed through the bilco doors, and offers extensive storage area.
Conveniently located in the heart of Swarthmore, this home is blocks from local shops, restaurants, schools, train station, tot lot and parks. With easy access to major highways, airport and public transportation, commuting to Philadelphia