Farmhouse Friday: American Gothic in Glenside

677 Brooke Rd., Glenside, Pa. 19038 | TREND Images via Dan Helwig, Inc.

In our search for a farmhouse to feature this week, we stumbled across two nearly identical farmhouses located close to adjacent stations on the Lansdale/Doylestown line in Glenside. Both of them exude early American charm; both have elements of Gothic style about them; both are adjacent to township open space; both are on spacious lots; and they’re almost identically priced (the difference: a mere $100).

This is the one that’s priced $100 higher, and the difference is worth it. It’s also the older and better maintained of the two — and the more contemporary.

This home features something unusual for 1790s farmhouses: an open plan living/dining room, created by turning what was a center entrance hall into an open staircase. The resulting space thus feels less cramped than it otherwise might but still retains its Early American feel thanks to beautifully restored hardwood floors and deep stained-wood window frames.

Behind these two rooms is an ell that runs the width of the house. This  space has a more contemporary feel thanks to the sunken, open family room with stone accent wall and fireplace adjoining a modern, open eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and countertops. Skylights, large windows, and large French doors that open onto the rear paver patio make this ell a sunny delight.

(That patio is delightful for entertaining and relaxing as well, as it comes with a hot tub.)

Upstairs, on the second floor, is a spacious main bedroom, a smaller second bedroom and a full bathroom.

The third floor has two equal-sized bedrooms with vaulted ceilings and new Gothic windows. (Speaking of which, you might also note the Gothic-style door leading to the outside from the kitchen. The main entrance door has an attractive leaded glass window.)

The unfinished basement includes laundry facilities and plenty of storage space, and the front and back yards are both attractively landscaped with paver driveways, pathways and terraces.

According to its current owner, it’s a great place to raise a family too, as its North Hills neighborhood is friendly, filled with kid-friendly spaces for play and exploration (including the home’s own back yard), and busy with family fun activities year round.

And finally, its price is family-friendly and affordable for a first-time buyer too.

THE FINE PRINT

BEDS: 4

BATHS: 1 full, 1 half

SQUARE FEET: 1,814

SALE PRICE: $270,000

OTHER STUFF: While the seller welcomes home inspections, the home is being sold in as-is condition. The roof, heating system, central air conditioning and radon remediation system are all new or recently updated.

677 Brooke Rd., Glenside, Pa. 19038 [Amanda Helwig | Dan Helwig, Inc.]