Just Listed: Refreshed Row House in Rittenhouse
This handsome renovated house for sale exudes the spirit of a trinity in a much larger package.
1515 Rodman St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146 | Bright MLS images via BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors
It’s taken me this long to learn the technical term for the tight, enclosed spiral staircases that mark Philly row houses as trinities, and now I’m going to share that knowledge with you, thanks to the agent marketing this house for sale in Rittenhouse Square’s southeast corner:
They’re called “box winder” staircases.
The “box” is the walled enclosure surrounding the stairs. According to Old House Online, these were preferred in Colonial American homes because the walls supported the stairs and added a degree of insulation. The “winder” refers to the tight spiral formation around a central pivot point.
These stairs also make it difficult to get your modern mattress up them, but that’s another story. They lend personality to many a Philadelphia row house, including this one.
Main floor
More of its personality, however, stems from its crisp contemporary decor, especially on the main floor. (Note how the renovation opened up the box on the winder staircase leading to the second floor.)
Kitchen
This open space has its kitchen tucked into an angled opening at the back.
Kitchen and island bar
The kitchen makes its presence felt in the rest of the main living area via the butcher-block-topped island with bar seating.
A fireplace and that box winder staircase add a dose of tradition to this modern arrangement.
Bedroom
Because this house for sale is larger than a trinity, it has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The second floor contains a large one, a small one that could be used as a study or home office, and a hall bath.
Master bedroom
The master, with its en suite bathroom and large closet, occupies the entire top floor. Its ceiling beams have been left exposed for a loft-like ambiance.
Rec room
The basement contains a rec room, a laundry/mechanical room, and storage space.
Patio
And in back you’ll find a handsome redwood-fenced patio.
On top of all this, this house is conveniently located just steps from the Avenue of the Arts and the South Street West restaurant row. Rittenhouse Square itself is a pleasant stroll away, and the Broad Street Line’s Lombard-South station is a block and a half to the east.
THE FINE PRINT
BEDS: 3
BATHS: 2
SQUARE FEET: 1,224
SALE PRICE: $499,000
1515 Rodman St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146 [Travis Rodgers | BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors]
