This lovely home has been turning heads since it was first built in the early 1900’s. It graced the cover of American Country Homes magazine in 1912 and was featured on the Historic Gowen Estate tour in 1997. Nationally noted architect Charles Z. Klauder designed the house and became the first of only three owners since that time. The present owners have lived lived here for 52 years, proving that good things are indeed worth holding onto. Perfectly sized to meet all of your needs without feeling overwhelming, this impeccably maintained property displays a host of updated features as well as much original detail. A relocated kitchen with newer Pella windows, tiled floors, radiant heat, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances anchors one end of the home. A bar sink makes for easy entertaining and the built-in desk helps with daily organization. The adjacent formal dining room boasts a beautiful built-in display cupboard and looks out over a deep back yard. French doors open to the brick back porch. The large living room has lovely original paneling and features a picture-perfect inglenook. A dreary winter’s day will feel simply magical when you are curled up by the fireplace (converted to gas) in one of the built-in bench seats. Upstairs, on the second floor you will find the spacious primary bedroom with Marvin replacement windows. Two huge walk-in closets allow for plenty of storage- one (8X8) is even large enough to be nursery or small office. The ensuite bathroom features a marble floor, shower/tub, and heated towel racks. There are two additional bedrooms on this level, one with built-in bookshelves that is currently used as a den. Working from home is a breeze in the office for two, with custom desks built in. A freshly painted hall bath features subway tile and a large shower as well as a spacious linen closet. The third floor offers two additional bedrooms, a sweet hall bath with claw foot tub, and plenty of storage. Hardwood floors run throughout the first two levels; painted pine on the third. You will be amazed by the storage space in the basement where the owners have installed an array of free-standing and built-in shelves, bookcases, and containers. There is also a large laundry room (washer and dryer included), small workshop area, and access to an attached garage that opens onto Crittenden Street. The backyard is a thing of year-round beauty. An expansive lawn is the perfect spot for a hammock, a picnic, or a soccer game, and some half dozen areas are devoted to flowers (annuals and perennials). Mature trees (white pine, cedar, Japanese maple, holly, crepe myrtle, and sweetgum) and plants (mountain laurel, cherry laurel and azaleas) line the perimeter.
Warm and cozy in the winter, and cooled by two-zone air conditioning in the summer (2nd and 3rd floors new in 2021), this is truly a house for all seasons. Current owners have removed all the knob and tube wiring in addition to the numerous upgrades throughout the years. Located on tree-lined Gowen Ave, once named The Prettiest Street in Mt. Airy, just 0.4 miles from the Mt. Airy train station and less than a mile from numerous restaurants, coffee houses, a fitness center and an award-winning classical theatre. Showings begin on Friday, Feb 10.