SoPhilly Spotlight: Girard Estate edition

For this week’s SoPhilly Spotlight, we ventured a bit further south, just far enough to showcase this wonderful house across the street from an often-overlooked leafy oasis, Girard Estates park.

Coming in at a fairly reasonable (compared to our recent Spotlights) $384,900, this 3-bedroom, 2-5 bathroom house, at 2508 S. 22nd St. (near Porter), has about 1,850 square feet.

If you’re not familiar with Girard Estates, the distinctive homes were built in the early 20th century as a model for urban living and named after Stephen Girard. He’s the reason you see so many things named Girard in this town — Avenue, College, this whole neighborhood — and he was the richest man in America at his death in 1831.

The park is the remainder of his estate, which was in what was called at the time Passyunk Township, part of Philadelphia County. And his country summer home is still across the street from the house we’re featuring today. For more about the neighborhood, this Inky story does a good job. But we digress.

From the listing by Realty Mark Cityscape:

Welcome to this beautiful remodeled home on the Girard Estate Park. Walk into the living room to see refinished original hardwood floors throughout the home. Notice the original and functional pocket doors as you make your way into the dinning room complete with original woodwork and china cabinets. From here you will be stunned by the all new kitchen with high end cabinets, granite counter tops, LG stainless steel appliances, and timeless subway tile.

On the second floor you can find two nice sized bedrooms in the rear of the home. Finally the master suite overlooks Girard Estate Park with fantastic views from the sun-room. Off the master bedroom you will see walk in closest on your way to the new master bath with granite vanity and tiled shower.

What do you think? A little history with your real-estate porn?