By Tim Ford
Ahoy! This seven-room bed and breakfast, known as the Shippen Way Inn, is old enough to remember when Queen Village was called Southwark and home to actual sea captains. The Inn is actually a cluster of charming townhomes dating to 1750 that have been unfussily preserved, but it's also only one block away from loud, hot-mess tourist central: lower South Street.
To be fair, there is some good stuff within a two-block radius, like the killer cocktail bar at Southwark restaurant, which was cool before "mixology" was a thing; Philly AIDS Thrift; Fabric Row; Fluid nightclub; TLA; and the handsome train cooking for you at Ela. It's even within the Meredith catchment. Is there also secret pirate treasure hidden in the eaves? (Note: do not tear up the eaves looking for secret pirate treasure.)
Inside: 7 beds, 7.5 baths, separate innkeepers' suite, 3,000 square feet
Outside: Large landscaped brick patio and gardens, south-facing balconies and deck
Extras: Multiple kitchens, fireplaces, ability to wear 19th-century rags and perform "Master of the House" from Les Miserables in your living room
Price: $1,300,000
· Lisintg: 416-418 Bainbridge St. [Prudential Fox & Roach]