Overbrook Farms is a West Philly neighborhood that, despite its architectural significance and rich history, often goes unnoticed. It is, however, recognized nationally as a National Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Here in Philly, however, its nomination to be added to be designated a Philadelphia Historic District has been under consideration since 2004. Proponents of the designation seek to preserve the neighborhood’s architectural aesthetic, which has been described as a West Philly version of Chestnut Hill, Germantown, and Mt. Airy.
But opponents argue that the designation could be a burden to homeowners, since historic districts are subject to additional regulations to preserve the neighborhood’s architecture.
For an idea of what Overbrook Farms’ architecture looks like, here are five prominent homes currently for sale in the neighborhood.
↑ Overbrook Farms dates back to 1892, and this French Provincial estate followed shortly after. Designed by local architects Charles Keen & Frank Mead in 1895, the 7-bedroom, 5-bath home features leaded stained glass windows, pocket doors, and prominent ceiling and crown molding. It does need some updating, but it’d be hard to argue that the $424,900 isn’t a bargain.
↑ This stone Tudor clocks in at a stately 4,270 square feet and features six bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The bones are there, from the original woodwork and built-in bookcases to the wrap-around porch. The kitchen has been updated and there’s a two-car garage out back. Asking price: $429,000.
↑ Here’s a home that actually includes two parcels, so you can either keep the big backyard or build another structure on the lot, the listing suggests. The main home will be a big enough fixer upper project on its own, though. Sorry, no interior listing photos. Asking price is $299,900 for the 4-bedroom, 2-bath home.
↑ This is the most expensive home for sale in Overbrook Farms at $575,000. So good thing it’s move-in ready, just recently renovated from top to bottom. Perhaps the only hard part will be filling the massive home: It has seven bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus multiple outdoor spaces.
↑ This $550,000 price tag will buy you this stone mansion that’s been home to a couple of famous folks, including singer Teddy Pendergrass and Sixers player Samuel Dalembert. It has seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, plus room for 10 cars in the driveway. There’s also a guest suite.