It's time to make up a bunch of awards and hand them out to the most deserving people, places and things in the real estate, architecture, infrastructure, and neighborhood universes of Philadelphia! Yep, it's time for the Annual Curbed Awards! Up now: The most beautiful homes that hit the market in 2016.
↑ Washington Square West fixer-upper
We know what you’re thinking: Really? That mess of a house made the list? But there was just something about this historic home that spoke to us—and thousands of others, apparently. Within days of hitting the market for $550,000, hundreds calls and emails came pouring in, and within weeks an offer was accepted for $135,500 above the asking price.
↑ Historic Mt. Airy mansion
Upsala, a historic mansion with ties to the Revolutionary War, listed in October, much to the surprise of history and architecture buffs alike. The National Trust for Historic Preservation listed the property, considered one of the finest examples of Federalist architecture, saying that the new owner should be a steward of the property and be able to rehabilitate it. Looks like they found the right person, because the listing is now under contract.
↑ Rittenhouse Square penthouse
With three floors and 360-degree views, there was and is plenty to ogle at in this Lanesborough penthouse. The stunner hit the market in November to the tune of $7 million, which buys you four terraces, three bedrooms, and one of the best views from a bathroom we’ve ever seen.
↑ Chestnut Hill fairytale estate
When the Hollowood Estate hit the market in June, it was like being transported into a fairytale. The Chestnut Hill estate actually boasts three equally lovely structures, including the main house, a guest stone house, and a tiny garden studio surrounded by a field of ferns. All that for $1,875,000.
↑ Northern Liberties
The lofts in the Cigar Factory never fail to impress, but this one took the cake. Not only did we like how warm and inviting the corner condo seemed, but also the finishes (corrugated metal bar) and features (distressed bedroom doors) that really made the home a standout. It quickly sold for its original price tag of $550,000.
↑ South Broad brownstone beauty
When this beautiful brownstone hit the market on November 1 for $800,000, it became the most expensive home for sale in its neck of the woods. The designer’s touch was apparent from the get-go—the owner is Tiffany Fasone of the home-staging company Voila Design. But looking past all of the decor, it was clear that the home’s original character held its own, from the wrought-iron gate out front to the wooden inlays throughout. The home is still on the market, now down to $769,900.
↑ Chestnut Hill Victorian stunner
We knew it was a lot of house to handle, but we were stumped as to why this Chestnut Hill Victorian mansion wasn’t selling. Called "Edgecumbe," the 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom home wowed with its ornate woodwork, seven restored fireplaces, and overall opulence. It eventually sold for $1,295,000.
↑ Bella Vista villa
This modern condo in the Lofts at Bella Vista listed at the tail-end of summer, giving us some serious rooftop envy. Designed by PZS Architects, the corner condo wowed with its shaded terrace and sleek finishes. No wonder it sold two weeks after listing for $1.3 million.
↑ University City BnB
When the iconic Gables BnB listed this year, it was much to the dismay and sadness of its many fans who had stayed here during its tenure. So it was with great relief to hear that the new owners, a big family, planned to maintain the stunning Victorian, perhaps returning it to its BnB roots some time down the road. The home, designed by architect Willis G. Hale, sold for $1,545,000.
↑ Fishtown industrial home
Something felt familiar about this Fishtown home when it hit the market in April. When we learned that it was developed by none other than Roland Kassis of La Colombe and Frankford Hall, things started falling into place. Kassis turned two-story warehouse was into a swanky yet industrial 2-bedroom, 2-bath home. It sold in June for $430,000, just $20K below its original asking price.
- Philly’s best new architecture and urban design wins of 2016 [Curbed Philly]
- Mapping the 10 most expensive homes sold in Philly in 2016 [Curbed Philly]