clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Iconic Vanna Venturi House Gets $250K Pricechop

New, 1 comment

The first postmodern residence in the country hasn't found a buyer

The trailblazing Vanna Venturi house designed by architect Robert Venturi for his mother in 1964 is now $250,000 cheaper. It is now listed for $1,500,000.

The 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Chestnut Hill first hit the market in July 2015 for $1,750,000. According to Melanie Stecura of Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty, a number of "serious buyers" have looked at the house since then, but no one has made the leap to purchase what's considered the first postmodern residence in the country.

The Vanna Venturi house is in Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood more known for its historic Wissahickon stone homes. Named one of the 10 homes that changed America, it has been critically acclaimed for its peculiar design: Its pitched roof, random curves, and a staircase that leads to nowhere are unexpected surprises that showcase Venturi's departure from modernism at that time.

In a press release, Stecura said, "Serious buyers have looked at the house, but it’s a house that needs to be lived in, and for that reason, my client and I believe that the buyer will be from the greater Philadelphia area or perhaps the tri-state area. We are adjusting the price to be more in line with other area homes on the market."

There have only been two owners of the property: The Hugheses (their daughter is the current owner) and Venturi's mother.

Secura adds, "They really want to find the right person for the property, someone who understands it and values its significance as much as they do."

Whoever does ultimately buy this iconic home may eventually own a historic piece of property. The home was nominated for historical designation in October 2015. In December, the Philadelphia Historical Commission voted to table the nomination to a later date.