Editor’s note: This article was last published in June 2017 and has since been updated with the most recent information.
The Philadelphia region is often overlooked for its midcentury modern architecture. But all one has to do is dig a little deeper and realize that there are plenty of these gorgeous homes dotting its landscape.
Many of the most iconic homes of the bunch have long been owned by midcentury modern stewards. But every once in awhile a big batch of these gems hit the market—including some that have well-regarded architects attached to them (Hello, Anne Tyng!). Here are some of our favorite midcentury moderns currently on the market in and around Philly that all offer something a little different.
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2511 Waverly Street
The home of architect Anne Tyng in Fitler Square is on the market for $675,000. Tyng is often referred to as Louis Kahn’s long-time partner and the mother of their child Alexandra Tyng. But Tyng was a notable architect in her own right, influencing much of Kahn’s work and being the pioneer of habitable space-frame architecture. Her brilliant mind is on display in this 18th-century Fitler Square rowhome, which she transformed into the modern masterpiece. The master suite is the real showstopper, with Juliet balconies on each corner and a floating brick fireplace.
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655 Stetson Road, Elkins Park
This three-bedroom home at 655 Stetson Road in Elkins Park is a classic modern residence built in 1950. The architect is unknown, but the home sits in good company: It’s located on the same street as the Louis Kahn-designed Oser House. After selling in 2014 at an auction in a sorry state, the sellers renovated the property from top to bottom while keeping much of the home’s original details intact. It’s now on the market for $425,000.
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308 Saybrook Road, Villanova
This 3,000-square-foot home in Villanova was built in 1969—and it shows. The living room is located down a short set of stairs, where you’ll find a big stone fireplace that’s surrounded by a sunken sitting area (which are making a comeback, by the way). This floor is also highlighted by wood-paneled walls and a built-in bar. After listing for $649,000, its asking price is now down to $625,000.
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204 Tookany Creek, Elkins Park
Here is another midcentury modern home located in Elkins Park, built about two years before the home on Stetson Road. The 1,614-square-foot home sits nestled on 1.74 acres and borders Tookany Creek. A large living room immediately greets you behind the orange front door, with a fireplace with Mercer tiles to the left and vaulted ceilings above. The kitchen looks untouched, though it does have a new stove. One of the highlights is the retractable, custom wood dining table. The asking price from the three-bedroom home is $274,900.
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1202 Cotswold Lane, Cherry Hill
Across the Delaware River in Cherry Hill is this interesting midcentury modern that’s partially built underground. The five-bedroom, three-bath home is the work of midcentury modern architect Malcolm Wells, often referred to as the father of “earth-sheltered environments.” Wells used plenty of wood materials that bring warmth to the expansive home, which was designed in 1954 also features a greenhouse-style kitchen. It’s on the market for $619,000.
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