Renovated Society Hill home from 1770 asks $899K

Walking through Society Hill’s idyllic streets and alleys, it’s easy to assume that the historic district’s homes have remained relatively untouched since the 18th century. While that may be true in some cases, this home at 232 Spruce Street is proof that you should never judge a book by its cover.

From the exterior, this looks like your average and adorable three-story brick rowhome, complete with a dormer and flower box. According to Philip Williams’ listing, the original home dates back to 1770.

But after undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation in the 1970s and even more updates in recent years, the 4-bedroom, 3-bath home clearly hides its 247 years well behind its modern finishes. The first floor layout is not typical: Upon entrance, the upgraded kitchen is directly to the left, followed by a dining room with a wall of built-in shelving and a living room with access to a surprisingly large patio.

Upstairs, the third floor is full of architectural details, big and small. A Murphy bed hides behind a wall made of maple and reclaimed barn wood, turning the rest of the space into a office by day. The desk features a live-edge maple top, which means that the natural edge of the wood remains, running along the wall.

The asking price of this 2,218-square-foot home is $899,000.

• 232 Spruce Street [BHHS Jenkintown]