When people make their midcentury modern pilgrimages, it's often to the west coast or the idyllic estates in New England like those in Connecticut. But Philadelphia? Not so much.

Yet this region also experienced a burst of midcentury modern architecture during the late 1940s and 1950s, a time of great creativity in art, architecture and design in America post-World War II. "The Philadelphia midcenturies stand out among those across the country because of the bucolic settings many are found in, and quality of materials used such as the use of locally quarried stone," says Craig Wakefield, a local dentist-turned-modern homes real estate agent.

Wakefield has been shedding light on the Philly region as a midcentury modern mecca at his website Modern Homes Philadelphia for the past eight years. Here, he shares the best 10 examples of midcentury modern residences, all designed by prominent architects between 1950 and 1958.

"I feel each of these homes are exceptional examples of classic modern architecture in our region," says Wakefield. "Each home on the list is innovative and unique in design. They have amazing settings, open floor plans, very strong connections to the outside, and are carefully oriented to maximize light."

Note: The following homes are listed in chronological order.