Spring has sprung and the Real Estate Relief team is so excited to go out and take in the sights and sounds of the City of Brotherly Love.
There is an abundance of historic homes and buildings that provide a glimpse into the fascinating stories of Philadelphians who preceded us.
The team at Real Estate Relief wanted to honor our city’s magnificent history by featuring some of its unique historic homes and properties across Philly. Some of these locations are well-known, others less so, but all worth exploring!
The Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion
The Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion is a Victorian mansion in the Germantown neighborhood. Built in 1859, the mansion prides itself on being Philadelphia’s only authentically restored Victorian house museum. The museum that provides insight into life in the late 19th century and showcases Victorian-era furnishings and decor, as well as live Victorian Theatre events and unique programs and workshops to give you a taste of what life was life.
The Rosenbach Museum & Library
Located in a townhouse in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, the Rosenbach Museum & Library contains an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artwork. The museum also showcases the home and life of the Rosenbach brothers, who were prominent collectors and dealers of rare books. The museum offers a variety of programs and courses, both in-person and virtually, and is an incredible resource on historic literature. An excellent find for the bibliophile in your life!
The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Located in the Spring Garden neighborhood, this house was the home of the legendary poet Edgar Allan Poe for six years in the 1840s. Although Poe lived in several houses during his time in Philadelphia, this humble home is the only one that is preserved and still standing to this day. It is now a museum that provides insight into Poe’s life and work and makes for a terrific day trip with the family.
Elfreth’s Alley
Located in Old City, Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America and is currently home to various artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs. The gorgeous rowhouses on this beautiful little street date back to the early 1700s and provide us with a glimpse of life in colonial Philadelphia. The Elfreth’s Alley Museum (located at houses 124 and 126) is an homage to the American working class. Elfreth’s Alley was not included in the original plans for the city of Philadelphia and was created as a cart path between two Front St. property owners to help manage overcrowding by the busy ports. The alley is still a thriving residential community which is home to artists and artisans, educators and entrepreneurs, and everything in-between.
The Betsy Ross House
Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district in Old City, the Betsy Ross House is a historical landmark believed to be the home of Betsy Ross at the time of her sewing the stars and stripes onto the very first American flag. The house was built in the 1740s and now serves as a museum that showcases colonial life in Philadelphia through interactive, historical programming, including a demonstration at the upholstery shop.
The Powel House
Considered one of the premiere examples of Georgian architecture in the United States, The Powel House mansion in Society Hill was built in 1765. It served as the home of Samuel Powel, often referred to as the “Patriot Mayor” as he was the last mayor of Philadelphia under British rule and the first mayor of the new American republic.
The Woodford Mansion
Located in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia, the Woodford Mansion was erected in 1756 and served as the home of William Coleman, a prominent Philadelphia merchant and judge, as well as a close friend of Benjamin Franklin himself. The interior of the mansion home features a unique collection of 17th-, 18th- and early 19th-century decorative and fine arts acquired by the collector Naomi Wood, and includes a stunning exhibit of 18th-century Philadelphia-made furniture.
There are so many incredible historic properties in the Philadelphia area, we may have to do another installation of this post with more of our favorites!
The Real Estate Relief team is thrilled to work in a city like Philadelphia, where historic homes are abundant, and our city’s incredible history is evident at every street corner.
We love to discover hidden gems, like unique historic properties that are in need of restoration and some TLC. We are always seeking new properties to invest in and we absolutely love the good bones of a historic home.
If you have a property that could use some of Real Estate Relief’s tender love and care, please reach out through our contact page or call us directly at (305) 4-RELIEF. We’re here to be your resource on all things real estate.
