Contemporary, Converted Dwelling, Loft with Bedrooms

Don’t miss this breathtaking converted church located on a quiet street in the heart of East Falls. Listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, this home was the original 1916 chapel of the Manor Sunday School which then became the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, designed by Lawrence Visscher Boyd. The fully functional bell atop this spectacular home is a favorite among neighbors and guests alike. The 2020 restoration and renovation maintained the rich historical aspects of the building, while providing all the modern and functional conveniences of new construction. From McMichael Street your eyes will be enamored by the professionally landscaped front yard featuring a plethora of established native perennial plantings, a hardscaped cruciform path, soothing pedestal fountain, and warm Ipe landing. Enter the exquisite home through the original wooden front doors, complete with the quintessential church house hinges, into the tiled foyer and under the arched entranceway to the main living area. You’ll notice soaring 25-foot ceilings and the fabulous, exposed chapel beams above, as well as the original choir loft. To say this home is ideal for entertaining is an understatement. Enjoy the wide-open living/dining room space which is perfect for multiple seating areas all flowing through to the meticulously designed chef’s kitchen. The kitchen boasts a center quartz island with seating, pendant lighting, two tone cabinetry, lantern mosaic tile backsplash, a convenient pot-filler and stainless-steel appliances which include a built-in convection oven and microwave, a gas oven/range and a counter-depth refrigerator. Just beside the kitchen you can access the perfectly manicured Japanese-inspired garden/patio complete with a Koi pond, waterfall, and multiple sitting areas. Behind the garden and hidden from view are 2 large garden sheds, a potting area, and space to conceal refuse containers. Back inside and beyond the main living space are the sleeping quarters. The primary bedroom features a walk-in closet with custom shelving and a serene en-suite bath with hex tile flooring, starburst accent wall, freestanding soaking tub, double wide stall shower and marble topped dual vanity. The remaining two bedrooms each easily fit queen-size beds and enjoy gorgeous garden views. These two bedrooms share a lovely tiled hall bath, and a powder room is located on the first level as well. Just off the other side of the kitchen is a coat closet plus an extra-large storage closet also with custom shelving, a pantry, additional refrigerator, and stacked extra-large washer/dryer, with room for additional shelving. This leads to the rear deck which provides access to the unfinished storage area which houses all mechanical systems. Upstairs, above the kitchen you will find a spacious flex loft which works perfectly as a home office, reading den, or a cozy tv room. This one-of-a kind home is located directly across the street from McMichael park and is convenient to I-76, SEPTA and Kelly Drive. Center City, UPenn, CHOP, Drexel, St. Joe’s and Temple University are all easy commutes from this quiet neighborhood. With 6+ years remaining on the tax abatement, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is not to be missed!