On The Market: Louis Sauer-designed home offers private nature escape in Center City
The Waverly Street home was designed by famed Philadelphia architect Louis Sauer, and features a private interior courtyard influenced by Japanese design.
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For a home in Center City's Washington Square West neighborhood, the Swartz's house is notable for its access to nature – which is exactly what drew them to it in 1973.
"The light, the architect's creative design, the private outdoor space with access to a larger courtyard," Martha Swartz said.
When she and husband Morris bought the four-bedroom home, the short walk to work and the outdoor space were top among their deciding factors.
The Waverly Street home was designed by famed Philadelphia architect Louis Sauer, and features a private interior courtyard influenced by Japanese design. Swartz said she loves the dining room in the 2,645-square-foot home because of its proximity to the outdoor space.
"We look out onto the private patio and watch the birds," she said.
In addition to the courtyard, the home features a roof deck and a separate Juliet balcony off the master suite. The Washington Square West community offers even more nature nearby.
"Seger Park has also been completely renovated, making it an ideal place for children and dogs to play," Swartz said. "Louis Kahn Park was also renovated, making it a pleasant place to sit and listen to concerts during the summer."
Living in the neighborhood since the early 1970s means the couple has witnessed a lot of changes in Philadelphia firsthand.
"The neighborhood has transformed itself since 1973," Swartz said. "Being able to walk to work, and to various amenities like the Ritz theaters, the Kimmel Center, the Wilma and Suzanne Roberts Theaters, as well as to Center City shopping, has been a huge plus."
After 44 years in the neighborhood, Swartz said the couple has decided to list the home in order to move closer to family.
"We love the house and the neighborhood and are moving only to be able to participate in our new grandson's life on the West Coast," Swartz said.
The home is currently listed for $765,000 by Carrie Waterman at Real Estate with Heart.