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On The Market: Penthouse with jaw-dropping roof deck in Old City

The deck provides more than 1,400 square feet of entertaining space where the couple has hosted quiet nights alone and large gatherings.

Courtesy of Mary Genovese

When Mark and Tammy Rutledge relocated to Philadelphia for work in 2012, their property search was focused on houses.

"When we saw this condo, our home search stopped," Tammy said.

The couple bought the penthouse unit at 22 S. Front Street in November after getting a look at the floor plan and the enormous roof deck.

"We had never seen such a large, private roof deck with amazing views available in a big city," Mark said.

There was one other feature that caught their eye. "You just don't see two underground parking spaces available that often," he said.

The couple said the rooftop space required some professional help after moving in—a project that lasted the better part of a year, including licensing, permits and construction.

"We knew we had a great space to work with," Tammy said. "But it was definitely in need of a great architect and construction company to bring it to life and capitalize on all the potential."

The deck provides more than 1,400 square feet of entertaining space where the couple has hosted quiet nights alone and large gatherings.

"You just don't get that kind of outdoor space in a city," Mark said. "We love entertaining on the deck, and it seems to be pretty popular with our friends."

Inside, the home features two en-suite bedrooms and a living and dining space with river views. The eat-in kitchen includes access to a second, smaller terrace. The master suite includes a custom dressing room and a spa-like bathroom with an infinity waterfall tub.

Now that the property is listed for sale, the couple said they will miss their neighborhood at the intersection of Old City and Society Hill.

"Walk out your door and you have everything you could want within a few blocks," Tammy said. "Some of the best restaurants in Philly, the center of American history, the waterfront's firework displays, Winterfest and Spruce Street Harbor Park, and a vibrancy that gives you energy every time you step out your door."

The couple has recently retired, and they said they are ready for a change of scenery.

"We love Philly and it's going to be tough to leave our network of friends and a city that has an energy and closeness like not other we've lived in," Mark said. "But, we have a history of itching for our next adventure every five years or so."

The home is currently listed by BHHS Fox & Roach's Mary Genovese Colvin for $1,750,000.

Click here to view the full listing >>