Three venerable dwellings, three distinct moments in the city's history

Philadelphia

515 W. Gravers Lane

Taxes: $19,490

Sitting on seven acres in Chestnut Hill, "Boxly" is part of a larger house built for Frederick Winslow Taylor, known as the father of scientific management. True to its 1903 Georgian style but with updated amenities, the six-bedroom, 51/2-bath home overlooks the Wissahickon Valley. Its exterior features fountains, a pool and a flagstone patio.

Pros: The kitchen has two ovens, dishwashers and sinks.

Cons: A guest/pool house was kept only for its footprint; no guarantees are made for the condition of its indoor pool.

Listing agent: Melanie Stecura, Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty; 215-735-2225.

Designed by Thomas Ustick Walter, architect of the Capitol dome in Washington, D.C.; Girard College; and Philadelphia's City Hall, this cottage has been faithfully restored by its owners to its 1900 floor plan, from its cabinets to its eight fireplaces. It has six bedrooms, three full and two half-baths, and hardwood floors throughout.

Pros: The heated solarium is a delightful room that has been rebuilt. In addition, the house is a short walk to both a train station and Germantown Avenue shops.

Cons: The basement is original, but also a bit dank.

Listing agent: Kari Ryder-Morton, Eichler & Moffly Realtors; 215-990-8751.

In the 1850s, the queen of Spain was under threat and ordered a home to be built in Philadelphia in case she needed to seek refuge. This six-bedroom, six-bath Victorian in Germantown was to shelter her servants. It includes a first-floor apartment (with two bedrooms and two baths) that can be set aside as a rental, converted to an office or studio, or left as part of the main house.

Pros: A newer kitchen on the second floor has a gorgeous fireplace and stained-glass windows.

Cons: There is no central air conditioning.

Listing agent: Susan Burke, Prudential Fox & Roach, 610-645-3884.