After bouncing on and off the market for a decade, this unique residence in downtown Philadelphia has sold. Known as the Latimer House, the 5,900-square-foot home was relisted earlier this year for $6 million. It wound up selling this month for $3.95 million.
In 2012, it was listed for $6.2 million and dubbed a spectacle to behold. In 2017 it was relisted for $7.1 million and likened to a bunker or a fortress.
Finding comps was difficult for this three-bedroom residence surrounded by brick row houses and bland apartment buildings.
“Latimer House gives an incredible amount of privacy,” says listing agent Robin Halpern of Compass. “The home was custom-built by two world-renowned architects, who were looking to create something incredibly unique and different. It’s very much a piece of art. The couple designed the home and lived there for 25 years. He has since passed, and his wife has found it difficult to live there without him.”
(Realtor.com)
Built in 1997, the angular home in the heart of Washington Square was designed by two architects who sought to redefine open-concept living. With its walls of oversized windows, soaring ceilings, floating staircase, and glass elevator, the home offers a unique industrial style.
At the street level, it looks like an industrial space or office building. City dwellers might be surprised to discover a rooftop deck, a courtyard garden, and several balconies.
Inside, the home features an open atrium and catwalks. The chef’s kitchen is equipped with a stainless-steel countertop, high-quality appliances, and sleek cabinetry. Upstairs, the primary bath features a massive, glass-enclosed stall shower. There’s also a guest suite with a kitchenette.
(Realtor.com)
The home was considered a “life-size piece of art” by the couple who built it and is loaded with design touches and fascinating quirks.
“You can’t truly understand it until you see every detail they did,” the agent says. “No matter where you stand in the home, you can just see that it is an incredible piece of art. There is no place like it in the city.”
Halpern didn’t disclose the buyer’s identity, but says they received a number of compelling offers.
“We had an advertising company look at it because of the unique outdoor courtyard space in the middle,” she says. “We have also had a lot of athletes show interest as well as people who just love architecture and art. It really was a privilege to work with them on the sale of this beautiful property.”
The home was a filming location for several movies and TV shows, according to Halpern. That could be a potential revenue stream for the new owner.
“They recently wrapped up filming a movie about a pianist here,” Halpern says. “It’s located in such a wonderful part of the city, walking steps to all of the restaurants nearby.”
Discussion about this post