House of the Week: Timeless Mid-Century Modern Gem Hits Market in Drexel Hill for $729,900
A striking 1957 mid-century modern residence has just been listed in Drexel Hill, offering a rare opportunity for architectural enthusiasts in the Philadelphia suburbs. Located at 68 Pilgrim Lane in the Pilgrim Gardens neighborhood, this four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is priced at $729,900, positioning it as a premium offering in the area.
Deep Search: Architectural Highlights and Features
The 3,314-square-foot home is a showcase of preserved mid-century design. A slate walkway leads to a façade defined by stacked stone and mahogany, setting the tone for the interior. Inside, the foyer features fluted glass entry doors and continues the slate and mahogany motif, opening into an expansive sunken living room with soaring ceilings and a stacked stone gas fireplace.
Key amenities include:
Entertaining Spaces: The layout includes a wet bar with a second dishwasher and a massive family room with mahogany walls.
Kitchen: A chef’s eat-in kitchen features a 36-inch cooktop, double convection wall ovens, Corian countertops, and a large picture window overlooking the gardens.
Outdoor Living: Two oversized sliding glass doors connect the interior to multiple tiered terraces, designed for seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Preserved Details: The home retains unique period features, such as an original Cinderella corner bathtub in the hall bath and potential inclusion of iconic Poul Cadovius System Cado wall shelving.
Modern Upgrades: Recent mechanical updates include a new high-capacity water heating system, a 2023 second-floor AC system with UV scrubber, and cotton attic insulation.
Objections: Price Point and Practical Considerations
While the property is architecturally significant, the asking price of $729,900 is substantially higher than the local average. Recent market data for Drexel Hill indicates a median home sales price hovering between $315,000 and $325,000, making this listing an outlier that may challenge appraisal values for buyers relying on traditional financing.
Prospective buyers should also consider the maintenance requirements typical of mid-century structures. Although this home has a “freshly soft washed” roof, the extensive use of wood siding (mahogany) and large glass expanses often requires more vigilant upkeep than standard vinyl-sided colonials. Additionally, the multi-level layout, featuring a sunken living room and varied terrace levels, may present accessibility challenges for some households.
Background Info: The Pilgrim Gardens Legacy
Pilgrim Gardens, where the home is situated, was developed primarily in the mid-20th century, distinguishing it from the earlier Victorian and colonial-era construction found elsewhere in Drexel Hill. The neighborhood was built on land that was originally part of a 40,000-acre tract purchased by Welsh Quakers in 1681.
The subdivision itself owes its name to the Pilgrim Construction Company, which built many of the homes in the 1940s and 1950s. This specific era of development marked a shift toward “modern” living in the suburbs, prioritizing open floor plans and integration with nature—philosophies clearly embodied by the residence at 68 Pilgrim Lane. Today, the area remains a distinct pocket within Upper Darby Township, known for its cohesive mid-century aesthetic and proximity to the historic Swedish Cabin along Darby Creek.
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