Listed by Alexei Soma

Days on market: 1085

Dear Seeker of an Incredible Home, There is a room up for grabs at the House of Joy and Wisdom, our name for the beautiful home we share close to the corner of 45th and Locust. The place has been created with a lot of care and thought. I had originally intended for it to be a Buddhist spiritual center, combining the use of sacred plants and the Buddhist tradition. At present, it has evolved into a lovely home. We’ve got three people living here right now. Let me tell you about them so you get a feel for the place. My name’s Alexei. I work as a psychotherapist and spend parts of the year in Peru and Brazil, learning indigenous healing traditions in those fair lands. I love learning and music and friendship, sitting by fires and dogs and rambles in nature. One of the housemates is Nora - a teacher of biology at a Quaker school, she loves hikes in the wilderness, fantasy novels, binging amazing shows and climbing rocks. The third housemate is Ike, a software engineer, labor organizer and sweet singer whose voice reminds me of Neil Young. There’s a kitty as well. Cricket’s her name. She’s a shy sweetheart. Our house was built in 1915 and features original wooden floors, a lovely porch, a great back yard with a firepit that’s often burning and is often surrounded by good friends. There are rickety steps leading from the back yard to the Bird Sanctuary, a block-sized little gem of a park, surrounded by the houses of our neighbors. Speaking of neighbors, ours are nice and we’ve got good relationships with them. The house is big. It’s got seven bedrooms, but only four housemates living there at a time. There is an additional guest bedroom in the attic. It’s spacious and there’s plenty of rooms for practicing meditation or setting up an office or, really, doing whatever one pleases. Many nooks and many crannies are to be enjoyed herein. The neighborhood itself, in case you don’t know it, is lovely. Lots of trees. Five blocks from the University of Pennsylvania. A fifteen minute bike-ride to City Hall and the center of Philadelphia. We’ve got all kinds of culinary goodness a block or two away. Mexican, Japanese, Thai, Lebanese, Yemeni, American and other cuisines are just a hop and a skip from our front door. A seven minute walk gets you to Clark Park, with its open mic on Thursdays and its farmer’s market on Saturdays and children playing and dogs running around more or less always. The neighborhood is neighborly - it strives to be a community in the truest sense of the word. Utilities are separate and not too pricey. We make all decisions together as a house. We’ve got a washer and a dryer. What else needs to be said? It is a special place and a homey home. Shoot me a text with any questions and we can set up a video conversation and, if things feel good, a tour of the home. Sincerely, Alexei

Days on market: 452

Available September 1st: Welcome to this charming 6-bedroom home in the heart of the vibrant Spruce Hill neighborhood in the Penn Alexander School Catchment. This lovely residence boasts beautiful hardwood floors throughout and offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern updates. The first floor features a welcoming living room and a separate dining room, ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. The spacious kitchen is designed for the home chef and provides convenient access to a large, green backyard. The backyard includes a cozy fire pit, perfect for outdoor relaxation and entertaining with access to the Bird Sanctuary park. The home includes two beautifully updated bathrooms that ensure modern comfort and style. Additionally, the house benefits from a bonus kitchen, perfect for additional meal prep or guest use. The location is ideal, as the home is within walking distance to popular local eateries such as Don Barriga, Local 44, Loco Pez, and ReAnimator Coffee. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, a leisurely stroll to Clark Park provides access to a neighborhood gem, where you can enjoy the weekly Farmer's Market for fresh produce and local goods. This home offers a rare opportunity to experience the best of Spruce Hill living. Schedule your visit today and discover your new home!