Welcome to 39 Union Avenue, a stunning Grand Tudor Revival home built around 1919, beautifully renovated preserving its original details and character. Designed for renowned local builder P.J. Lawler, this majestic residence boasts an intriguing past as a former speakeasy, and now offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. Push the heavy wood front door, flanked by two original lead glass windows and you are greeted by a generous foyer with a striking central staircase. To the left, the living room features original oak-paneled walls, a custom-carved wood fireplace surround, and a wood-burning fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. To the right, you will find the dining room with its original crown molding and windows that overlook the side garden with its traditional Argentinian Asado grill as well as the front porch. The marble fireplace in the dining room makes it a perfect destination for a romantic diner, or any formal occasion for large groups of guests. The spacious kitchen is a chef's dream with top-of-the-line appliances and custom cabinetry made by a master woodworker in Lancaster County. The main countertop is soapstone, and the island is Danby Marble from Vermont and salvaged Hawaiian Koa wood. The original floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets offer lots of storage space and character to the lavish kitchen. The bar, conveniently located next to the bank of French doors that lead to the back gardens, is custom-made using salvaged mixed wood panels and apothecary drawers from the 1800s. Past the living room, a glass-enclosed sunroom, with its solid 22-inch-thick stone walls, is a private oasis with large hydrangea bushes that keep it shaded and cool in the summer. The front porch, back patio and side gardens offer multiple outdoor living spaces, with an extensive Pennsylvania Bluestone patio lined in historic brick, a wooden archway and arbor, and a cozy sitting area with a custom steel firepit. The second floor features a very large bedroom with a walk-in closet, its ensuite bathroom with soaking tub and shower, as well as two bedrooms with recently built ensuite bathrooms, an office with wrap-around bookcases, and finally a marvelous north-facing room with huge windows on 3 sides overlooking the back patio with tree top view. That could be a perfect private office, playroom, Peloton room…. The laundry area is also conveniently located on this floor. Under the eaves of the third floor is the dreamlike main bedroom suite with a fireplace, a gorgeous spa-like bathroom with an oversized soaking tub, oversized double shower with rain head, and a double vanity. To complete this suite, there is the most amazing walk-in closet with a dressing area straight out of the trendiest store in New York! You can roll out of bed and go straight into the gym that is also located on the third floor. The basement reveals a speakeasy used during Prohibition, which is transformed into a family room with plenty of space for games, TV nights, as well as a gym area, and a very large storage room behind it. The built-in Sonos sound system can be found in the kitchen, two patio units and the third-floor bedroom and bathroom. There's also a programmed outdoor and indoor Lutron lighting system. To complete this house is a 2-car garage over which you will find a renovated apartment. Perfect for guests or as income producing rental. The driveway allows for multiple car parking. This home is truly one-of-a-kind, with every detail thoughtfully and expertly crafted.
Sold
$1,640,000
39 Union Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
5beds
5,032sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1919
0.35 Acres Lot
$1,829,200 Zestimate®
$326/sqft
$7,759 Estimated rent
What's special
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: May 23, 2023 at 05:01pm
Listed by:
Cecile Steinriede 215-880-2726,
Elfant Wissahickon-Rittenhouse Square
Bought with:
Andrea Robbins, RS121759A
BHHS Fox & Roach-Haverford
Source: Bright MLS,MLS#: PAMC2066420

Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 4
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
- Main level bathrooms: 1
Basement
- Area: 0
Heating
- Radiator, Natural Gas
Cooling
- Central Air, Electric
Appliances
- Included: Built-In Range, Dishwasher, Energy Efficient Appliances, ENERGY STAR Qualified Washer, ENERGY STAR Qualified Refrigerator, Microwave, Self Cleaning Oven, Oven, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Water Heater
- Laundry: Upper Level
Features
- Breakfast Area, Built-in Features, Butlers Pantry, Ceiling Fan(s), Crown Molding, Dining Area, Eat-in Kitchen, Kitchen - Gourmet, Kitchen Island, Bathroom - Stall Shower, Studio, Upgraded Countertops, Wainscotting, Walk-In Closet(s), Bar, Wine Storage, Plaster Walls
- Flooring: Hardwood, Ceramic Tile, Wood
- Windows: Wood Frames, Stain/Lead Glass, Window Treatments
- Basement: Heated,Partially Finished,Walk-Out Access,Windows
- Number of fireplaces: 5
- Fireplace features: Mantel(s), Wood Burning, Decorative, Marble
Interior area
- Total structure area: 5,032
- Total interior livable area: 5,032 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 5,032
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 6
- Parking features: Storage, Garage Faces Front, Detached, Driveway
- Garage spaces: 3
- Uncovered spaces: 3
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: 2+ Access Exits
Features
- Levels: Three
- Stories: 3
- Patio & porch: Patio, Porch
- Exterior features: Extensive Hardscape, Sidewalks, Stone Retaining Walls
- Pool features: None
Lot
- Size: 0.35 Acres
- Dimensions: 128.00 x 0.00
Details
- Additional structures: Above Grade, Below Grade
- Parcel number: 400062740004
- Zoning: RESIDENTIAL
- Zoning description: Residential
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Tudor
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Masonry, Stone
- Foundation: Stone, Pillar/Post/Pier
- Roof: Other,Asphalt
Condition
- Excellent
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1919
- Major remodel year: 2013
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & neighborhood
Location
- Region: Bala Cynwyd
- Subdivision: Bala
- Municipality: LOWER MERION TWP
Other
Other facts
- Listing agreement: Exclusive Right To Sell
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Services availability

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$1,829,200
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