Welcome to the iconic Shapiro House, a masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Louis Kahn, nestled into the picturesque slopes of Penn Valley, Pennsylvania. This extraordinary residence is a testament to Kahn's genius in blending modernist architecture with the surrounding natural landscape. As you approach the Shapiro House, you'll immediately notice how it seamlessly integrates into the hillside, appearing to emerge from the earth itself. Kahn's vision for the house was to harmoniously blend with the environment while offering breathtaking views of the lush outdoors. Upon entering the house, you'll be greeted by a striking spatial arrangement that exemplifies Kahn's brilliant floor plan. The living quarters are ingeniously placed on the upper level, allowing residents to bask in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. Large-format windows stretch from floor to ceiling, acting as frames to the panoramic views outside. During the day, the abundant natural light floods the interior, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. At night, the absence of electric lights allows the exterior night lighting to reflect off the white walls, making the interior seemingly glow in a warm and ethereal ambiance. The interior wood details further enhance the house's character, adding a touch of warmth and craftsmanship to the minimalist design. Kahn's meticulous use of natural materials brings a sense of comfort and timelessness to the living space. As you descend to the garden level, you'll find the private sanctuary of the house – the bedrooms. Designed to provide a tranquil retreat, these spaces open up to the surrounding garden, making you feel as if you're part of nature itself. The cleverly placed windows and sliding doors blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor, inviting fresh air and natural scents to permeate the living spaces. One of the defining features of the Shapiro House is its soaring high ceilings. The vertical expanses give a sense of grandeur, and together with the generous windows, they create a feeling of openness and freedom, enhancing the connection between the interior and the exterior. Living in the Shapiro House is like living in an ever-changing work of art, as the seasons transform the landscape and the play of natural light casts dynamic shadows and reflections on the white interior walls. This architectural marvel is more than just a dwelling; it is a celebration of nature, light, and space. The Shapiro House stands as a timeless testament to Louis Kahn's mastery, offering an unparalleled living experience where you can truly enjoy the outdoors while being comfortably nestled within the embrace of this iconic home.
Sold
$790,000
417 Hidden River Rd, Penn Valley, PA 19072
4beds
3,579sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1960
1.19 Acres lot
$844,300 Zestimate®
$221/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: July 24, 2024 at 05:04pm
Listed by:
Lavinia Smerconish 610-615-5400,
Compass RE,
Listing Team: Lavinia Smerconish
Bought with:
Steph Slapin, 2189267
Keller Williams Philadelphia
Source: Bright MLS,MLS#: PAMC2088204

Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 4
- Full bathrooms: 3
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
- Main level bathrooms: 2
- Main level bedrooms: 1
Basement
- Area: 1000
Heating
- Forced Air, Natural Gas, Electric
Cooling
- Central Air, Electric
Appliances
- Included: Cooktop, Dishwasher, Oven, Oven/Range - Gas, Water Heater, Gas Water Heater, Electric Water Heater
- Laundry: Lower Level
Features
- Dining Area, Exposed Beams, Open Floorplan, Formal/Separate Dining Room, Built-in Features, Primary Bath(s), Bathroom - Tub Shower
- Flooring: Hardwood, Wood
- Basement: Full
- Number of fireplaces: 2
Interior area
- Total structure area: 3,579
- Total interior livable area: 3,579 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 2,579
- Finished area below ground: 1,000
Property
Parking
- Parking features: Driveway
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: None
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Exterior features: Stone Retaining Walls
- Pool features: None
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Trees/Woods
Lot
- Size: 1.19 Acres
- Dimensions: 64.00 x 0.00
- Features: Backs to Trees, Front Yard, Landscaped, Wooded, SideYard(s), Suburban
Details
- Additional structures: Above Grade, Below Grade
- Parcel number: 400025036007
- Zoning: RESIDENTIAL
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Contemporary
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Stucco
- Foundation: Concrete Perimeter
- Roof: Asphalt
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1960
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
Community & neighborhood
Location
- Region: Penn Valley
- Subdivision: None Available
- Municipality: LOWER MERION TWP
Other
Other facts
- Listing agreement: Exclusive Right To Sell
- Ownership: Fee Simple
Services availability

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$844,300
2% more+ $16,886
With Showcase(estimated)
$861,186