542 BARRETT AVENUE

542 Barrett Avenue in Haverford, Lower Merion township is a 3-story twin built in 1925 and completely restored in 2023-24. The restoration was completed in coordination with the Lower Merion Township Historical and Architect Review Board, aka HARB, and as such, much of the original construction materials were preserved and reused, and the front and side exterior elevations were left unchanged to maintain the original character of the home and historic feel of the neighborhood. A new driveway was added to provide off street parking and the covered front porch was rebuilt with flagstone laid in a 12 x 12 poured concrete base. A two story addition was added in the back of the house above the existing rear porch, and pebble dashed stucco was applied to match the original stucco. The double hung windows with wavy glass were reused and the original stucco was cleaned, repaired, and painted. The original 15 pane glass front door, flanked by two 10 pane fixed side lights were retained, and provide ample ambient light to the living room. A quaint stone fireplace (non-working) with a painted mantel is a primary focal point in the living room, and the original hardwood floors and stairway steps were refinished and stained on site in the dining room and kitchen areas. There are china cabinets built into the opening between the living and dining rooms that help create a more distinct first floor plan. After a complete interior redesign that required the removal and relocation of existing windows, doorways, and walls, a center island was installed between the kitchen and dining area complete with an undermount stainless steel sink, garbage disposal and dishwasher. A new powder room, mudroom nook, large coat closet and pantry were also added to the new first floor redesign. The kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless steel GE appliances and lovely 36" cabinets capped with 5" crown moldings. The full basement is accessed through a door in the kitchen, and the laundry, complete with a brand new washer, dryer and utility sink is located there. The basement is bone dry, painted, well lit and features 3 windows that allow ample natural light, and a secure exterior stairway provides access to the backyard. The ceilings on the first and second floors are nearly 9' high, unique for a house of this style and vintage, creating a sense of roominess while allowing more ambient light throughout the home. The primary bedroom suite features three custom walk-in closets, a wide dressing hallway and a luxurious full bathroom. There are ceramic tile floors in the dressing hallway and bathroom, which includes a double bowl vanity, separate toilet, and tub/shower. The original hall bathroom was replaced with a new three sided frameless glass surround shower, double bowl vanity and toilet. Two additional bedrooms on the 2 nd floor include large, newly built closets and ceiling fans. The third floor is finished into a large carpeted loft that could serve as a bedroom, home office or playroom. A combination high efficiency NG fired hot water boilers/hot water heater feeds original and new radiators and supplies domestic hot water. Ducted central air conditioning systems were installed and cool all 3 levels, and the house was completely rewired including recessed lighting, ceiling fans, fixtures and the removal of all original knob and tube wiring. Plumbing t/o the home is new, including the replacement of the original tiles and tub. In the coming weeks, new landscaping, including beds, foundation shrubs, 10 x 10 rear patios, and a shared storage shed are scheduled to be installed. This home represents a rare opportunity to move into a completely renovated home in Haverford, in Lower Merion School district and walkable to the Haverford train station, the Haverford School, Starbucks, Acme and The Bakery House.