Property Crush

This Townhome’s Zen Garden Is the Most Relaxing Thing I’ve Seen This Week

Written by

Sofia RiveraAssociate Lifestyle Editor at Apartment Therapy
Sofia RiveraAssociate Lifestyle Editor at Apartment Therapy
Since joining Apartment Therapy in 2022, I’ve edited the Life section, covering wellness, money, career, small-space living, mental health, and all the items, habits, and pro tips that can help you level up your life at home. When I’m not editing a feature or chasing a lifestyle tip, you can find me rearranging my furniture, watching reality TV, or taking a veryyy long walk around the city.
published Mar 16, 2023
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Credit: Compass

Living in the city often means a necessary sacrifice of personal outdoor space — that’s what parks are for, or the tiny swath of fire escape or stoop that you can covet. Which is exactly what makes this Philadelphia townhome’s backyard so incredible.

  • Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Price: $875,000
  • Size: 1,700 square feet
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 2
Credit: Compass

Through the sliding glass door at the end of the two-story living room, you can enter a Japanese garden replete with plantings, a lovely wooden pergola with built-in seating, and a stone path that guides you back to a deck for additional al fresco lounging. 

Credit: Compass

When it gets chilly and you need to head in, though, the three-story home has so much to love. Not only does the living room offer views of the garden, but it features a sleek gas fireplace with a stone surround so you can cozy up in style.

Credit: Compass

Down a few stairs into the sunken kitchen, you’ll find a layout with all the bells and whistles (see: JennAir gas range, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawer, Liebherr refrigerator, instant hot water dispenser) and plenty of nooks and crannies for stashing things away in style. The maple cabinets, paired with the quartz counters and dark slate floors, make the space feel bright and modern.

Credit: Compass

A cushioned banquette (with hidden built-in storage) turns the kitchen into an eat-in, and a half-wall of subway tiling behind the dining area makes it feel like a casual-chic cafe. 

Credit: Compass

Up the spiral staircase, you’ll find a den, bathroom, and office on the second floor, and a massive bedroom on the third floor, large enough for a sitting area and sizable closet system. All the way below, the lower level makes room for a laundry area and rec zone, perfect for those home workouts. 

Credit: Compass

I feel at peace just looking at photos of this zen garden.

Credit: Compass

A spiral staircase winds through all three stories.

Credit: Compass

Even the bathroom feels like a zen oasis.

Credit: Compass

The primary bedroom boasts plenty of sunlight and closet storage.

Credit: Compass

The second floor is a home to a cute office or bedroom space for sunny work-from-home days.

Credit: Compass

The three-story townhome lives on a lovely brick sidewalk-lined street.

This Property Crush is listed by Marion Dinofa with Compass.

Are you on the house hunt, or just the type of person who loves browsing real estate listings, even when you’re not in the market for a new home? Property Crush is a column where we feature actual real estate listings that get the Apartment Therapy seal of approval in regards to style (we haven’t done home inspections or anything, so don’t sue us). Know of a great house on the market? Email the listing to repitches@apartmenttherapy.com.