Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern architecture - this home is a dream and epitomizes mid-century modern design. 101 Elm Avenue presents a rare opportunity to own a mid-century modern home in the heart of Swarthmore. The home was designed in 1950 by Norman N. Rice, a renowned Philadelphia-born architect who contributed to the design of the groundbreaking PFSF Building, and co-taught at Penn with lifelong friend Louis I. Khan. Fortunately, the home has been well preserved and the important elements of mid-century design are present: clean lines, vaulted ceilings, floor-to ceiling windows, open floor plan, functionality, built-ins, and indoor-outdoor living. The house has a concrete and steel I-beam structure which was innovative for its time. Prior owners have preserved the original finishes in the home, including the original St. Charles kitchen cabinets, the preferred choice of iconic architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe, and the original motif and details of the bathrooms. The property has a fabulous hot water radiant floor heat system installed throughout. As you walk up into the main living space of the house you will be immediately greeted by a magnificent stone wall featuring a built-in and a large fireplace, with a stunning vaulted ceiling and a wall of windows with a southeastern exposure. The open floor plan creates a distinct impression and ties together the living room, studio space, and dining room. There are rich hardwood engineered floors throughout the common areas and in the hallway that leads to the bedrooms. The light-filled kitchen maintains its original design with features rooted in functionality, clean lines, and simplicity. A lovely covered side terrace —designed to bring outdoor and indoor spaces together― can be accessed from both the kitchen and the dining room. The outdoor stone wall in the terrace has a built-in grilling station, not currently functioning, as part of the original design. The primary bedroom is spacious, with vaulted ceilings and a line of closets that are roomy and discreet. The en-suite bathroom is ample with an oversized tub and shower combination that still has the vintage Hall-Mack bathroom accessories and Lawson medicine cabinets. The hall bathroom also has period tiles and accessories, and a distinctive walk-in shower. The second bedroom faces southwest and has a row of windows that fills the space with the light of the setting sun. It also benefits from a high, sloping ceiling and a wall of roomy closets and a corner built-in bookcase. The basement provides access to the garage and the utility room. It also has a powder room and a very useful storage room. The laundry is located in the basement. The one car garage is accessed from Swarthmore Avenue and the driveway has a turn around area that doubles as a parking spot. Original blueprints, sketches, documents and photographs have been preserved and come with the house.