Moving along the 2000 block of Spruce St, you’ll be amazed at the stature and scale of all the old homes lining the way. Many if not most are behemoths, stretching nearly 120’ in length, covering their entire plots with room after room of Victorian scaled spaces. But not this pearl at number 2026. This building’s footprint occupies a little more than half the lot, leaving space for an amazing south facing garden, filled with mature plantings and areas carved out for relaxing and entertaining. And just beyond the garden, behind the cedar fence, is enough paved space for two normal sized cars. It doesn’t seem possible that a setup like this can still exist in Rittenhouse Square, in the heart of Philadelphia. And yet here it is, awaiting the next stewards to move this spirited home along its wonderful journey, just as the creative current owners have for the last 20+ years

The 1st level sits well above the street. All of the needed spaces are here; a double doored entry foyer, a sitting room, a newer powder room and kitchen, and the most comfortable dining room in Center City, anchored by a fireplace and poised over a butterfly filled garden of healthy plants in various states of bloom.

The building plan is a “dumb-bell” in form, the center being dominated by service rooms such as baths and closets, and an oval shaped stairwell that climbs 4 stories up to the top floor studio and bedrooms. The formula is similar on each floor; at the front, a large north facing room with giant windows and plentiful walls for art and objects. To the south, at the rear, one or two bedrooms, also with enormous windows, look out over the garden below. Out of sight and above the curving stairwell is the original skylight, covered by the previous owner in past renovations. There it sits, waiting for its day in the sun.

From this location, you’re two blocks from Rittenhouse Square and five or six blocks from Fitler Square. And the house is a short distance from too many cultural institutions and eateries to name. If you do decide to stop by for a visit with your agent, swing by CORK The Wine Shop at COOK. Grab a cold, crisp bottle of effervescent Vinho Verde and take a few minutes to sit and enjoy this garden oasis, and ponder what might come next.