On The Market: Country home in West Mount Airy for $749K
After moving into the 4,777-square-foot home more than 20 years ago, Lomax began renovations that she divided into the first and second decade. Part one involved cosmetic upgrades to the exterior; part two involved a full renovation of the kitchen.
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Claire Lomax's West Mount Airy home has been a labor of love for more than 20 years.
"Renovations inside and outside," she said.
When she and her then-husband bought the property in 1996, they were drawn to the area near Chestnut Hill because of its access to green spaces like Fairmount Park. They also loved the home's floor plan.
"While the house is big, it's also cozy," Lomax said. "It's like a country experience in the city.
After moving into the 4,777-square-foot home, they began renovations that Lomax divided into the first and second decade. Part one involved cosmetic upgrades to the exterior: a new driveway, sidewalk and front stairs as well as a new patio and a cabana out back.
Since 2006, the renovations have been mostly on the interior.
"In the last 10 years, the kitchen has been fully renovated, along with two bathrooms," Lomax said.
Their improvements also included new gutters, a new flat roof over one of two decks and fixes to the hardwood floors throughout the home.
Lomax said the new kitchen – which now includes luxury appliances as well as custom cabinets, marble countertops and a breakfast bar – is her favorite part of the home today.
"I love the kitchen because it is big enough to serve as a functional cooking space with lots of counters and cabinets, but also provides room to gather and entertain," she said.
The neighborhood location also provides proximity to the city and the suburbs, and Lomax said accessibility and features like a private studio apartment over the detached garage will appeal to buyers.
With her daughter off to college soon, Lomax said she is ready to downsize.
"I prefer to live in a smaller space," she said. "I have been conflicted because I have enjoyed living [here] and it is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime property."
She said her love for the neighborhood is likely to keep her in West Mount Airy, despite the four-bedroom home being for sale.
"I am not sure where I will land next, but I know it will be nearby and I am happy to let other people enjoy all that the house has to offer," Lomax said.
The home is listed by Joanne Colino at Elfant Wissahickon realtors for $749,900.