Description

Built in the manner of a London townhouse and a fine example of Philadelphia's Federal style, 340 S. 4th Street most recently was the residence of Samuel Sadtler, one of Society Hill's earliest and most dedicated pioneers in the neighborhood's restoration. It's now offered along with its adjacent 19x86 beautiful garden space with brick courtyard opening to Green's Court and a 1-car off-street parking. The house was completed in 1805 to serve as the city home of John Johnson Jr., a prominent Quaker abolitionist. This house, like so many others in the city, was a sad shadow of its former self when originally purchased by Mr. Sadtler in 1967. He set about restoring it, using research, his own craftsmanship and a good bit of scavenging to find proper period materials. What stands now is a testament to his many years of hands-on work, grand in its time and by today's standards. Tall sash windows, high ceilings and red pine floors in its front parlor and formal dining room; restored plaster walls; a stately main entry with fanlight window; a front-to-back entry hall containing a classic Federal-style staircase; chair rails and substantial baseboard and crown moldings with period-appropriate profiles; box locks and King of Prussia blue marble fireplace surrounds as well as carved fireplace mantles are some of its most important hallmarks of 19th-century style. To the rear of the house is a kitchen with a large fireplace and access to a brick herringbone-patterned terrace and large expansive beautiful garden (19' x 86') on separate deed. There is also a powder room and closet storage in the kitchen area. Private quarters on the 2nd floor include a study now lined in mahogany bookcases and with 2 closets; a main bedroom suite generous in scale with 14' ceilings, a wood floor, 3 windows for excellent light and a simple bathroom. On the 3rd floor are 3 bedrooms that share a Jack n Jill bathroom. Each has closets and original moldings. In the attic is space with interesting Palladian-window dormers, perfect for converting to a studio or perhaps a guest suite. A separate apartment, accessible via an exterior staircase and entry, is located to the rear of the main house and has a kitchenette, living/dining area, bath and bedroom. 3-zone heat. Restoration work may make it eligible for tax abatement. Own a well-kept piece of history in Philadelphia's Society Hill Historic District, thanks to the painstaking work of its steward and restoration pioneer, Samuel Sadtler.