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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Home Sweet Home

Stacy Graebner | stacy.graebner@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

BEING HOUSEBOUND OVER THE PAST YEAR HAS LEFT MANY OF US SCRU-

L AYO UT DESIGNER

TINIZING OUR LIVING SPACE LIKE NEVER BEFORE. Spending long hours

Jayme Emery

working from home alongside our spouses and kids in close quarters, it can sometimes feel like the walls are closing in, leading us to ask: “Hmmmm… should I hang a few new pictures on those walls, or perhaps just knock them all down?!” With more time on our collective hands, we’ve seen everything from booming sales at Home Depot, to an uptick in major home enhancements like kitchen and bathroom

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stacy Graebner, Donna Hoffman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Oscar Mikols, OM Media; Levi Miller, Tom Grimes Photography

remodeling and pool and patio installations. This month’s issue is full of inspiration for home improvement projects big and small. If you are looking to make some minor tweaks to improve the functionality of your home office, kitchen or bath, HBS Home offers several clever and attractive options to optimize your space, while our fantastic interior design contributor, Donna Hoffman, suggests simple yet impactful ways to enliven our homes for spring. On a grander scale, we are excited to feature a gorgeous remodel from Joel Petty Architecture. His renovation of a charming historic home in the borough incorporates sleek modern elements while preserving the home’s unique character. Lifestyle changes during the pandemic have even triggered a shift in real estate

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

trends (hello surging beach house sales?). Dave Marcolla addresses the growing

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

demand for townhome living in our area as more people are discovering that “less”

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

can sometimes be “more”.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Finally, let’s not forget that a pretty and comfortable home is meaningless if we

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

can’t enjoy it with friends and family. Maureen Petrosky reminds us of the joys of entertaining at home (remember that?) by sharing her new book, Zero Proof – a fantastic compilation of non-alcoholic cocktails that are so delicious, we may even be tempted to try a “Dry March”! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Happy Spring everyone!

ON THE COVER An elegant dining room designed by Karin Eckerson of Karin Eckerson Interiors, Pennington, NJ.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GRIMES PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

Stacy Graebner, Editor

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Newtown Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Newtown areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Newtown Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

KRIS GIACOBBE PHOTOGRAPHY

Timeless, Elegant and Comfortable Spaces – Full-Service Interior Design (609) 474-0069 | KarinEckersonInteriors.com | Karin@KarinEckersonInteriors.com Pennington , New Jersey

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021

FEATURES 14 Zero Proof Maureen Petrosky’s new book is the go-to guide for alcohol-free and lowalcohol cocktails

20 Historic Charm Meets Sleek Design 26 Creative Ways To Enhance Your Living Space

20 14

32 The Growing Appeal of Townhome Living

26 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Renovate & Refine

Food & Wine

26 Trend Setter 30 Realty Report 32 Open House

AROUND TOWN

NEWTOWN BOOK & RECORD EXCHANGE UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP After

years,

Bobbie

Lewis, owner of Newtown Book & Record Exchange has sold the store to longtime employee, Chelsea Mitchell. Chelsea had worked at the store for 15 years. Since 1981, the State Street staple has offered a selection of used paperback books for trade or sale, new and used Vinyl LPs and CDs, and rare collectible items. 102 S. State St., Newtown, PA 18940, (215) 968-4914. Instagram: @newtownbookandrecordx.

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RENOVATE & REFINE

spring refresh SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FOR THE SEASON

Donna Hoffman

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

ARTICLE DONNA HOFFMAN

" W ise and st rategic design ch anges are selected bec ause t hey push an import ant but t on in an interior; texture, line, ligh t, form, sh ape or color t o name a few." A FAVORITE QUOTE OF MINE, FROM A

is this: It is rarely about 1 accessory. Instead, the

SAVVY WOMAN, IS THIS: “WISELY STRATE-

power is held in the total curated combination of

GIC INTERIOR DESIGN MOVES CAN BRING

ALL the room accessories. That power is how we

GREAT REWARDS”.

drive dramatic shifts in spaces. All 12-20 accessory

(BTW, that savvy woman also loves handbags and 72% chocolate, in case you’re curious.) Yes, design lovers! Wise design changes are not necessarily the big changes or costly changes,

items, the table top items, lamps/lighting, artwork and soft goods (like pillows), all of these correctly combined, placed, and styled have massive power to change a room’s vibe and mood.

though they certainly can be. Wise and strategic

This spring pick one room and lean into the

design changes are selected because they push

power of the accessories. Start by purging worn,

an important button in an interior; texture, line,

dated, mis-matched accessories and fill in with

light, form, shape or color to name a few.

new. You. Will. Be. Amazed. This is another room

To honor spring, let’s go easy on the budget,

saving move that is used by design professionals

and for fun, here are 5 easy, quick and lower cost

on photography day if a client doesn’t complete

options that professional interior designers use….

a space. Magic.

to up-level and refresh spaces for photoshoots!

Repaint (Only) Interior Trim and Doors. Hard

Yes, a little room polishing can make the image

to believe I know, but it’s amazing to see the bright-

go from meh to amazing.

ening lift that happens when room trim is repainted.

Pick just 1-3 of the following ideas and you’ll see the needle move in your spaces as you refresh them for spring.

You can do this yourself or call in a pro. Clean Your Windows Professionally both indoors and out. It may cost a few hundred dollars,

Add a Floor Plant in an interesting container.

but it’s incredible how much lighter and brighter

The important note here is the one easily missed:

spaces become when a season or years’ worth

The container is AS important as the plant. Size,

of schmutz is removed from all the glass in your

color, and style need to be spot on. This one move

room. The game changer here is the professional

has saved countless rooms on photo-shoot days.

job versus you with your Windex.

Update your Artwork. There are some

Happy spring my design loving lovelies!

choices here: + Reframe something you own and watch it completely change.

About Donna Hoffman: A multi-award-winning Bucks County based designer, Hoffman’s

+ Switch out all of your art locations. Start

company, Interiors by Donna Hoffman, specializes

by taking it all down and moving pieces to new

in new construction, renovation, whole home and

locations – pure gold. Art changes when it’s in a

full room design, delivering livable luxury to dis-

new context.

cerning clients. Seen in Forbes, Real Simple, TV

+ Splurge on a new piece, being sure that the

and radio, Donna is considered a design thought

scale is striking. Bigger than smaller is the rule here.

leader. Called the nation’s #1 design coach

Artwork can reinvent a space.

because she founded TheInteriorDesignAdvocate.

Lean into the Power of Accessories to completely update literally any space. The secret here

com, Donna also loves providing on-line courses that empower DIY’ers across the country. CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

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FOOD & WINE

zero proof ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER | PHOTOGRAPHY LEVI MILLER

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

MAUREEN PETROSKY’S NEW BOOK IS THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR ALCOHOL-FREE AND LOW-ALCOHOL COCKTAILS

MAUREEN PETROSKY IS A POPULAR LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPERT WHO HAS ESTABLISHED AN ENVIABLE CAREER AS AN AUTHOR, TELEVISION PERSONALITY, PROFESSIONAL CHEF AND FOOD STYLIST. Her first 2 books, “The Wine Club” and “The Cocktail Club” were written to promote regular monthly gatherings with friends, highlighting

written from her Bucks County home, but in true

a specific wine or cocktail tasting each month

pandemic fashion, it is the first to be completely

along with suggested food pairings. Both books

photographed and edited from her home as well

inspired readers to start successful wine and

(yes, Maureen is one of those people who actually

cocktail clubs in the local area – some of which

did write a book while in quarantine!). Zero Proof includes 100 delicious and cre-

Now, Maureen is venturing into the trendy world

ative craft recipes for all seasons, organized by

of spirit-free beverages, with her latest book, Zero

occasion. The recipes are clever, easy to follow,

Proof Drinks & More. The book is a compilation

and made with alluring ingredients and flavors

of alcohol-free and low alcohol cocktail recipes

derived from fresh fruit, homemade syrups, juices,

for those who want to enjoy a night out with fewer

herbs and shrubs. Some are completely unique

headaches, fewer calories, and fewer regrets the

like her Sparkling Lychee Mint Smash and Yuzu

next day. This the second book that Maureen has

Mar-Tea-Ni, while others are a twist on old favorites, like the Grilled Pineapple Mojito and Mango Mule. These are not the sugary sweet “mocktails” you might find at your local chain restaurant, but complex, flavorful drinks that are just as satisfying as a full proof cocktail. For those of us not willing to jump on the bandwagon completely (especially during a pandemic!), there is also a fantastic collection of Low-ABV (low alcohol by volume) cocktail recipes. We asked Maureen to give us a sneak peek into Zero Proof Drinks & More which was recently released on Amazon and in bookstores across the country: WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR WRITING ZERO PROOF? So many of my friends have completely given up alcohol in recent years. Whether it's for health reasons or they are working out more, or they just want a good night’s sleep. I love hosting and entertaining so I organically just began creating delicious and easy to make zero proof drinks for my guests.

P RO O F

are still going strong after 10 years!

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK UNIQUE? This is the only book that has both no and low alcohol options (low ABV). In addition, my recipes are clean, not sugar laden mocktails people are used to. These are complex, nuanced sips that anyone can make using ingredients from their own kitchen. I’ve also included some surprises that even seasoned cocktail writers and bartenders will enjoy. HOW DID YOU CURATE YOUR RECIPES? I thought about occasions first because I am a host at heart. What would I want to serve or sip at brunch, or at a picnic? Which pours are perfect for happy hour? I start by showing you how to build your Zero Proof bar, then move on to recipes for Syrups and Shrubs - which are great building blocks for any cocktails, not just Zero Proof pours. Then I organized the recipes by categories: Aperitifs and Spritzes, Day Drinks, Happy Hour, Punches and Pitcher Drinks, and finally, Low ABV (a.k.a. session) Cocktails. WHAT ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES? That they’re all sweet and loaded with calories. Every recipe I put on these pages, is balanced. Some may be a tad sweeter than others, but they all are balanced and delicious. HOW DOES ONE BECOME AN ENTERTAINMENT EXPERT AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, A COCKTAIL GURU?! My mom taught me how to see and celebrate the special parts of every day. She made our home beautiful and welcoming and I just take after her. After graduating from Villanova, I attended The Culinary Institute of America. I went on to get my Sommelier Certification and worked on the line in restaurants and waited my fair share of tables. I eventually began to look for more creative outlets and found myself in TV at the Food Network. I've been on set or in a kitchen with every celebrity chef out there and I've spent decades in TV food production and editorial- both as a producer and as the featured talent. I like all the parts - the food, the drinks and the décor - you need all the know-how in all departments for it to work. Zero Proof drinks were a natural organic venture (or adventure) for me. It's a culmination of every experience I've found or created. Being an "expert" is all about experience- so that title is not something I have, it's something I work to keepevery single waking moment. Lucky for me, I love what I do!

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

Frozen Cosmo

FROZEN COSMO INGREDIENTS Makes 2 drinks + 2/3 cup (150 mL) orange seltzer water + 1/2 cup (125 mL) cranberry juice + 2 oz (60 mL) orange juice, without pulp + 2 oz (60 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice, strained + 2 lime wedges DIRECTIONS 1. In a freezer safe container, combine seltzer water, cranberry juice, orange juice and lime juice, stirring well. Place in the freezer for about 1 hour, until slushy but not fully frozen 2. Remove from freezer and stir with a fork 3. Using a spoon, scoop into glasses 4. Place 1 wedge of lime on the rim of each glass for garnish (Recipe courtesy of ZERO PROOF drinks & more 100 Recipes for Mocktails & Low-Alcohol Cocktails by Maureen Petrosky. copyright 2021 www.robertrose.ca. Reprinted with permission) ABOUT MAUREEN Maureen Petrosky appears regularly as an Entertaining & Lifestyle Expert on NBC’s TODAY show and is a host for Local Now. She is also a popular columnist for today.com and thekitchn.com. She lives in Bucks County with her husband Michael and twins Christopher and Elliot.

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Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

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H I S T O R IC CHARM MEETS MODER N DE SIGN

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

PHOTOGRAPHY OSCAR MIKOLS, OM MEDIA

ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER WITH JOEL PETTY ARCHITECTURE

A COMMON DESIGN DILEMMA FACED BY ARCHITECTS WHO RENOVATE HISTORIC HOMES IS HOW TO MAINTAIN THE DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER OF THE HOME WHILE MAKING IT MORE FUNCTIONAL FOR MODERN LIVING. Architect, Joel Petty has over 25 years of experience tackling this unique challenge. With over 50 historic renovation projects completed in Newtown and the surrounding area, Joel has encountered many interesting and complex problems which he sees as a creative opportunity. As he puts it “achieving the marriage between the personality of the historic home and the wishes of the homeowners is what creates the inspiration for each distinctive project.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

HISTORIC CHARM MEETS MODERN DESIGN (CONTINUED)

Modernizing the flow and function of a historic structure often requires imagination and out- ofthe- box solutions. One of the most significant issues with older homes is that kitchens were often disconnected spaces located in the rear of the house. Whereas today, kitchens are often the center of the home and a focal point serving as an important circulation hub and connection point to other parts of the house. People like to congregate in the kitchen and family room area for social activity and family connection. The rooms and features inside each historic home are often as significant to its character as those on the exterior and therefore the adaptation, reconfiguration and additions to those spaces requires careful thought. Joel’s recent renovation project is a home dating back to the 1830’s on Penn Street in Newtown Borough. Like many homes in the borough, the home has ample charm but presented some challenges to the owners request for an open, connected plan with more natural light. The structure was narrow, and the kitchen, which also acted as the side entry, had a separation wall to the living room for the refrigerator and storage. The only staircase was the original winder which was very tight for daily circulation and far from any new code standards. The stair was situated in the middle of the living room and attached to a powder room which had been added over the years and further minimized the light and flow from the already slim footprint. An existing carriage house situated adjacent to the home in the rear had been updated previously as living space, but had a different architectural style was only connected to the main living space by an exterior deck. The primary goals of

the project were to open-up the first-floor plan

In order to achieve these goals, Joel proposed

to create a family style kitchen with an open

a stunning glass stair tower to move the primary

living area, add a new dining room at the rear

circulation out of the main living space to improve

of the house, find a place for a new stair, which

the overall flow, connect to the carriage house

could also access the existing third floor space,

as a transitional element, and allow natural light

expand the master bathroom and bedroom suite

to spill into the new kitchen and open living area

on the second floor, and connect the main living

while providing expanded views to the outdoors

structure to the carriage house from inside.

as well. The new stair tower also created the

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

opportunity for an interior connection to the carriage house, new

Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) reviews and provides

side entry and mudroom, and the relocation of the powder room and

directional feedback on any exterior alterations. As with the Penn

a new laundry room to that space. The alterations also included

Street project, alterations to windows, doors, exterior materials, col-

adding a dining room over the existing rear patio, which allowed

ors and other features that affected the appearance and character of

for the master suite to be expanded upstairs. The exterior materials

the existing dwelling and its context needed to be considered.

were selected to complement the existing trim of the house, while

Striking the balance between the client’s goals and the unique

the large windows acted as an architectural transition between the

elements of each home while working within the historic guidelines

existing double hung windows on the house and the larger casement

and site restrictions can be an involved process. As this lovely home

windows on the previously renovated carriage house. Throughout

on Penn Street proves, partnering with an experienced and inspired

the project, the interior details were coordinated with Nancy Gracia

architect and designer can yield final results that are stunning.

of BareRoot Design Studio, who provided her exceptional talent and eye to bring the new space to life. While the idea of renovating a historic home can be exciting (and

Joel Petty, AIA, NCARB has over 25 years of architectural design experience in residential, historic renovation and small

we blame HGTV for making it look easy), there are many consid-

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erations that come into play including issues with electrical wiring,

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mechanical systems and structural settlement. Homes that fall

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CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

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H O M E

TREND SETTER

C R E AT I V E WAYS TO E N H A N C E YO U R L I V I N G S PAC E

IN THE PAST YEAR, MOST OF US HAVE FOUND OURSELVES

In either case, realizing that every home is just as unique as

SPENDING MORE TIME AT HOME THAN EVER BEFORE,

the family that lives there is important. HBS Home prides them-

LEADING US TO EXPERIENCE AND REFLECT ON OUR

selves on discovering obstacles and addressing the needs of

HOME’S FUNCTIONALITY ON A MUCH DEEPER LEVEL.

their clients to enhance the livability and comfort of their space.

While some have decided on a complete overhaul, knocking down

Their goal is finding custom solutions to create a more organized

walls to expand or putting on additions; others are finding that

and peaceful environment at home. We asked HBS Home to

they just need to optimize existing spaces within their home to

share a few examples of clever and attractive ways that custom

become more organized, flexible, and sometimes multifunctional.

cabinetry can be used to achieve these goals.

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

Kitchenette:

This under-utilized space outside of the guest room quarters was converted into a small kitchenette. This frees up the main kitchen from some of the smaller daily routines such as brewing a morning cup of coffee.

Floating Shelves:

Floating shelves are a convenient and stylish way to display and store a variety of must-haves whether it be for everyday kitchen items or an addition to that desk/ office space. Items are in full view and can be acquired effortlessly.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

TREND SETTER (CONTINUED)

C U S T O M

Beverage Center:

This alcove was utilized as a functional beverage and coffee station. Located just off the kitchen, it provides a convenient and attractive space for accessing beverages. When not in use, pocket doors have been added to disguise the interior storage area to give it a clean, crisp outer appearance.

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

Desk Area:

With more people working from home and more children participating in school remotely, desk areas like this have become practically a necessity. It is important to assess how much storage you require for books and filing vs how much open counter area is required for your computer and paperwork.

Linen Tower:

When a bathroom is built without a closet, this added linen tower gives the Homeowner some much needed additional storage for towels and other oversized items that do not typically fit into the bathroom vanities.

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Window Bench Seat:

When dealing with a small space, getting creative and utilizing every nook and cranny can be extremely beneficial. In this small kitchen, the voided space underneath the window provides a place to sit while also expanding the kitchen’s storage space beautifully.

Start today to become balanced in body and empowered from within.

N E W TOW N

HBS Home 203 South State Street Newtown, PA 18940 hbshome@hbsnj.com

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

NEWTOWN

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

4 Old Barn Ct

$1,400,000

$1,357,000

97%

2045 Silverwood Dr

$950,000

$981,000

103%

226 Wrights Rd

$989,900

$875,000

88%

120 N Lincoln Ave

$849,900

100%

30 David Dr

$812,000

$805,000

99%

122 Brownsburg Rd

$729,900

$715,000

98%

2052 Farmview Dr

$615,000

$683,500

111%

2048 E Wellington Rd

$575,000

$562,000

98%

3 Denton Cir

$560,000

$545,000

97%

107 Court St

$519,000

$505,000

97%

104 Twining Bridge Rd

$480,000

100%

115 Quince Cir

$409,900

$445,000

109%

80 Cypress Pl

$440,000

100%

420 Mahogany Walk

$450,000

$435,000

97%

8 Walton Ct

$429,500

$418,800

98%

Information obtained through Newtown Multiple Listing Service 11-15-20 to 2-28-21 List and sold price reflect one selected home within the respective subdivision.

Expect Better

#1 Producer at Keller Williams Real Estate - Newtown Direct 6 0 9 . 42 3 . 9 1 47 | Of fice 2 1 5 . 8 6 0 . 42 0 0

D AV E M A R C O L L A . C O M 12 TERRY DR. NEW TOWN, PENNSYLVANIA L I C E N S E D R E A LT O R S - PA A N D N J 30

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

Tiffany Thomas-Smith, Esquire

Journey back to

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CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

OPEN HOUSE

ARTICLE STACY GRAEBNER PHOTOGRAPHY OSCAR MIKOLS, OM MEDIA

the growing appeal of townhome living 32

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

“Ma i ntena nce f ree l iv i ng is the nu m ber one d r iver of th is

t rend. W hether buyers a re physica l ly u na ble, too busy, or just not i nterested i n proper t y a nd g rou nds ma i ntena nce, ma ny people love the idea of tow n house l iv i ng.”

LESS GRASS TO CUT, AN EASY WALK TO TOWN, AND

all groups of buyers now”, he says, “….except, of course, those

COMMUNITY AMENITIES LIKE SWIMMING POOLS, GAME

that don’t want neighbors and love lots of land!” Dave believes

ROOMS, LIBRARIES, TENNIS COURTS AND GYMS…WITH

the increasing popularity of townhome communities stems from

PERKS LIKE THESE, IT’S NOT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHY

changing lifestyle patterns. “Maintenance free living is the number

TOWNHOME COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN A POPULAR REAL

one driver of this trend. Whether buyers are physically unable, too

ESTATE OPTION SINCE THE 1980S. At that time, they were

busy, or just not interested in property and grounds maintenance,

especially appealing to first time buyers and young couples look-

many people love the idea of townhouse living.” Dave also lists

ing for manageable and affordable “starter homes”.

affordability and the trend towards minimalism as other important

Fast forward a few decades, and the demand for townhomes is

factors, “Right now, less is more. From tiny houses to people living

at an all-time high, as the benefits of simplified living has gained

off the grid, more and more, people are realizing they don’t need

even broader appeal. Dave Marcolla of Keller Williams Real Estate

as much “stuff” as they once did, so many folks are downsizing.”

- Newtown notes that while young, first-time buyers still comprise

While typical townhouse communities remain popular, recently

a healthy percentage of the market, busy executives, families,

there has been a surge in the development of luxury townhomes.

singles, and empty nesters are all drawn to these thriving com-

Priced at over $750k, with some reaching beyond the $1M price

munities. “Basically, townhomes are really popular with almost

point, luxury townhomes mimic the space and feel of single family CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Newtown

OPEN HOUSE (CONTINUED)

Dave Ma rcol la is a PA

& NJ Licensed R ea ltor

a nd pr i ncipa l of the Dave Ma rcol la Group. I n 2 019

a nd 2 02 0, Dave was the #1 produci ng a gent at Kel ler Wi l l ia ms New tow n. He holds a n M BA f rom La

Sa l le Un iversit y, ser ves as P resident of the New tow n Busi ness Associat ion

a nd the Assista nce i n

Hea lthca re Fou ndat ion

Ph i ladelph ia a nd is Vice Cha i r of the Boa rd of Di rectors at Ca ncer

Suppor t Com mu n it y

Greater Ph i ladelph ia.

detached homes. They can be surprisingly large - often

(roughly 60% of all homes sold), ranging from between

providing in excess of 4000 sq feet of finished space -

$230k and $950K. “I think the trend will continue, espe-

with open floor plans, ample windows, dramatic ceilings,

cially now that the lifestyle is also becoming appealing to

full basements, and high-end finishings. Newtown Walk

city dwellers who once lived in apartments so that they

in the township and Newtown Station in the borough are

could be close to work. Now they can live wherever they’d

great examples of these types of communities. They offer

like, work from home, enjoy life in the “burbs” at a reason-

more privacy than traditional townhomes, little to no main-

able cost and little to no maintenance. Based on what we

tenance or upkeep, luxurious interiors, and a walkable,

are seeing, I believe that interest in these neighborhoods

friendly community.

will continue to grow as more and more people see the

Dave believes the popularity of townhome living is here to stay. In 2020, 161 townhomes were sold in Newtown

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2021

benefits and these communities continue to add new innovative amenities for their residents.”

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