Open House Sunday for Frank Lloyd Wright ‘Suntop’ Home in Ardmore

Given the overwhelming interest in the story of the sale of a small but architecturally magnificent —published first here last month on Patch and then picked up by other area media outlets—we were surprised when listing agent Craig Brand said he’d be delighted if notice of an open house was posted publicly.

The thinking is that Wright homes are tourist magnets, and an open house might draw a crowd that was mostly there to look and not to buy.

But Brand doesn't seem to mind the possibility of drawing too big of a crowd. After all, despite significant recent publicity, the house is still on the market.

The sale has its challenges. First is the overall economy and the clear buyer's market in home sales. Second, for all its distinctive charm, functionality, style and history, it is a small home at under 1,600 square feet, with just two bedrooms. Third, Suntop is also a Class I certified historic site, meaning renovations and improvements must meet with approvals. , so pretty to take in visually, have no small amount of upkeep.

The house won the 2004 Historic Preservation Award for Residential Construction-Rehabilitation, and is enshrined in the Architectural Hall of Fame of Lower Merion and Narberth.

The asking price for the rare gem is $429,000. In addition to the normal disclosure statement and a certain preservation-related incentives offered by the sellers, Brand said that estimates are now available for full-year utility costs; the installation of two types of central air conditioning; repairs to the lower deck (one of several “sun-tops,” not including the wide first-floor patio); and additional heating and roof history.

For the full story of the home—one of four situated in a pinwheel-like structure where Sutton meets Spring StreetThe story includes links to a 60-photo gallery and a with a local architect.