376 Keim Road

This home has a special story you will want to know about. It was lovingly planned, down to every finite detail and built over a 15-year period by its owners. The story starts with finding the perfect lot just shy of 10 acres and features a quarter-mile driveway that ends in a roundabout at the front of the house. The driveway is flanked by mature trees, creating privacy and the sense of a remote location, with the benefit of actually being in a central location. As you approach the home you begin to realize you are about to be amazed. This wonderful home was designed to capture the features from the Craftsman homes of the early 1900s: earthy, in the choice of stone and wood; an interior that transitions to the outside with large, wide porches and a heavy stone base to support each porch column; a large roof overhang, with exposed beams and rafters. The roof graces the building and provides shade in summer while, in combination with large south-facing windows, it maximizes solar gain during the colder months of the year. Staying true to the design are components of the original bungalow designs, including the simplicity of the door, window, and cabinet facings. A small version of a traditional Inglenook with a central wood stove shares its chimney with a stone-faced Rumford fireplace that has been perfectly placed in the center of the home. The mantel was made from a reclaimed barn beam. Building materials and fence design ties landscape features to each other and the home. The first floor features a primary ensuite. A modest primary bathroom has a walk-in shower to the left of the door entry. Two additional rooms are on this floor. One of the rooms is currently used as an office. Both are serviced by a second full bathroom. The second-floor features two bedrooms, a full bathroom and a landing area which is perfect for reading or relaxation. The kitchen is open and bright and includes a butler pantry for additional storage. The exposed beams in the kitchen echo the charm felt throughout the house. There is a root cellar that stores vegetables through cooler seasons, maintaining a temperature around 40 degrees. The peninsula is perfect for entertaining while you prepare a meal. The windows from the kitchen and eating area overlook the custom inground saltwater pool with a spa. The pergola with mature wisteria keeps you shaded from the sun while you enjoy the pool area. The dining area connects easily to the kitchen and opens to the wood stove and seating area. The expansive windows in the open living area create a feeling of being outside which is further enhanced by the pitched wooden ceiling overhead. The walk out lower level is bright and open. It could easily be separate living quarters with its own kitchen and full bathroom. There is a large open area and two private areas. The unfinished area has a significant amount of storage space including custom built shelving. This home is built for efficiency and sustainability. The outside walls are double-studded and eight inches thick with an R-value 30. The ceilings are super-insulated to R-60. Both have a continuous foil-faced and taped vapor barrier. Recently added solar panels produce power that keeps electric costs to less than $20 a month on average. The raised bed gardens are substantial and produce vegetables and fruits that sustain the current owners year-round. The principal source of heat for many years was the wood stove. Its warmth is drawn up into the air conditioning ductwork and distributed through the entire house. In 2016 radiant heat in the floors was installed for an optional heat source. Above the two-car garage is a heated workshop. The space is significant and can accommodate large shop equipment. The location cant be beat, Allentown is about 45 minutes away, Philadelphia is about an hour, and NY City is about 2 hours away. Schedule your showing today!