BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The pandemic has turned real estate all over the country into a competitive (or for some of us, a spectator) sport. And though demand has cooled for real estate in Lehigh Valley, median home prices have actually increased 13.4%, compared to this time last year. Despite inflation squeezing potential homebuyers and mortgage interest rates nearing 7%, prices continue to rise due to low inventory.
The median home price in the area is now $295,250. But if money is no object for you, it turns out there are also plenty of million-dollar listings for you to choose from. That’s right. And $3M dollar houses? Yeah, we've got that, too. And they are right here in the Valley.
We’ve rounded up a dozen of the most expensive, interesting and quirky houses for sale today in our area for your viewing enjoyment:
You can’t go back in time, but for $5 million, you can get close
Water and Wings Estate
The land for this house was granted by the sons of William Penn circa 1730 and is the oldest homestead in the Lehigh County area. For a cool $5.1 million, it can be yours. It comes with 231 acres of blue mountains, a native trout stream and raspberry gardens. Golden eagles make their pilgrimage every year. The estate also includes three homes, a carriage house, a barn, and restored outbuildings, making it the perfect set-up for a compound. This is country living, 300 years ago.
Hold your horses, this house was barn to be wild
Devonshire RoadThis house in Allentown is converted from an 1807 barn and is built from chestnut and pine wood that no longer exists in new growth. The barn, converted in 1980, preserved the original stable floors and has individually hand-set wooden tiles that move as you walk on them. The sound is fittingly similar to that of hoofs clomping. A three-level fieldstone chimney gives character to this entire home, as well as large lights at the entrance which originally came from an old bridge.
How much is your privacy worth?
Santee Mill Road
This 22-acre, 1970’s style home in Bethlehem is enveloped in trees and sits alongside preserved lands. For anyone who has had nosy neighbors, you can understand exactly how valuable this is. Feel free to use your pool, spa, tennis court and sauna in permanent, guaranteed privacy. The house has unique décor such as a wiry chandelier in the marble foyer, as well as a funky curved, white, wrought-iron staircase. It also has six bedrooms with plenty of windows to enjoy the panoramic view, as well as a staggering six bathrooms.
Room with a helluva view
UntitledIf you build palladian windows on a rolling hillside, what do you get? Stunning views, to start with. Oak floors and high ceilings definitely make this home in Orefield feel like it’s worth nearly $1.8 million dollars. While you’ll get your usual rooms such as a kitchen and living room, there’s also a formal living room (of course), sunroom, deck, office, laundry room, two suites with a separate living room and library, a balcony, jacuzzi, three bedrooms and seven bathrooms. And that's not all. In the basement, you’ll find a rec room, gym, sauna, theater, and guest suite. But wait! There's more! The backyard features a pool, pool house, hot tub and built-in fire pit. The butler’s pantry by the dining room implies you’ll have to B.Y.O.B. (bring your own butler).
Home is where the saltwater pool is
UntitledThis majestic 10,000-square-foot mansion sits in the middle of more than 30 cool acres, with energy-efficient windows that let you look out as far as the eyes can see. It has four bedrooms and five bathrooms over three floors, with a hot tub in the primary. There are three fireplaces, as well as two laundry rooms. The lower level has a bar, gym and fully appointed outdoor kitchen, and can be converted into a full in-law suite. Outside, there’s a saltwater pool and patio, as well as a fire pit and basketball court.
If you want to add a winery or agricultural farm to the property, that’s a conversation that could easily be had. There are already buildings that can be turned into housing for staff and a store for tastings. The property has been approved for a helipad. NBD.
Built by experts, bought by you
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This house is actually the personal home of a custom builder in Easton. Originally built in 1956, the current owner has since renovated every room with the best quality materials. The windows have special soundproofing that blocks out all noise, and there is a climate-controlled wine room that holds over 600 bottles. The garage allows for six cars, with plenty of room to start a collection. The house is strategically placed outside of a flood plain with stunning views of the Delaware river. And the location is strategically placed outside of a flood plain, with stunning views of the Delaware river.
Darling, don’t be koi
UntitledIf space is what you want, space is what you’ll get with this house in Bethlehem. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, it is 9,686 square feet over three levels. What stands out is the great room, which has beamed cathedral ceilings, glass walls, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. In addition, there is a gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, office and exercise room. In total, there are six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, with a wood-burning fireplace and a private back patio in the primary suite. Outside, you'll find a private pool, spa and Koi pond for you to enjoy. Fish are negotiable.
California living in Lehigh Valley
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It’s not easy to find a California contemporary home in the valley, so for fans of the style, this house in Schnecksville is worth checking out. A multi-generational home, it has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The bathrooms have upgraded Bluetooth-controlled showers, and there are two laundry rooms, The circular driveway is covered by a roof, next to cooled and heated garages. It also has a saltwater pool, four decorative patios, and two decks - for sunrise and sunset, natch.
A historic home in a historic town
UntitledBuilt in 1890, this Victorian-era Queen Ann home sits in Historic Bethlehem and is a vibe. With red brick exteriors and a large porch, the charming home has original, carved wooden doors and window shutters that still work. There’s an imported Italian gas fireplace in the living room and a custom wet bar that leads into the original pantry. There’s also a large deck enclosed with lattice walls. The other standout room is a sitting room on the second floor, with wooden floors, wooden walls and a wooden ceiling.
This house is the bee’s knees
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Since this french inspired home was built in Allentown in 1930, it only had three owners. It was built right after the prohibition, as residents began to leave urban enclaves in Center Allentown for spacious suburbs to the west. Many homes in the neighborhood are Arts & Crafts style, a period marking the American and British movement to revive handicrafts, and a precursor to Craftsman and bungalow styles. And if a functioning speakeasy in the basement was not enough, the house also has a tiered-seating movie theater.
So exclusive, we can't share photos online
We weren’t allowed to use or take photos of the most expensive houses for sale in the area so we can’t show them to you, but you can see them for yourself below.
Believe it or not, this $9 million dollar home is in Bethlehem. Built in 1939, it has a two-story pub and library, five bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, 10 parking spots, an elevator, a theater and an indoor pool. Outdoors is another pool with a slide, spa, grotto, poolhouse, tennis court, and detached barn designed as a batting or golf simulator.
This $1.75 million colonial home is in Allentown. With eight bedrooms and seven baths, it gives any other house on the list a run for its money. Worth noting is the indoor pool, which features marble columns.
Last but not least, this notorious estate is $3.7 million after it burned down in a fire the day after the last time it sold in November 2021. At the time, it went for $6.4 million. The mysterious investment group who owns it definitely has been unlucky. But with a little TLC and some deep pockets, who's to say it can't get back to its former glory?