Massive price drop on Pennsylvania house next door to mausoleum

A charm-filled home in the US state of Pennsylvania has been struggling to find a buyer, leading to a large price drop.

But while it is definitely in need of some tender loving care, it could be the neighbouring property that is turning buyers off – it is right beside a mausoleum.

“Eight-car garage, overgrown pool on second lot AND mausoleum adjacent for only $299,900? Sign me up!” wrote a user on Reddit , who had shared the listing on the social media platform. 

1 Wyomissing Hills Boulevard, Reading, is described in the listing as a spacious seven-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home with an eight-car garage.

“Step into a piece of history with this classic home, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring a historic gem back to its former glory,” the listing says. 

The house is located in the Wyomissing Hills area of Reading – the fourth biggest city in the state, which is home to the Superbowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles NFL team.

The home includes many ‘timeless details’ such as hardwood floors, crown molding, deep window sills, an ornate staircase, high ceilings, a butler’s pantry, a hearth fireplace, ice box and distinctive bottle glass windows with stained glass inserts. 

An elevator, while not currently functioning, also “adds to the home’s charm.”

“The spacious first floor welcomes you with a large entry room that can serve as a foyer, office, or additional living space,” the listing says. 

A laundry that connects to the eight-car garage and a maid’s room consisting of a single room with a full bathroom completes the home, which boasts a large enclosed porch overlooking the front yard.

One bedroom complete with a study/sitting room and a full bathroom is at the front of the home while the remaining bedrooms are on the second and third floors. 

The home is set on a 16-hectare block and has a pool that might need upgrading to meet pool regulations.

“This home is a true treasure, offering a rare blend of historic elegance and potential for modernisation,” the listing ends. 

The house has been on the market for 134 days and is for sale for AU$474,000 after a AU$78,000 price drop.

Few of the Reddit commenters seemed troubled by the neighbouring mausoleum, the name given to a building that houses one or more tombs.

“With the mausoleum next door, you can get great fertiliser and quiet neighbours!” wrote one.

Others found plenty of positives about the home.

“I love the butler’s pantry and the decently sized yard. It’s perfect to put in a garden and plant a couple of fruit trees,” wrote a user.

“I actually really like it, and for that price it would still be feasible to fully renovate any parts that aren’t ideal. It’s a beautiful house that could become a nearly perfect home,” wrote another.

According to Google Maps, Reading Memorial Mausoleum is located at 1725 Penn Avenue, which is right around the corner from the property.