Tim and Tracy Panella had planned to stay in their Abington home until their three children graduated from college. But in 2018, his plans suddenly changed. They were on a real estate agent’s website to check out a friend’s house for sale, and another listing for a “unique” home built in the 1920s caught their eye.

“From the outside the house looked like a small cabin, but inside there were huge rooms,” said freelance musician Tim. “It was deceptive from the street.”

In the two-story, 2,400-square-foot home, Tracy was particularly intrigued by the master bedroom suite with a private bath. It also featured a wooded backyard with a koi pond, a kitchen equipped with high-end appliances, and a pub-like bar in the basement. A leak in the bathroom needed some work and the deck was in poor condition. But they had a vision and couldn’t wait to get started.

“There’s nothing more fun for me than playing a football game on a Sunday afternoon while cooking an Italian Sunday dinner,” said Tracy, who works in quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. Once a month she prepares Sunday dinner for the whole family. “I can feel the warmth of family all together in that space.”

The large kitchen features a Wolf stove with flat-top grill, a warming drawer and a Sub-Zero refrigerator with a clear door. Tim said the couple liked the look, but it forced them to keep the fridge clean and tidy.

Both the living room and dining room have exposed brick walls that were originally exterior walls before the rooms were warped by the previous owner. The living room is where Tim, an avid gamer, enjoys playing video games on the large television. It’s also where the family often meets when the kids come home and watch sports, movies, or entertainment. Danger!.

Windows and a sliding glass door allow natural light to flow into the dining room, accentuating the deep blue walls. A mid-century modern table surrounded by vintage store-bought chairs is the family’s favorite gathering spot.

The basement contains Tim’s music studio and a huge bar for sharing drinks with friends. The bar was especially popular during the pandemic, when families could go downstairs with people in their immediate circle and feel like they were entering a neighborhood bar from the safety of their own homes.

“It had a dual purpose as a great place to hang out and watch a game or a movie, and also a place where we felt comfortable hanging out with the kids’ friends,” Tracy said. “It gave us some sense of normalcy.”

As much as the Panellas appreciate their indoor space, it’s the outdoors where the property truly shines. they hired Kunduz Building and renovation Removing a rotting two-story wood deck and replacing it with a new three-story composite deck in Chalfont. Due to the rugged terrain, the deck required helical piles as opposed to traditional concrete footers. Approximately 40 of these supports were drilled into the ground using special equipment.

Music is played through a sound system on all three levels installed by a Hatboro-based company. All Systems Audio and Video.

“We wanted additional living space,” Tim said. “When the trees are full and the waterfall flows from the pond, it feels like a treehouse.”

On the top deck, a fire pit sits amidst a large orange and wicker sofa for outdoor TV. In summer, flower boxes filled with colorful annuals surround the space. Going down one floor, the drop-off water hookup leads to a supply closet containing planting and koi pond supplies.

Another floor you’ll walk down to is the pergola, a cozy, covered area for viewing the koi pond and flower gardens while relaxing in comfortable chairs.

With the help of the Jenkinstown-based company AquaRealeThe couple also had a waterfall built in the pond in front of the house.

“I love being near the water,” Tracy said. “It’s a quiet, peaceful, happy place.”

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