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For sale
  • Price cut: $35.1K (10/19)
    $499,900

    5 Bowers Rd, Reading, PA 19605

    3beds
    2,685sqft
    : 
    $3,524/mo
    Get pre-qualified
    Farm, Single Family Residence
    Built in 1912
    1.72 Acres Lot
    $491,300 Zestimate®
    $186/sqft
    $-- HOA

    What's special

    New guttersTwo stairwaysVinyl windowsHistoric brick architectureOriginal shutters and hardwareNew porch doorAll-new screen doors
    A Rare Piece of Ontelaunee Township History — Character, Craftsmanship & Exceptional Workshop Space Some properties simply cannot be replicated—and 5 Bowers Road is one of them. Set on approximately 1.72 acres in Ontelaunee Township, this distinctive solid brick (3 brick deep) corner property offers a remarkable opportunity to own a piece of local history, with the house, barn, shed, and outhouse all dating to 1912. From the moment you arrive, the property's timeless character is evident. Original shutters and hardware remain, preserving the craftsmanship and personality of a bygone era. Inside you will find two stairways that provide additional functionality throughout the home, beautiful hardwood floors that add warmth and authenticity, while thoughtful updates provide the comfort and practicality today's buyers desire. Every window has been replaced over the years with vinyl windows, and the property features all-new screen doors and a new porch door. The inviting front porch has been completely rebuilt with durable composite materials, and the house is equipped with new gutters. The property also offers some wonderfully unique features that are increasingly difficult to find. A rebuilt working 1912 outhouse remains on the grounds, while a substantial 15,000-gallon cistern with working pump provides an exceptional connection to the property's agricultural and rural heritage. The front basement floor has been epoxy coated, and the basement includes a convenient laundry room and water softener. For the hobbyist, craftsman, collector, tradesperson, car buff or anyone who simply wants extraordinary workspace, the property's 36' x 48' garage/shop is a major highlight. This impressive space includes a propane heater, two-stage air compressor, LED lighting, substantial workbench with drawers and cabinets and shelving units. The 30 X 20 two story barn also includes an air compressor, providing even more flexibility for projects and equipment. The property has been thoughtfully maintained, with the heating and air-conditioning system serviced annually and the septic system pumped annually. With its historic brick architecture, original 1912 structures, approximately 1.72 acres, mature character, working outhouse, large cistern, and exceptional 36' x 48' workshop, 5 Bowers Road offers a combination of history, functionality, and individuality that is rarely found on today's market. A property with a story, a property with character, and a property with the space to make it your own.
    8 days
    600
    42

    Zillow last checked:

    Listing updated:

    Listed by:

    Gilbert W. Carbon 610-779-2500,

    Century 21 Gold - Exeter 610-779-2500

    Source: GLVR,MLS#: 786175MLS LogoOriginating MLS: Lehigh Valley MLS

      Facts & features

      Interior

      Bedrooms & bathrooms
      • Bedrooms: 3
      • Bathrooms: 1
      • Full bathrooms: 1
      Bedroom
      • Level: Second
      • Dimensions: 18.00 x 17.00
      Bedroom
      • Level: Second
      • Dimensions: 17.00 x 15.00
      Bedroom
      • Level: Second
      • Dimensions: 11.00 x 21.00
      Breakfast room nook
      • Level: First
      • Dimensions: 15.00 x 17.00
      Dining room
      • Level: First
      • Dimensions: 19.00 x 17.00
      Family room
      • Level: First
      • Dimensions: 17.00 x 12.00
      Other
      • Level: Second
      • Dimensions: 11.00 x 8.00
      Kitchen
      • Level: First
      • Dimensions: 9.00 x 11.00
      Laundry
      • Level: Lower
      • Dimensions: 9.00 x 10.00
      Living room
      • Level: First
      • Dimensions: 17.00 x 21.00
      Other
      • Description: Screened Porch
      • Level: First
      • Dimensions: 20.00 x 7.00
      Other
      • Description: Screened Balcony
      • Level: Second
      • Dimensions: 20.00 x 7.00
      Recreation
      • Level: Lower
      • Dimensions: 17.00 x 26.00
      Heating
      • Forced Air, Oil
      Cooling
      • Central Air
      Appliances
      • Included: Dishwasher, Electric Oven, Electric Range, Other, Other Water Heater
      Features
      • Dining Area, Separate/Formal Dining Room
      • Basement: Exterior Entry,Full
      Interior area
      • Total interior livable area: 2,685 sqft
      • Finished area above ground: 2,366
      • Finished area below ground: 319

      Property

      Parking
      • Total spaces: 7
      • Parking features: Driveway, Detached, Garage
      • Garage spaces: 7
      • Has uncovered spaces: Yes
      Features
      • Stories: 2
      • Patio & porch: Porch
      • Exterior features: Porch
      Lot
      • Size: 1.72 Acres
      Details
      • Additional structures: Barn(s)
      • Parcel number: 68540012876021
      • Zoning: R-1
      • Special conditions: None

      Construction

      Type & style
      • Home type: SingleFamily
      • Architectural style: Farmhouse
      • Property subtype: Farm, Single Family Residence
      Materials
      • Brick
      • Roof: Other
      Condition
      • Unknown
      • Year built: 1912

      Utilities & green energy

      • Sewer: Septic Tank
      • Water: Well

      Community & HOA

      Community
      • Subdivision: Not in Development
      Location
      • Region: Reading

      Financial & listing details

      • Price per square foot: $186/sqft
      • Tax assessed value: $118,300
      • Annual tax amount: $4,937
      • Date on market: 10/12/2026
      • Ownership type: Fee Simple

        Estimated market value

        $491,300

        $467,000 - $516,000

        $2,055/mo

        Price history

        DateEventPrice
        10/19/2026Price change$499,900-6.6%$186/sqft
        Source: Bright MLS #PABK2078828 Report a problem
        10/4/2026Listed for sale$535,000$199/sqft
        Source: Bright MLS #PABK2078828 Report a problem

        Public tax history

        YearProperty taxesTax assessment
        2025$4,836 +1.7%$118,300
        2024$4,757 +1.7%$118,300
        2023$4,676 $118,300
        2022$4,676 $118,300
        2021$4,676 $118,300
        2020$4,676 +1.9%$118,300
        2019$4,587 $118,300
        2018$4,587 +0.7%$118,300
        2017$4,554 +243.9%$118,300
        2016$1,324 +2.2%$118,300
        2015$1,295 $118,300
        2014-- $118,300
        2013-- $118,300
        2012-- $118,300
        2011-- $118,300
        2010-- $118,300
        2009-- $118,300 +9.3%
        2008-- $108,200
        2007-- $108,200
        2006-- $108,200
        2005-- $108,200
        2004-- $108,200
        2003-- $108,200
        2002-- $108,200
        Find assessor info on the county website

        Monthly payment

        Est. payment

        Payment breakdown

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        All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
        HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
        See how much you could borrow to make a competitive offer.

        Climate risks

        Neighborhood: 19605

        Getting around

        7 / 100
        Car-Dependent
        24 / 100
        Somewhat Bikeable

        Nearby schools

        GreatSchools rating
        Schools provided by the listing agent
        • District: Schuylkill Valley

        Source: GLVR. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.

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