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Listing description

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.

Facts & features

Interior

Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms
1 full
Living area
2,366 sq ft
Heating
Forced Air
Cooling
Central A/C

Property & construction

Property type
Residential · Detached
Architectural style
Farmhouse/National Folk
Year built
1912

Lot & parking

Lot size
1.72 acres (74,923 sq ft)
Garage
7 spaces

Financial

Price / sq ft
$226
HOA dues
None

Listing details

MLS #
PABK2078828
County
Berks County
School district
Schuylkill Valley
Days on NookLocal
2 days

Interior features

Basement
Full, Outside Entrance
Levels
2
Accessibility
None

Exterior & construction

Construction
Brick
Roof
Architectural Shingle
Foundation
Other
Patio & porch
Porch(es)

Systems & utilities

Heating fuel
Oil
Cooling fuel
Electric
Hot water
Propane
Water source
Well
Sewer
On Site Septic

Parking

Parking
Detached Garage, Driveway
Garage type
Garage - Front Entry, Oversized
Total spaces
11
Driveway spaces
4

Community

Subdivision
NONE AVAILABLE

Lot & zoning

Zoning
R-1

Included in the sale

Possession
Negotiable

Price history

DateEventPrice
Oct 4, 2026Listed for sale$535,000

Price changes are tracked from when NookLocal first indexed this listing; earlier history may not appear. Tax & assessment details are in the section below.

The NookLocal estimate

Estimated value

$483,000

Automated estimate, not an appraisal. Sale records through July 2026.

About this estimate

Based on 10 comparable sales nearby, the Berks County assessment ratio, weighted toward the current asking price.

Current list price
$535,000
County assessment implies
$368,536
Est. property taxes at today's rates
$4,357/yr

Comparable Sales

AddressClosedSale priceBd/BaSqftAdjusted value
121 NANTUCKET DR, READING, PA 19605May 2026$430,0003/22,420$357,399
138 NANTUCKET DR, READING, PA 19605June 2026$400,0004/22,368$336,419
143 NANTUCKET DR, READING, PA 19605August 2026$480,0004/22,384$400,971
4 OSWEGO LN, READING, PA 19605August 2026$460,0004/22,384$391,681
59 KATYLYN LN, READING, PA 19605March 2025$415,0003/22,416$368,949
121 NANTUCKET DR, READING, PA 19605May 2025$379,9003/22,508$319,348

Estimated taxes

Estimated at current rates

$4,836 / year

≈ $403 per month

MLS shows (2026)

$4,937

-2.0% at current rates

School tax

SCHUYLKILL VALLEY · 27.82 mills (2025-26)

$3,291

County tax

Berks County · 9.01 mills (2026)

$1,066

Municipal tax

As recorded for 2026, varies by municipality

$479

Assessment note: this home is assessed at $118,300, well below the ~$171,735 its asking price implies at Berks County's common level ratio (32.1%). A sale near asking can invite a school-district assessment appeal that could raise the bill by roughly $1,968/year. Factor that into an offer.

Recomputed from the county assessment ($118,300, 1994 base year) × current millage. School millage is from the latest year certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (2025-26); districts adopt the next year's budgets each June, and we update when the state certifies the statewide file in the fall. Portals typically reprint the recorded 2026 bill. Pennsylvania does not reassess on sale. Estimate only. Verify with Berks County before relying on it. Learn more: PA property tax calculator · Common Level Ratio by county.

Estimated monthly payment calculator

$107,000 (20%)
6.43%

Loan term

Estimated monthly payment

$3,245/mo

Principal & interest
$2,686
Property taxes (current rates)
$403
Home insurance (est.)
$156

Taxes use NookLocal's estimate at current millage rates, not the stale figure on the MLS. The default rate is the average 30-year rate as of July 2026; insurance is estimated at 0.35% of the price per year. Below 20% down, lenders usually add mortgage insurance, which this estimate doesn't include. Estimate only; verify before relying on it.

Area statistics

School district

Schuylkill Valley

Academic index
55.6/100
Graduation rate
97.3%
PSSA ELA proficient
47.5%
PSSA Math proficient
35.4%

2025 PA state assessments (PSSA / Keystone) and graduation data. The index measures student outcomes, not school effectiveness, and is not adjusted for demographics. Districts serve all residents; verify enrollment boundaries with the district.

Safety data

Berks County crime & safety numbers →

County figures from FBI and Pennsylvania source data.

Property taxes

Berks County taxes, explained →

Millage, the Common Level Ratio, and what changes after you buy.

© BRIGHT, All Rights Reserved

Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed

The data relating to real estate for sale on this website appears in part through the BRIGHT Internet Data Exchange program, a voluntary cooperative exchange of property listing data between licensed real estate brokerage firms in which United Real Estate Strive 212 participates, and is provided by BRIGHT through a licensing agreement.

IDX listings are displayed pursuant to broker of record United Real Estate Strive 212, Frank Ramos, Broker/Owner, PA Broker License RM424345, 1220 Broadcasting Rd, Suite 201, Wyomissing, PA 19610, (610) 372-0212.

The information provided by this website is for the personal, non-commercial use of consumers and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

Some properties which appear for sale on this website may no longer be available because they are under contract, have Closed or are no longer being offered for sale.

Data last updated: October 6, 2026 at 8:06 AM EDT

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