EASTON, Pa. — Few homes in the Lehigh Valley embody the relationship between architecture and nature as thoughtfully as this custom residence designed by the late architect John Michael. Located within Palmer Township's Old Orchard neighborhood in Easton, Pennsylvania, the custom home backs to the woodlands along Chain Dam Road, creating a setting that feels remarkably private while remaining just minutes from the heart of the Lehigh Valley.
The residence is listed for $1.15 million by Lynne Kounoupis and Niko Kounoupis of RE/MAX Unlimited, longtime Lehigh Valley Real Estate Agents whose team has specialized in Palmer Township and the surrounding communities for more than two decades. The custom contemporary residence spans over 4,600 square feet on a secluded 1.09-acre double lot overlooking the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission boat launch, the Lehigh River, and the D&L Trail. Surrounded by protected woodlands yet located just 90 minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia, the property offers an uncommon combination of architectural pedigree, natural beauty, and accessibility.
Completed in 1982, the home reflects the design philosophy that defined John Michael's career. Widely recognized for his innovative contemporary designs, Michael received numerous awards for excellence in architecture, including First Prize in the prestigious International Furniture Design Competition held at Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Ennis House in Los Angeles. His work was also featured in nationally recognized publications including House Beautiful, Interior Design, Architectural Record, and Architectural Forum.
Rather than dominating the landscape, the residence was carefully designed to become part of it.
Purposefully oriented due south, expansive walls of glass and clerestory windows invite natural light deep into the home throughout the day while framing uninterrupted views of the surrounding woodland. Soaring cathedral ceilings, exposed structural beams, and a series of interconnected living spaces create an interior that feels both dramatic and welcoming. Every principal living space was designed to strengthen the connection between the home and the landscape beyond.
The home's material palette is equally thoughtful. Contemporary Italian Allmilmö cabinetry extends throughout the kitchen, dining room, and laundry spaces, while granite, tile, and stainless steel detailing by the renowned Phillipsburg Marble Company complement the home's clean architectural lines. A built-in Miele espresso system, premium Thermory Benchmark Ash decking, solid oak hardwood flooring throughout the first two levels, and a walkable skylight that fills the gallery-inspired art room below with natural light are among the many custom details that continue to distinguish the residence more than four decades after it was built.
Outside, broad decks and patios extend the living spaces into the landscape, dissolving the boundary between architecture and nature. The woodland beyond the property creates a remarkable sense of privacy while providing views toward the Lehigh River, the Fish & Boat Commission boat launch, and the D&L Trail. It is a landscape that changes with every season and one that was clearly considered from the earliest stages of the home's design.
Architect-designed residences of this caliber rarely become available in the Lehigh Valley. More than forty years after its completion, John Michael's vision remains every bit as compelling as it was in 1982. In an era when many homes are designed around trends, this residence stands as a reminder that exceptional architecture is timeless. It is a home shaped by light, landscape, craftsmanship, and the enduring belief that great design should enhance the way we live.
Editor's Note
Explore Eastern PA periodically features architecturally significant homes, historic properties, and exceptional destinations throughout the region. This residence is listed for sale at $1,150,000 by Lynne Kounoupis and Niko Kounoupis of RE/MAX Unlimited and LehighValleyListed.com who have successfully represented buyers and sellers throughout Palmer Township and the greater Eastern PA region for decades. Listing information and photography are used with permission.
