A Rare Piece of Ontelaunee Township History — Character, Craftsmanship and attention to detail are more than evident upon viewing this property. 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.
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.
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$4,836
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2025
$4,836 (+1.7%)
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2024
$4,757 (+1.7%)
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2023
$4,676
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2022
$4,676
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2021
$4,676
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2020
$4,676 (+1.9%)
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2019
$4,587
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2018
$4,587 (+0.8%)
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2017
$4,553 (+1.4%)
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2015
$4,490
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2014
$4,491 (+1.4%)
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2013
$4,429 (+2.7%)
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2012
$4,314 (+1.7%)
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2011
$4,243 (+2.0%)
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
2010
$4,160
$46,400 + $71,900
$118,300
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
3
Baths
1
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
1.3 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
2,366
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
2,366
Year built
1912
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Berks County
APN
68540012876021
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 31, 2026.
R-1
Low Density Residential District
It is the purpose of the R-1 Low Density Residential District to permit low density residential development and the continuation of agricultural activities.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Agriculture
Greenhouse / nursery
Religious facility
Housing-Single unit
Public service
Educational/school
Agriculture-Pastureland
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
5/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 98° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
4/10 Wind Factor
19% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 2 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Reading, PA • 19605
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
31
19
36
24
55
35
63
44
69
52
80
62
84
68
78
61
76
59
63
46
52
38
37
25
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
97/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
This home ranks in the top 3% for direct sun exposure in Reading. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
11.2 hrs
6.5 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 5 Bowers Rd
$482,524
$17K under list price of $500K
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $286K to $895K.