BARBARA H. RILEY

Description

Springdale Farm is set in the heart of Pennsbury Twp in the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley and is known for its vista views and unparalleled scenic landscapes. Originally part of the William Penn land grant, this land, including this 11+ acre lot, was home to the Mendenhall family for eight generations and is recognized as the oldest continuously run farm in Pennsylvania. It was painstakingly and meticulously brought back to life in 2019 with a top-to-bottom renovation while paying great homage to its history by having many of its original details restored in the process. It’s a truly unique property: a meticulously restored and updated Federal-style farmhouse and guest cottage in an idyllic country setting. A long driveway wends through verdant pastures to the home’s elegant façade, constructed of limestone in 1836 and crowned with a cedar shake roof installed during the renovation. The original shutters have been refurbished and new shutters added to the upper floor. A complimentary standing seam metal roof, also new, is atop the earliest section of the house, built in 1720. The sides and back of the house were crafted from local fieldstone. In keeping with modern life, an expansive deck has been added to the back of the house accessed by an addition that encompasses a gourmet kitchen that is open to a family room with a vaulted beamed ceiling and panorama views of the countryside. The kitchen is a chef’s dream—with a Wolf range, sub-Zero refrigerator, large, farmhouse-style sink and spacious pantry cupboard. A fifteen-foot island with quartz countertop seats six comfortably. White oak floors are set in a herringbone pattern. The massive granite threshold is worn by footsteps of past generations. There are two red brick fireplaces in the large living room, one of which was recently relined for use. Throughout the first floor are extraordinary architectural elements, including stately crown moldings, original raised-panel window returns, a turned back staircase, classic front door and hardware, and original chestnut wood floors. The second and third floors are devoted to four generously sized bedrooms, each with a large closet and ensuite bath with high-end finishes. The second-floor primary suite boasts a room-size closet and a newly renovated bath with soaking tub, rain shower, heated floor and dual vanity. Dormers added during the renovation on the third floor usher in natural light. In bringing back the house, the idea was to preserve the past—only better. The home was already graced with nine-foot ceilings; recessed lighting was installed during the renovation. A four-zone, state-of-the art electric and propane HVAC system ensures comfort while conserving energy. Andersen Architect Series windows combine an 18th century esthetic with 21st century energy efficiency. There’s a new septic system and artesian well equipped with a high-tech water purification system. A basement with dirt floor was dug out and a concrete floor was laid to create a space with the ceiling height to accommodate a gym, home theater, workshop or other space. Recently a generator was added. The grounds are a nature lover’s paradise, shaded by three towering sycamores more than 200 years old. The old summer kitchen has been reinterpreted as a gardening shed and studio equipped with a wood-burning fireplace. Two other outbuildings act as storage for a tractor and other outdoor equipment with 2 tractor stalls recently converted to animal pen with fencing. Springdale was named for the three natural springs that still wind through the property. The original spring house is now a delightful one-bedroom guest cottage which was restored along with the main house and is complete with a kitchenette, living space, large bedroom and bathroom. Indulge in this private modern oasis with close proximity to Amtrak, Philadelphia airport and shops and restaurants.

Features