General Description: A rareopportunity to own an incredible in-town large lot with an early 1700s farmhouse remade into an architectural masterpiece. The Dower House, on 1.8 acres in northern West Chester, is a unique estate home with big views and is within walking distance to downtown West Chester. During the 1920s-30s, the property was owned by renowned author Joseph Hergesheimer, who memorialized his life there in his 1925 book, From An Old House. He retained noted architect R. Brognard Okie to renovate the home, and it emerged as the epitome of Okies Colonial Revival style, with its emphasis on millwork, built-in cabinets, storage niches, and period hardware. The handsome rooms, four fireplaces, hardwood floors, raised panels and wrought iron hardware transport you back to a simpler time. Luckily, the home stayed mostly unchanged since then, until its recent renovation provided it with air conditioning, a Kitchen makeover, and a competely new Master Bathroom. A detached stone carriage house has a heated 2 car garage and large studio apartment above - perfect for guests, art studio, caretaker or income (currently $1000 per month). This beloved property has been owned by only three families in nearly 100 years. Seldom can you find, in a single property, such a combination of architectural elegance, a large garden lot, a walkable in-town location, and famous history. Dont miss this once in a generation opportunity. More specific details: Every once in a while, an opportunity presents itself to purchase a wonderful home that is also a historical jewel. Thishandsome stone farmhouse Colonialis graciously situated on 1.87 acres on north side of the borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Such is the Dower House, built in in the 18th century, made famous by noted author, Joseph Hergesheimer, who lived here in the 1920s-30s. He hired Brognard Okie to totally restore and upgrade the home, including the addition of its exquisite woodwork. The author made it thetopic of his 1925 book, From An Old House. Although the author identified the house as built in 1712, the earliest stone construction may be later inthe 18th century. The land was first settled by the Wall family, c. 1715, but by 1767, the 150-acre farm was purchased by Thomas Hoopes. It is thought the house wascomprised of one room on the first floor, and one room on the second floor. By 1791, the first addition was in place. Throughout the 19th Century, while owned by the Hoopes and Taylor families, two more additions extended the house eastward. These two additionsare constructed in serpentine stone, most likely quarried from the Taylor family quarry located just north of the property. In 1920, the property was purchased by Dorothy Hemphill Hergesheimer and Joseph Hergesheimer. Joseph was a famous and popular author, including a book he wrote about Dower House, From An Old House, in 1925. The Hergesheimers were very proud of the property, and did quite a bit of entertaining of their famous friends. Around 1927, the Hergesheimers hired R. Brognard Okie, to completely remodel the old farmhouse. Okie, noted for his Colonial restorations and Revival style, completelyrenovated the home. In particular, his penchant for built-in storage spaces and the finest historical vernacular detailis stillevident throughout the home today. There are many unique and lovely features in this home.....in addition to the built-in nooks and cabinetry, a new owner will appreciate the hardwood floors throughout, the fireplaces, the fact that there are doors leading in and out of the house in every first floor room, and the sleeping porch, Not to be missed are the gracious grounds created by the noted landscape architect Thomas H. Sears, including the superb large southern terrance overlooking the West Chester golf course, thestone garden house, and wood andquot;follyandquot; in the garden. The detached stone carriage house garage has a lovely studio apartment constructed by Marshall Brinton, noted Wes
This property is off market, which means it's not currently listed for sale or rent on Zillow. This may be different from what's available on other websites or public sources.
