709 Sugars Bridge Rd, West Chester, PA 19380

This 18th century farmhouse is one of the earliest buildings constructed in Marshallton, by James Woodward. The Woodward’s were the 4th residents of Marshallton, and through 8 generations, owned this land from 1724 to 1915! In the 1950’s, the property was owned by the Prescott’s who ran a successful dog training academy, raised champion Dalmations and named the farm, Tandem Acres. Walk up the road to enjoy lunch or dinner at the Four Dogs Tavern or the Marshallton Inn. Five minutes in either direction, one finds the Stroud Preserve or the ChesLen Preserve. In less than 15 minutes, you can reach downtown West Chester for all your daily shopping & dining needs. Within the confines of your own private oasis, you are first presented with the original 18th century springhouse that feeds a small brook that wanders past the in-ground pool. Situated on a gentle rise is the original Woodward homestead. To the right you will find a large area of the grounds that has a split-rail fence around a spacious grassy knoll and a series of raised vegetable & flower beds. A stone pathway leads around to the rear deck. Climb a few steps up to the main entrance of the primary residence, past a small pond that meanders down to a recirculating pump that provides that wonderful sound of cascading water. A patio faces the front yard, while a few more steps up will find the more private, side terrace with a stone fireplace. A pathway leads around to the rear yard where you will find a large garden shed with a wall of southern facing windows. Enter into the lower level into the original 18th century sitting room that is enhanced by a propane stove to keep you warm during the Winter. The powder room is tucked right behind the chimney and the reclaimed timber staircase to the upper floors is on the opposite wall. One then has access to either the fully renovated kitchen or the spacious dining room. The kitchen has a beautiful combination of industrial fittings with traditional cabinetry & tilework, making this a great space to create wonderful meals. Reclaimed wide-plank Oak floors are throughout the main floor. A portable island is a perfect addition that allows for flexibility for food prep or casual seating. There is direct access to the rear deck and grounds beyond. A modern addition was constructed in the late 20th Century that clearly delineates the architecture of old & new. Vaulted & beamed, this space provides an elevated breakfast area with a wall of windows overlooking the rear & side yards and a huge family room with built-in bookcases and a stone fireplace. Upstairs, there is another small family area with an exposed stone wall and direct access to the side patio. The owner’s suite occupies the entire southwestern corner. There is a large walk-in closet behind a reclaimed barn door. The owner’s bathroom has a massive walk-in shower with stone walls & floors! The 2nd bedroom overlooks the rear yard with its own en-suite bath and the 2nd floor laundry. The 3rd floor has two more large bedrooms tucked into the roof rafters & lots of storage areas tucked under the eaves. There is a 3rd full bath to service these two bedrooms. The Pennsylvania bank barn is the next structure to discover. The lowest level still retains the horse & cow stalls from when this was a working farm. A 1-car garage and workshop were incorporated into the side facing the residence. The main level provides a huge amount of storage. Several rooms could be refinished with relatively nominal investments, or the entire structure could be reimagined to something unique & functional. A detached guest cottage is a fully equipped, fully contained residence that provides a full bathroom, its own washer & dryer, an open-plan living/dining/kitchen area & an elevated work/office area with access to the rear yard. Tucked up into the 2nd floor is the sleeping loft. Come explore Tandem Acres, and imagine what life could be like for you on this unique 18th century homestead!