William Penn, was an English real estate entrepreneur, philosopher, and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, the English North American colony and the future Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 1681, King Charles II handed over a large piece of his American land holdings to William Penn to satisfy a debt the king owed to Penn’s father, who sat in the House of Commons from 1660 to 1670 as English admiral and politician. The grant encompassed property that is now part of present-day Pennsylvania and Delaware. Now, one part of this history, the centuries-old estate, located on the land once owned by William Penn has been listed on sale by Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate Long & Foster for $2.299 million.
Pickering Spring Farm, in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania
Pickering Spring Farm, in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania sits on six acres of William Penn’s former land and includes the stone main residence that dates back to 1760 and features five bedroom and four bathroom, a large six-stall barn, a fenced paddock for horses, a silo, and a detached oversized garage that can easily be converted into a party barn.
“This is a spectacular piece of history that offers a unique waterfront equestrian estate and a tranquil lifestyle that is just minutes from dining, shopping, superior schools and major transportation,” said Lorna M. Isen, a sales associate with Long & Foster’s Haverford office.
This historic estate that has changed several owners and undergone through modifications is now a luxury residence that features a grand two-story marble foyer with the original staircase and a balcony, original fireplaces in the living room and formal dining room, original hardwood floors, crown moldings, and beamed ceilings. The gourmet kitchen’s original large stone fireplace today houses the modern main stove and oven unit, and is accented by an island, beautiful custom cabinetry, granite counters.
The living room opens on to a spacious brick terrace and the in-ground swimming pool surrounded by a slate patio. An impressive master suite with exposed ceiling beams and ornate window moldings is located on the second floor complete with his and her en suite baths and a dressing room.
“This residence has been artfully updated and lovingly maintained. Additions to the original house were made in 1850 and again in 1960,” Isen said. “The home is beautifully sited to capture views of a protected 15-acre pond that allows for a private pier and is also perfect for swimming or boating. This property is a serene oasis steeped in history.”
The home’s front exterior is accentuated by lovely landscaping, a stone wall and stone steps that lead from the driveway to a huge welcoming front porch. There is also a brick walkway to a gazebo that captures expansive views of the 15-acre protected pond and the surrounding grounds.
“We are fortunate that the Philadelphia area is filled with so many properties that hold rich, historic stories like this listing and Long & Foster is proud to represent them,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate Inc.
A historic estate situated on land that once belonged to English financier and philosopher William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania in 1681, has been listed for sale by Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate Long & Foster at $2.99 million
