Colonial

Panoramic views surround this gracious manor home with guest cottage and equestrian barns at Chester County's Delchester Farm. First constructed by one of the financiers of the Revolutionary War, this country retreat was later expanded by renowned architects Willing, Sims, and Talbutt and extensively renovated in the last 20 years. The well-maintained estate, with its elegant home, stone-and-wood barns and a guest cottage, exists within a landscape of quiet beauty. This and surrounding properties totaling nearly 5,000 acres in Willistown Township are under conservation easements. The 24 acres of Delchester Farm have transferred ownership just twice in 100 years. A long drive passing split-rail fences and open pastures leads to the main house, built of glittering Pennsylvania fieldstone. The entry hall features a gleaming black marble floor, French doors at either end, and ten-foot ceilings that continue throughout. A generously scaled living room feels both elegant and welcoming, with its dark wood floor, built-ins, and carved fireplace mantel. Across the hall stands the original parlor, with another large fireplace, a bar, and an original door topped with a glass transom. A bright dining room with magnificent views welcomes guests with another fireplace, chair rail, and Clarence House wallpaper. The adjoining kitchen has a French country feel, with cream-colored woodwork, lighter wide-plank hardwood floors, coffered ceilings, and an enormous black granite island. High-end appliances include a six-burner Viking stove, glass Traulsen refrigerator, and Bosch dishwasher and convection oven. The far end of the kitchen serves as a family room alongside a fieldstone fireplace that contains its own small window. A vast adjoining pantry offers plentiful storage. Casual dining space sits within a glass bay, with unobstructed views of open pasture. The conservatory with a glass ceiling and bluestone floor provides another entertaining space. On the second floor, the master suite has an arched ceiling, intricately carved antique marble fireplace, built-in entertainment center, and French doors to a private balcony. Two elegant en suite bathrooms include a freestanding oval tub, dressing table with built-ins, vanity area/shaving station, and large open shower. A dressing room, linen room, cedar closet, office, and multi-purpose room complete the second floor. Four bedrooms and two additional baths on the third floor, as well as a stone guest house, make this property ideal for a large or multi-generational family. Outdoor entertaining spaces include multiple bluestone patios, both covered and uncovered; grassy terraces, and an oval swimming pool. Mature trees and landscaping contribute to the restful feel of the domestic portion of this property. Built in 1795, the traditional Pennsylvania fieldstone bank barn retains its charm yet has been updated to equip the estate for competitive equine training, fox hunting, or pleasure riding. This first-rate facility includes an outdoor sand dressage ring, turnout sheds, a 13-stall barn, a finished tack room, a heated wash stall, and a groom's apartment. A large hay shed and tool building stand nearby. Located in the award-winning Great Valley school district and near the Route 30 and Route 1 corridors, Delchester Farm is perfectly suited for the buyer in search of understated elegance in the Radnor Hunt countryside. While the majority of the property is under conservancy, one sub-division is possible. The barn and outbuildings, if leased, offer significant income - making Delchester Farm a wise investment.