Long & Foster Lists Historic Waterfront Equestrian Property Located on Land Once Owned by William Penn

Long & Foster^® Real Estate, Inc., the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States and an exclusive Affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate, announced it has listed as part of its extensive number of current listings, a five-bedroom, four-bath stone farm house-style home, situated on six acres that were once part of a land grant given to Pennsylvania founder William Penn. Pickering Spring Farm is located at 735 Byers Road, in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. The estate, which includes a main residence that dates back to 1760, is listed by Lorna M. Isen, a sales associate with Long & Foster’s Haverford office, and is being offered for US$2.299 million.

“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.”

Penn, an English real estate entrepreneur, philosopher, and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, the English North American colony and the future Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and planner and developer of the city of Philadelphia, received the large land grant from King Charles the II of England in 1681 to satisfy a debt that was owed to his father. The grant encompassed property that is now part of present-day Pennsylvania and Delaware.

According to chain of ownership land records, the home was more than likely built by Samuel Lightfoot, who purchased a 500-acre tract from Joseph Pike, an influential Quaker who had purchased the property from Penn. The land was located in what was then known as Pikeland, and Lightfoot’s purchase made him the largest landowner in the area. Lightfoot, a surveyor by trade built a small water-powered mill along the banks of the Pickering Creek to fill a growing need by area farmers for a grist mill.   

In 1767, he divided his property between his sons, giving his older son, Thomas, 250 acres and a saw mill, and youngest son, William, 250 acres and the grist mill. The mill prospered for a time under William’s ownership, but began to decline during his old age. Upon William’s death in 1797, the mill was listed as being in a “bad state” by the tax assessor, but continued to be operated by his son, Samuel until 1812 when it was sold.

Today, the Pickering Spring Farm home’s first floor features a grand two-story marble foyer with the original staircase and a balcony. In addition, the stunning living room and the formal dining room each boast beautiful original fireplaces, original hardwood floors, crown moldings, and beamed ceilings that create warm and cozy entertaining spaces. The bright and sunny gourmet eat-in country kitchen is accented by an island, beautiful custom cabinetry, granite counters, and a beamed ceiling. The original large stone fireplace today houses the main stove and oven unit.

The light-filled family room, also located on the home’s main level, is accentuated by beamed ceilings and a brick floor, and provides direct access to a spacious brick patio, and in-ground pool that is surrounded by a slate patio. There is also a brick walkway to a gazebo that captures expansive views of the pond and the surrounding grounds.

The home’s second floor living spaces include a vast master suite with luxurious his and her baths, and a full dressing room. The room is also accentuated by exposed ceiling beams and ornate window moldings. Four additional bedrooms, featuring original hardwood floors, and three full baths round out the home’s second level.

There is also a large six-stall barn on the property as well as a fenced paddock for horses, a silo, and a detached oversized garage that can easily be converted into a party barn. 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.

“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 Isen.

“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. “Sellers and buyers of high-end properties continue to turn to us because they recognize the value of the luxury homeownership experience we offer.

“As with Long & Foster’s other extraordinary properties, Pickering Spring Farm will also be showcased in the global spotlight we can provide through our exclusive affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate.”