Listings: 11 Area Homes Built Before George Washington Was Born

Butlercroft dates back to 1718, some 14 years before Washington was born. | Image by TREND via Weidel Realtors

Whether it’s that whole cherry tree thing, crossing the Delaware River or, you know, being the first president of the newly formed United States of America, perhaps no figure  in American history is more revered than George Washington.

Today we celebrate his birth and, for many of us, that means a day off from work. The region has no shortage of Washington related landmarks. You could choose to visit the President’s House on Independence Mall, Valley Forge National Historical Park or even visit the site of Washington’s Crossing–on another day, of course.

However, if you’d rather spend Washington’s 283rd birthday (officially on February 22) in your pajamas–remember, it is your day off–we here at Property have decided to celebrate Washington the only way we know how: showing off 11 amazing houses from across the region that were built before George Washington was even born.

Yarnell Homestead: 57 Skyline Dr, Glen Mills, PA 19342

If you think George Washington had an impressive resume, wait ’til you hear about the Yarnell Homstead. Not only does it date all the way back to 1715, its over 300-year-old history includes being owned by none other than actor Claude Rains–you know him as Captain Renault in Casablanca. The handsome farmhouse sits on four acres and includes two stall barns with equestrian uses (up to two goats as well!). Price: $750,000 Year Built: 1715, according to Zillow

William Harvey House: 1401 Brinton Bridge Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Though the Battle of the Brandywine is probably one that Washington probably would have liked to forget (Spoiler alert: the British were successful and took Philadelphia a few weeks later), we’d imagine he’d still admire the William Harvey House. Even after the battle (and all these years), it’s one of only 10 remaining structures on the site and has aged wonderfully–thanks to some updates over the years.
Price: $950,000 Year Built: 1715-1729, according to Zillow

Yearsley Mill: 432 Old Forge Rd, Media, PA 19063

Are you looking for some space? How does over 10 acres of meadows, mature trees, gardens and a tennis court grab ya? To top it off, the house itself has been historically restored to features a skylight, built-in cabinets and multiple wood burning fireplaces. The land also encompasses part of The Rocky Run stream and hiking trail. Price: $1,680,000 Year Built: 1715, according to Zillow

Whitefnack Farm: 283 Whitenack Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Dating back to 1720, this the property rests on over three acres and also includes a barn. With wide plank floors, four fireplaces (including the original walk-in in the dining room) and exposed beams, this place could make for an amazing historical renovation project. The accompanying barn is 50′ x 60. Price: $650,000 Year Built: 1720, according to Zillow

Butlercroft: 98 Railroad Ave, Chalfont, PA 18914

What’s more historic than celebrating George Washington’s birthday? Perusing the original homestead of the parents of one Daniel Boone, he of Alamo fame. Squire and Sarah Morgan Boone owned the homestead that dates back to 1718. Renovations and expansions over the years has still seen it keep its historical charm: beehive fireplaces, pine floor and stone walls all feature prominently in the home. What more, it’s sat on nearly 20 acres of pristine Bucks County land. Price: $1,495,000 Year Built: 1718, according to Zillow

Long Pull Farm: 309 Swedesford Rd, Malvern, PA 19355

Built in 1729, this one is cutting it close to the birth of Washington (1732). The mansion boasts beautiful beam work in various parts of the home and also offers discerning buyers a large patio area with solar heated pool, multiple wood burning fireplaces, a five stall stable and even an enclosed outdoor fireplace. While it may be the “youngest” of our group here, it’s aged beautifully in its over the 280 and some odd years of exisitence. Price: $975,000 Year Built: 1729, according to Zillow

Circa 1720 Farmhouse: 40 Cepp Rd, Perkiomenville, PA 18074

Head out to Montco and check out a stone farmhouse built around 1720. While the stone exterior exudes that pre-Revolutionary War charm, the inside hasn’t kept much of the historical details. There is a large stone stove in the dining area and the house rests on 13 acres, which also include two sheds on the property. Price: $395,000 Year Built: 1720, according to Zillow

300-year-old Farmhouse: 2701 Bellview Dr, Bensalem, PA 19020

Coming in at just shy of three acres, this home dates all the way back to 1715. It offers private access to Benjamin State Park and the Poquessing Creek winds through the property. There are three original fireplaces and the deck overlooks the beautiful landscape and leads to the patio, which features a brick fireplace and pizza oven. Cooking pizza over an open flame: George Washington would be so damn proud. Price: $545,000 Year Built: 1715, according to Zillow

Thornhill Farm: 600 Mcfarlan Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348

General George Washington received the surrender of the British astride a famous war horse named Nelson and a property like Thornhill Farm would probably have made our first President feel right at home. The property, while impeccably kept with original details, is highlighted by a 12 stall bank barn, paddocks, round pen and lighted outdoor ring. Simply put: it’s an equestrians’ dream estate. Price: $800,000 Year Built: 1727, according to Zillow

Pennsbury Inn: 883 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

We’re pretty sure that Washington would have loved a place to rest his head after the defeat at the Battle of the Brandywine. If only he hung a left on Baltimore Pike to stay at the building that would later become the Pennsbury Inn. Built in 1715, the B&B is a favorite on Trip Advisor and could be converted into a private residence. Eight is the key number here as that’s how many beds, baths and acres you’ll get with this property. Price: $875,000 Year Built: 1715, according to Zillow

Foxwood Farm: 1146 New Philadelphia Rd, Pottstown, PA 19465

Here’s what you’ve been waiting for, a log and stone farmhouse! Built around 1711, Foxwood Farm sits on over 11 acres of land near Pottstown. While it definitely keeps that 18th century aesthetic going strong–do you see that picture?–it’s also been updated to feature a modern kitchen and a separate pool house, which has a master bedroom, kitchen, walk-in sauna and Jacuzzi. There’s a 3-car garage, multiple sheds a 4-stall barn and even an 18th century root/wine cellar. Price: $549,000 Year Built: 1711, according to Zillow