Sanctuary in a 300 year old restored mill in the countryside. Dog Friendly!

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Exterior
Property grounds
Exterior detail
Miscellaneous
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
NZ$518
avg per night

Explore the area

Map
Kennett Square, PA
  • Longwood Gardens
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Anson B. Nixon Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Wilmington, DE (ILG-New Castle)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

The Blue Room

1 Double Bed

The Green Room

1 Double Bed

The Loft

3 Single Beds

The Red Room

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Full Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Powder Room

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

Room

  • 445.9 sq m
  • Sleeps 9
  • 5 Single Beds and 2 Double Beds
Price is NZ$518 avg per night,

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About the area

Kennett Square

Located in Kennett Square, this farm stay is in a rural area. Christian C. Sanderson Museum and Chadds Ford Historical Society are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Christiana Mall and Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium or Chase Fieldhouse. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Longwood Gardens - 4 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Anson B. Nixon Park - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Chaddsford Winery - 6 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Brandywine River Museum - 9 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library - 12 min drive - 10.1 km

Getting around

  • Media Elwyn Station - 25 min drive
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Longwood Gardens - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Jersey Mike's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Applebee's Grill + Bar - ‬20 min walk

About this property

Sanctuary in a 300 year old restored mill in the countryside. Dog Friendly!

Relax in the scenic Chester County countryside at The Farmhouse Retreat Center, a restored 300+ year old mill (the old mill wheel is still available for viewing!), the perfect place to recharge and explore the unique gardens and historic sites nearby. We offer complimentary tickets for 4 to the world-famous Longwood Gardens that are just around the corner.

Our own 7.5 acres includes your own private waterfall and natural pool, walking trails and lovely gardens. Winterthur, Nemours, Mt. Cuba Center and The Laurels are other natural wonders close by, along with the Brandywine Museum, historic Chadds Ford and the Brandywine Battlefield. The borough of Kennett Square is down the road with art galleries, boutiques, gift shops, a brand new library with a special floor only for kids, and restaurants of every cuisine to enjoy. Runners love the 5K and 10K Kennett Run in May, September brings the annual Mushroom Festival, October has the October Brewfest, and the magic of the holiday season is in magnificent display at Longwood Gardens and Winterthur.

The restored mill is your home away from home with its rustic and unique furnishings and original structural elements. The main living room is an open floor plan with a 12 foot, 250 year-old carved wood dining room table, lots of cozy sitting areas, a functioning fireplace, Steinway piano, six string guitar, books, board games and more. The renovated kitchen is fully stocked and provides All Clad and Le Creuset cookware for preparing culinary delights. A breakfast table area looks out over the neighboring fields and a large picture window is a lovely place to sit with your morning coffee or tea and appreciate the sights and sounds of the waterfall.

There are 3 private bedrooms downstairs from the main living space, full beds in 2 and 1 with a pair of twin beds. The private bedroom level has a double vanity bathroom, soaking tub, rain shower and handheld shower. Above the main floor is the loft with 3 additional twin beds.

Teak furniture outside is perfect for reading a book or for simply enjoying the view of the pond and woods. One of the two decks has a teak table and chairs, perfect for dining al fresco. There is a wide path alongside the pond and into the woods for wandering and reconnecting with nature. The gardens close by the house provide a bounty of colors from spring to fall and welcome both pollinators and people.

We have a friendly rescue cat and dog that live here with Barbara, the founder/owner and caretaker, in their private living space. They are kept out of the guest rooms at all times. Anouk, the cat, is a brilliant conversationalist, whilst Johnny Cash, the rescue dog, is rather introverted and keeps to himself most of the time. They welcome your dogs to come visit.

Barbara is often out taking care of the gardens and woods or out in the community. She is discreetly available at any time for all needs or questions. Our goal is to give you your space to enjoy the retreat center fully.

There is parking in the large driveway right beside the waterfall. When you arrive you'll climb the stairs detailed with gears from the old mill up to the back deck, take in the stream-fed pond, home to ducks, geese and egrets, and then come in through the sliding doors. Guests have access to all the areas in the home, the dining, kitchen, great room, sitting areas, decks, grounds, the little library under the stairs, excepting the private suite of the owner.

Other things to note, The Farmhouse has its own well water that is triple purified and tested regularly, and is very healthy! We are also open to special requests and help for planning for special occasions. Intimate ceremonies and celebrations are made even for memorable in this one of a kind setting.

Property manager

Barbara Montgomery
Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Amenities

Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Cashless transactions are available
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Frequently asked questions

Is Sanctuary in a 300 year old restored mill in the countryside. Dog Friendly! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Sanctuary in a 300 year old restored mill in the countryside. Dog Friendly!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sanctuary in a 300 year old restored mill in the countryside. Dog Friendly!?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Sanctuary in a 300 year old restored mill in the countryside. Dog Friendly! located?

Situated in a rural location, this farm stay is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Longwood Cemetery and 1.5 mi (2.3 km) from Longwood Gardens. Anson B. Nixon Park and Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Sanctuary in a 300 year old restored mill in the countryside. Dog Friendly! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bonnie G.

Wonderful property and Hostess! Super comfortable, spotlessly clean and just an amazing historic property so close to Longwood Gardens and all the Brandywine Valley attractions. Filled with lots of games, books and magazines too for relaxing after a day spent walking at Longwood.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Friend's Retreat

Wonderful stay! The property is peaceful and beautiful. Barbara is super accomodating. The area is rural with a trail and a pond, yet it is only a couple of minutes to shopping, restaurants and local attractions.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Theresa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Longwood Gardens Getaway

The house has a lot of character and is warm and cozy. Barbara was very responsive to messages and helped us find good parking at Longwood Gardens. We enjoyed our stay and would book again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

New Year's getaway with family

Charming property with lots of gathering space. Well eqipped for eating in, reading & small group interaction. Great proximity to Brandywine Valley attractions. Must be stunning stunning in spring and fall.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

CCReid

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Longwood Garden trip

We got together to see nearby Longwood garden Christmas display and have some kid cousin time. Appreciated pizza rec (Floga Pizza!) and took a nice hike on the property. Barbara stays in part of the house downstairs and was helpful with tips. Water features outside and really cool belongings inside made me glad we had grandparents with us and our youngest was a calm 4 year old.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

SueAnn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic start to 2025

Barbara the hostesses was fabulous. Very responsive. Gave great suggestions. House was very warm and comforting. Loved the 4 tickets to Longwood. Huge asset. Wonderful open floor plan for the dining and family room area. Great property to explore. Barbara does stay in the house with you in another wing. Next time we go back to Longwood, we will stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Respite :)

Beautiful space and grounds. We only spent one night and would have happily stayed longer in this spacious and eclectic environment where our entire group from 22-82 was comfortable and charmed.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frederick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Place to Stay

What a beautiful property. Barbara greeted us and gave us a wonderful tour of the mill. From the moment you walk in, it feels like home. The main common area is decorated perfectly for a cozy gathering. It was a lot of fun sitting in various parts of the room and exploring all of the pictures and decorations. The bedrooms were also just beautiful. Barbara was an amazing host and provided complimentary tickets for Longwood Gardens and drove over there herself to check us in. If you are a dog/cat lover, you'll enjoy the pets. The dog was a bit shy but was cute. The cat loved hanging out with us and we enjoyed her company. All in all, just a great place to stay and enjoy the peace and coziness! Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beverly C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave W.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place in a great area

Did thanksgiving with my family as it’s close to my Dad and his wife as they are elderly and can’t do Thanksgiving on their own. The place is quirky in a good way and is very nice. Love the area and how central it is for me and my family.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Claire N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

An oasis of calm

Not only a beautiful location, there is a rejuvenating sense of calm around this place. Barbara is lovely and attentive, Anouk the cat is incredibly friendly, and Johnny Cash the dog, while shy, is a wonderful old pup.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allison B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sills Mill is spacious, friendly, beautiful, in fabulous setting.

This large restored mill, with its addition, and outdoor space, located in 7 acres with a stream running through to a small water fall, is beautifully furnished and comfortable. The owner, who lives downstairs, is lovely and gracious. It was perfect for our family gathering for a birthday celebration.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

My family stayed at this beautiful property for only one night as a quick stop over to break up a long drive. After pulling into the driveway and seeing the property we wished we were staying longer. Barbara is a wonderful host and we couldn't have asked for a more welcoming "home".
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Abigail W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place for a family gathering

We absolutely loved our stay at the Farmhouse. We rented it for visiting family and it was the perfect location for us to congregate and enjoy each others company. Very unique and excellent central, yet peaceful location. Barbara was a fantastic host with local insights and extremely flexible and accommodating. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arthur S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secret Retreat for a Longwood Gardens visit

This is a tranquil place in a rural setting with surprising access to the local environs (including Longwood Gardens). The owner/caretaker lives onsite, as mentioned in the listing, and this property is also a retreat center. There is quite a bit of room, here, and while there were just four of us visiting Longwood I imagine it would be roomy for a full complement of nine! Do note it is in an old mill -- the loft staircase is steep and narrow, though the automatic lights relieve many worries. The downstairs bedrooms and bath are particularly nice and have a wide, easy staircase. The kitchen is very well-appointed, and the coffee the owner set up for us was quite good. If you're planning on cooking a large number of meals and buying supplies all at once I would recommend discussing with the owner in advance, as the refrigerator is shared. Parking will require care for a larger group, possibly; I doubt nine individual cars would fit (probably should carpool anyway), though with our party two cars fit just fine.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great setting

Very nice setting, although slightly odd that the property manager stayed there during our stay. They were, however, a very interesting person.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility

A visit to this rental is like a visit to a Norman Rockwell painting. Beautiful woodland setting, peaceful, meticulously kept. Plenty to do in the rental and plenty of activities nearby including great restaurants. Worth a stay. Especially if you are looking for a restful stay with cocktails around the pond. And a very gracious hostess. Thanks Barb.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelley C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls getaway

One over night was too short. Wonderful stay. The home is beautiful. Barbara is so kind and accommodating.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

CAROLYN K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Homecoming to Kennett and Longwood

The property was delightful, relaxing and beautiful. The old mill is a treat. Our hostess was helpful in every way and even led us to new adventures in the area.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024