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.