1940s or earlier? The Pennypacker barn. The barn collapsed from age in the 1960's. It was recently restored with original rough-hewed beams and authentic hardware taken from a c. 1700's barn which had been scheduled to be demolished. The text on the barn reads "Spring Aqua Farm".
1970s? Aerial view of the Pennypacker farm. The main body of the house at its west gable end is its oldest section. The far rear addition dates to 1789 while its other rear section dates to 1820. The presence of several bake ovens in its c. 1820 addition suggests that a commercial bakery may have operated here.
Restored to its 18th century origins, the log and stone construction visible.
Usually masonry was restricted to the west end to protect the fireplace. Wesley Sessa and his restoration team have concluded that the logs on the east end probably rotted at one time and were replaced by masonry.Although the house has several interesting features such as three walk-in fireplaces, a corner fireplace, and evidence of four bake ovens including a protruding outdoor "bee-hive" bake oven, the house is historically important particularly for its oldest section, the stone and log house. This section reveals the only known example of pointed stone chinking in Chester County.
The stones are exposed on the outside of the house and are set in daubing between the logs as a strengthening agent. The "stone-ended" construction of the house derives its name from its two stone gabled ends and log fron and rear elevations.
Also rare is the construction of the logs. While some corners of the house reveal a common v-notch construction, the logs at the back of the house are held in place by tongue and groove.
Read more about the home's restoration or view the floor plan.
Welcome | History of the House | The Restoration | Blue Prints
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