November 15, 2015
Contributed Art/Kurfiss
A beautiful farmhouse-style estate in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.
When the hectic pace of the urban landscape becomes just too much, some city slickers long for a rural retreat. The five farmhouses below are straight out of that pastoral dream.
These on-the-market homes combine the beauty and tranquility of a rural setting, without the messy parts of owning a real farm (like having to get up at 5:00 a.m. to clean up horse manure). Each farmhouse estate is frankly fantastic, fabulous and costs only a few ... million dollars.
1. Live out the end of the world in style in New Hope, $1,950,000
Built around 1750, Diabase Farm is gorgeous yet understated. It sits on a little more than four acres, but is in the midst of 133 acres of preserved land and features views of the nearby Jericho Mountains. Top features include the fabulous country kitchen, the cozy fireplaces and original wood paneling throughout the home, and the accompanying barn restored by Amish workers. By the way, the listing mentions that the property includes a "secret bomb shelter and wine cellar," comforting all potential buyers who might worry about running out of drinks during the Apocalypse.
See the full listing here.
2. Preserving nature in Saylorsburg, $493,900
The listing admits that Spring Valley Farm needs "a little TLC," but how else would you grab 88 acres of preserved farmland for less than $500,000? This simple, lovely farmhouse peers over a large pond, and it's easy to imagine a whole day being spent simply watching the reflection of the clouds roll over the water.
See the full listing here.
3. Farmhouse modern in Chadds Ford, $4,250,000
Hickory Hill Farm may have been built in the 60's. but it was designed to look like a classic stone farmhouse. As a result, you've got the beauty of a historical design style combined with modern amenities like geothermal heating and a stunning contemporary kitchen. If the inside is too modern for you, head over to the log cabin workshop and you can feel like Abraham Lincoln.
See the full listing here.
4. Green acres upon acres in Benton, $3,700,000
Sick of dealing with neighbors? Well, with 741 private acres to enjoy on this property, you won't have to deal with anyone. Don't feel like walking across all that land to survey your property? Don't worry, there's an air hanger on site for your private plane. Because of course you'd have a private plane.
See the full listing here.
5. Your own private country club in Gwynedd, $4,499,000
The sellers of this eight-acre property are clearly aiming for a well-heeled clientele, bragging that visitors to Glendower Farm have included everyone "from signers of the Declaration of Independence to today's most discerning global CEOs." Clearly, I am not among the most discerning of global CEOs, because my first thought upon perusing the photos was, "Sweet, the pool has a water slide!"
See the full listing here.
