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Under Contract

Listing description

This extraordinary circa-1846 serpentine stone estate offers a rare opportunity to own one of Birmingham Road's most distinguished historic homes, Fernbank Farm. Set on six picturesque acres with mature trees, perennial gardens, and views of 100 acres of conserved land, the six-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath residence was originally the summer retreat of renowned physician and scientist Dr. James Cheston Morris. Rich in history, the property also played a role in the Battle of Brandywine and is home to the historic icehouse where the nation's first bottled milk was produced—now transformed into an award-winning, two-story wine cellar and tasting room. Stepping through the double front doors, you're welcomed by a grand foyer showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of a bygone era. Herringbone walnut and chestnut floors, crown-glass windows, a sweeping mahogany staircase, and period architectural details set the tone throughout the home. Off the foyer, the library features custom oak built-ins, an original slate fireplace, and distinctive octagonal-pattern wood floors, while further down the foyer, the elegant double living room offers a wood-burning fireplace with a rare 19th-century French Campan rubané Breccia marble mantel, French doors to the veranda, and a sparkling crystal chandelier. A Hall bath is located across from the Double Living room. The dining room, dating to the original circa-1790 residence, is rich with historic character, including heart pine floors, wavy-glass windows, period millwork, and an 1840s bleu fleuri marble fireplace. It flows into the chef's kitchen, appointed with a marble island, one-piece walnut countertops, premium appliances, and French limestone floors. A dramatic sunroom with cathedral ceilings and walls of French doors overlooks the gardens, while the adjacent breakfast nook and stone terrace provide inviting spaces for everyday living and entertaining. A short flight of Belgian bluestone stairs leads down to the restored serpentine stone icehouse that has been transformed by renowned local architects, Archer & Buchanan, into an extraordinary two-level wine cellar and tasting room, complete with a mahogany bar, 1,500-bottle storage, and architectural details that have earned national recognition. The upper levels offer six bedrooms, four full baths, and additional fireplaces, seamlessly blending historic elegance with modern comfort. Thoughtful updates include central air, radiant heated bathroom floors, a gas fireplace in the primary suite, a spa-inspired bath with a Jacuzzi tub, and a spacious walk-in closet. Outdoor living is equally impressive with a wraparound veranda, heated saltwater pool, spa, bluestone terraces, and professionally landscaped gardens that provide year-round beauty and exceptional privacy. Located within the award-winning Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, just minutes from West Chester, Radley Run Country Club, Brandywine Battlefield, and the Route 202 corridor, this remarkable estate offers an unparalleled combination of history, architectural significance, luxury, and convenience.

Rooms by level

How the bedrooms and baths are distributed across the floors, as reported by the listing agent.

  1. Main level1 half bath
  2. Upper level3 bedrooms · 3 full baths
  3. Upper level 23 bedrooms · 1 full bath

Facts & features

Interior

Bedrooms
6
Bathrooms
4 full · 1 half
Living area
5,397 sq ft
Heating
Hot Water, Forced Air, Radiant, Radiator
Cooling
Central A/C

Property & construction

Property type
Residential · Detached
Architectural style
Traditional
Year built
1800

Lot & parking

Lot size
6 acres (261,360 sq ft)
Garage
4 spaces

Financial

Price / sq ft
$611
HOA dues
None

Listing details

MLS #
PACT2127924
County
Chester County
School district
Unionville-Chadds Ford
Days on NookLocal
7 days

Interior features

Interior features
Family Room Off Kitchen, Chair Railings, Breakfast Area, Dining Area, Crown Moldings, Floor Plan - Traditional, Formal/Separate Dining Room, Kitchen - Eat-In, Kitchen - Gourmet, Kitchen - Island, Wood Floors, Wine Storage, and 1 more
Fireplace
3
Basement
Full, Unfinished, Walkout Stairs, Workshop
Levels
3
Accessibility
None

Exterior & construction

Construction
Stone
Foundation
Stone
Exterior features
Hot Tub
View
Garden/Lawn, Pasture, Scenic Vista

Systems & utilities

Heating fuel
Natural Gas
Cooling fuel
Electric
Hot water
Natural Gas, Multi-tank
Water source
Well
Sewer
On Site Septic

Parking

Parking
Detached Garage, Driveway
Garage type
Oversized
Total spaces
4

Community

Subdivision
NONE AVAILABLE

Lot & zoning

Lot dimensions
0.00 x 0.00
Zoning
RESIDENTIAL

Included in the sale

Inclusions
Mirror in the foyer opposite the front door
Possession
Negotiable

Price history

DateEventPrice
Aug 15, 2026Listed for sale$3,300,000

Price changes are tracked from when NookLocal first indexed this listing; earlier history may not appear. Tax & assessment details are in the section below.

Estimated taxes

Estimated at current rates

$22,078 / year

$1,840 per month

MLS shows (2025)

$22,635

-2.5% at current rates

School tax

UNIONVILLE-CHADDS FORD · 33.91 mills (2025-26)

$18,139

County tax

Chester County · 5.16 mills (2026)

$2,762

Municipal tax

As recorded for 2025, varies by municipality

$1,176

Assessment note: this home is assessed at $534,930, well below the ~$1,009,140 its asking price implies at Chester County's common level ratio (30.6%). A sale near asking can invite a school-district assessment appeal that could raise the bill by roughly $18,529/year. Factor that into an offer.

Recomputed from the county assessment ($534,930, 1998 base year) × current millage. School millage is from the latest year certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (2025-26); districts adopt the next year's budgets each June, and we update when the state certifies the statewide file in the fall. Portals typically reprint the recorded 2025 bill. Pennsylvania does not reassess on sale. Estimate only. Verify with Chester County before relying on it. Learn more: PA property tax calculator · Common Level Ratio by county.

Estimated monthly payment calculator

$660,000 (20%)
6.43%

Loan term

Estimated monthly payment

$19,368/mo

Principal & interest
$16,565
Property taxes (current rates)
$1,840
Home insurance (est.)
$963

Taxes use NookLocal's estimate at current millage rates, not the stale figure on the MLS. The default rate is the average 30-year rate as of July 2026; insurance is estimated at 0.35% of the price per year. Below 20% down, lenders usually add mortgage insurance, which this estimate doesn't include. Estimate only; verify before relying on it.

Area statistics

School district

Unionville-Chadds Ford

Academic index
82.7/100
Graduation rate
97.6%
PSSA ELA proficient
80.9%
PSSA Math proficient
73.6%

2025 PA state assessments (PSSA / Keystone) and graduation data. The index measures student outcomes, not school effectiveness, and is not adjusted for demographics. Districts serve all residents; verify enrollment boundaries with the district.

Safety data

Chester County crime & safety numbers →

County figures from FBI and Pennsylvania source data.

Property taxes

Chester County taxes, explained →

Millage, the Common Level Ratio, and what changes after you buy.

© BRIGHT, All Rights Reserved

Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed

The data relating to real estate for sale on this website appears in part through the BRIGHT Internet Data Exchange program, a voluntary cooperative exchange of property listing data between licensed real estate brokerage firms in which United Real Estate Strive 212 participates, and is provided by BRIGHT through a licensing agreement.

IDX listings are displayed pursuant to broker of record United Real Estate Strive 212, Frank Ramos, Broker/Owner, PA Broker License RM424345, 1220 Broadcasting Rd, Suite 201, Wyomissing, PA 19610, (610) 372-0212.

The information provided by this website is for the personal, non-commercial use of consumers and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

Some properties which appear for sale on this website may no longer be available because they are under contract, have Closed or are no longer being offered for sale.

Data last updated: August 22, 2026 at 2:07 PM EDT

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