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Listing description

Welcome to "Hickory Stick", a beautifully renovated 1881 stone schoolhouse thoughtfully transformed into a distinctive private residence on 4.13 acres in Cumru Township. This meticulously-kept home features five bedrooms, four baths, a private in-law suite, three fireplaces, an in-ground pool, grotto with fountain, fenced in garden, a creek view and four garage spaces. The property blends remarkable history with the comfort and flexibility of modern living. The property was formally recognized by the Berks County Conservancy as a Berks County Historic Site in 1983. The original one-room schoolhouse remains the heart of the home. Tall windows, refinished wood floors, timber framing, and stained glass create a dramatic and inviting main living space, anchored by one of the home's three fireplaces. Look overhead and you will find one of Hickory Stick's most special details: intricate beam stenciling hand-painted by local Shillington artist Clinton Shilling. A rustic staircase and overlooking loft further preserve the unmistakable character of the former schoolroom. The renovated kitchen brings a fresh, functional counterpoint to the home's historic architecture, pairing gray cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances with exposed stone and ceiling beams. An adjoining dining area offers room to gather while warming up by the fireplace, sliding door access to the patio all decorated with a warm neutral palette that allows its historic architectural details to take center stage. Locally-milled maple flooring extends through the four main level bedrooms. The spacious primary suite was designed as a true retreat, with peaceful views across the grounds, sliding-door access outdoors, automatic blinds and two separate walk-in closets. The beautifully renovated 2025 primary bath features a freestanding soaking tub positioned to enjoy the view, an oversized glass-enclosed shower with dual shower heads and built-in bench, double vanity with marble countertops, brass fixtures, and abundant natural light. The lower level offers another layer of the home's story. With its own private entrance, the in-law suite, renovated in 2026, includes the fifth bedroom and a private half bath. Once associated with the original schoolhouse kitchen, the space retains historic brickwork and an antique stove from the home's earlier years. Just beyond it is one of Hickory Stick's most unexpected spaces: a stone grotto with distinctive windows, a working fountain, and another fireplace. Whether imagined as a wine room, lounge, game room, studio, or entertaining space, it is the kind of room guests will remember long after they leave. Outside, the experience continues. Enjoy morning coffee on the covered brick terrace, dine under lights on the garden patio, tend raised beds in the fenced garden, wander through the established plantings, or enjoy a view of the nearby creek. Mature trees provide both sun and shade across the expansive lawn, while the in-ground pool, pool house and outdoor shower create a private summer retreat. Stone walls and garden features throughout the grounds add another layer of character to the setting. Attached and detached garages provide four total garage spaces, along with workshop, storage and flexible areas for hobbies, fitness, or creative pursuits. Additional updates include all rooms with smart capability, a heat-pump water heater and Level 2 EV charger in the detached garage. Despite its peaceful, tucked-away feel, Hickory Stick remains convenient to Flying Hills, Route 176, shopping, restaurants, and downtown commercial area of Reading/Berks County. Hickory Stick is more than a beautifully updated home; it is a piece of Berks County history. An 1881 schoolhouse carefully evolved for modern life while preserving the architecture, artistry and character that make it truly one of a kind. Come experience the story for yourself.

Rooms by level

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

  1. Lower level1 bedroom · 1 half bath
  2. Main level4 bedrooms · 2 full baths · 1 half bath

Facts & features

Interior

Bedrooms
5
Bathrooms
2 full · 2 half
Living area
7,518 sq ft
Heating
90% Forced Air, Baseboard - Hot Water, Heat Pump - Electric BackUp
Cooling
Central A/C

Property & construction

Property type
Residential · Detached
Architectural style
Other
Year built
1881

Lot & parking

Lot size
4.13 acres (179,902 sq ft)
Garage
4 spaces

Financial

Price / sq ft
$143
HOA dues
None

Listing details

MLS #
PABK2079722
County
Berks County
School district
Governor Mifflin
Days on NookLocal
4 days

Interior features

Flooring
Hardwood
Interior features
Additional Stairway, Recessed Lighting, Stain/Lead Glass, Upgraded Countertops, Walk-in Closet(s), Window Treatments
Fireplace
3
Fireplace type
Wood
Basement
Full, Improved, Outside Entrance
Levels
2
Accessibility
None
Security
24 hour security

Exterior & construction

Construction
Stone
Foundation
Block, Stone, Active Radon Mitigation
Exterior features
Awning(s), Outbuilding(s), Outside Shower, Water Fountains, Play Area, Underground Lawn Sprinkler, Other
Patio & porch
Patio(s), Porch(es), Brick
Doors
Sliding Glass, Double Entry
View
Creek/Stream

Systems & utilities

Heating fuel
Electric, Oil
Cooling fuel
Electric
Hot water
Oil
Water source
Well
Sewer
Public Sewer
Utilities
Electric Available, Under Ground
Energy efficient
Lighting

Parking

Parking
Attached Garage, Detached Garage, Driveway
Garage type
Garage - Front Entry, Garage Door Opener
Parking features
Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s), Paved Driveway
Total spaces
4

Community

Subdivision
CUMRU TOWNSHIP

Lot & zoning

Lot features
Backs to Trees
Zoning
RESIDENTIAL

Included in the sale

Inclusions
Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, Historic artwork pertaining to home's history - located currently in basement. Refrigerator in pool house. All pool furniture, pool robot. Garage refrigerator. Playhouse in fenced in garden. All items in as-is condition.
Exclusions
TV mount + TV in living room, curtains
Possession
Negotiable

Price history

DateEventPrice
Oct 19, 2026Listed for sale$1,075,000

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

The NookLocal estimate

Estimated value

$964,000

Automated estimate, not an appraisal. Sale records through July 2026.

About this estimate

Based on 10 comparable sales nearby, the Berks County assessment ratio, and this home's own June 2021 sale grown with the local market, weighted toward the current asking price.

Last sold
June 2021 for $600,000
About $832,749 in today's market
Current list price
$1,075,000
County assessment implies
$746,106
Est. property taxes at today's rates
$10,091/yr

Comparable Sales

AddressClosedSale priceBd/BaSqftAdjusted value
338 CANDY RD, MOHNTON, PA 19540May 2026$750,0005/37,617$603,948
27 EAGLE LN, READING, PA 19607March 2026$455,0004/24,185$583,987
1018 CRESTVIEW AVE, SHILLINGTON, PA 19607January 2026$520,00010/47,518$480,730
14 PINE RIDGE LN, READING, PA 19607May 2025$650,0005/35,025$717,737
1111 WYOMISSING RD, MOHNTON, PA 19540October 2026$650,0004/36,833$530,800
5 GLEN HOLLOW CT, READING, PA 19607June 2026$755,0004/34,978$772,418

Sale history

DateEventPrice
June 2021Sold$600,000

From closed MLS and county deed records. Earlier transactions may exist.

Estimated taxes

Estimated at current rates

$11,648 / year

≈ $971 per month

MLS shows (2026)

$12,004

-3.0% at current rates

School tax

GOVERNOR MIFFLIN · 33.12 mills (2025-26)

$7,932

County tax

Berks County · 9.01 mills (2026)

$2,159

Municipal tax

As recorded for 2026, varies by municipality

$1,557

Assessment note: this home is assessed at $239,500, well below the ~$345,075 its asking price implies at Berks County's common level ratio (32.1%). A sale near asking can invite a school-district assessment appeal that could raise the bill by roughly $4,448/year. Factor that into an offer.

Recomputed from the county assessment ($239,500, 1994 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 2026 bill. Pennsylvania does not reassess on sale. Estimate only. Verify with Berks County before relying on it. Learn more: PA property tax calculator · Common Level Ratio by county.

Estimated monthly payment calculator

$215,000 (20%)
6.43%

Loan term

Estimated monthly payment

$6,680/mo

Principal & interest
$5,396
Property taxes (current rates)
$971
Home insurance (est.)
$314

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

Governor Mifflin

Academic index
49.5/100
Graduation rate
91.4%
PSSA ELA proficient
43.1%
PSSA Math proficient
33.4%

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

Berks County crime & safety numbers →

County figures from FBI and Pennsylvania source data.

Property taxes

Berks 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: October 22, 2026 at 8:01 PM EDT

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