Sanctuary in a 300+ year old restored mill in the countryside. Dog Friendly!

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. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to use them with the day and time so reservations can be made.

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 just 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. 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, 260 year-old carved wood dining room table, lots of cozy sitting areas, a functioning fireplace, Steinway piano, six string guitar, conga, percussion instruments, books, board games and more. There is a powder room off to the side of the living room.

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.

As it was a mill circa 1700 and built into the side of the small hill, the 3 private bedrooms are "downstairs" from the living/dining room space via a wide, split staircase with handrails and a landing, 7 stairs each. (Although when you look out the window facing the front of the house, it looks like you are on the 2nd floor!). Full beds in 2 and 1 with a pair of twin beds, towels in each bedroom. The private bedroom level has a double vanity bathroom, soaking tub, rain shower and handheld shower with antique Spanish tile. Large bath towels, soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, skincare provided. Above the main floor is the loft with 3 additional twin beds, towels provided (no bath in the loft).

Teak furniture outside is perfect for reading a book or for simply enjoying the view of the marsh 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.

There is parking for up to 8 cars in the large driveway right beside the waterfall. When you arrive you'll come up the stairs detailed with gears from the old mill up to the back deck, take in the marsh, a home to ducks, geese, egrets, songbirds, snapping turtles (the mill pond has filled in over the past few years, so the canoes do not get used anymore), and then come in through the sliding doors. Guests have access and use 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. Small, intimate celebrations are made even more memorable in this one of a kind setting.

We have a friendly rescue cat and dog that live here with Barbara, the founder/owner and caretaker, in their private living space with its own outside entrance as well as inside, with locked door. They are never in the guest rooms and stay in the private area, although Anouk, the cat, loves to welcome guests when they arrive if she is about. Johnny Cash, the rescue dog, is rather introverted and keeps to himself. They welcome your dog to come visit.

Barbara is often out taking care of the gardens and woods or out in the community. With the marsh, waterfall with pool to oversee for safety as well as facilitating small retreats when guests are not here, she does live on site. She is discreetly available at any time for all needs or questions via text. Her goal is to give you your space, privately, to enjoy the retreat center fully.