Valley Forge – National Pride

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chester county living, claire richards realtor, george washington, historic, National Park, pa, pennsylvania, revolutionary war, Valley Forge, Valley Forge Park, www.clairerichardsrealtor.com

Valley Forge Park – National Pride

Photo by Claire Richards

No visit to Chester County would be complete without a visit to Valley Forge National Park. Thousands of rolling acres are preserved as a testimony to young America’s perseverance against the British during the Revolutionary War. It was here in 1777-78 that General George Washington chose Valley Forge as his first winter encampment. The troops were clothed in mere rags. It was their daunting courage, and determination that allowed these men to prevail against the winter fury.

While encamped here, the Continental army became a cohesive, disciplined fighting force and in the spring they left their city of over 2,000 huts and miles of trenches to meet the British as a more formidable opponent.

Walking paths, breathtaking vistas, grazing deer and impressive monuments dot the landscape. The National Arch, Washington Memorial Chapel and HQ, original huts, and a covered wooden bridge all contribute to your nostalgic experience.

Photo by Claire Richards

Spend time enjoying one of Philadelphia’s best settings. The park is free to all. But be aware, there is a more personal cost, a surge in national pride.

For more information: http://www.nps.gov/vafo/index.htm

Thanks for reading,

Claire

http://www.ClaireRichardsRealtor.com

A Chateau in Chester County ~ A glimpse inside…

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benjamin rush, chateau, chester county, chester county living, claire richards realtor, for sale, national registry, pa, pennsylvania, real estate, west chester, www.clairerichardsrealtor.com

It’s not widely known but there are only 2 French Chateaux located in the Philadelphia area. One of them is located in West Whiteland Township and the other is in Gladwyne. The Chateau in Chester County was originally built and owned by Benjamin Rush II, a decedent of the signer of the Declaration of Independence by the same name. Apparently in 1928, Mr. Rush commissioned a famous master architect Edmund B. Gilchrist to design a county house in the French Chateau tradition for himself and his new bride and family on their Boot Road campus. After many meetings with Mrs. Rush in his Philadelphia office, Mr. Gilchrist made the final renderings, supervised construction and christened the new home “Autun”.

According to the PA Historic Registry, its design “possesses astonishing exterior and interior architectural integrity”. It is now 80 plus years old, has 7000 square feet of living space, 6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, built of stone and crowned by a tile roof more usually found in European landscapes. The study is large and richly appointed in dark paneled woods. If you look closely, you will find secret doors built into the bookcases that revolve and allow passage into adjacent rooms. Over the years, the chateau has changed from one large home to two private residences.

The chateau is nestled into 6 acres and surrounded by 8 carriage homes of similar design in a community known as Autun. You may find additional information on the property since it appears on the National Registry below.

Thanks for reading,

Claire

http://www.ClaireRichardsRealtor.com

A Small Wonder

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chester county, chester county living, claire richards realtor, downingtown, kayaks, lake, Marsh Creek, pa, paddle boats, pennsylvania, recreation, sail, state park, www.clairerichardsrealtor.com

Photo by Claire Richards

Marsh Creek, Downingtown, PA

Did you know that we have a unique summer retreat in our own backyard? When I first experienced Marsh Creek, I was overwhelmed. Where is the creek? This is more of a lake that looks as if it belongs in Minnesota.

I was blown away seeing so many folks in their colorful sail boats, fishing boats, kayaks and canoes all cooling off under the blue skies of Chester County. Of course being originally from Delaware County I was always under the impression that I would have to visit the NJ shore or the MD Eastern Shore for all of this. What a happy surprise.

And yes there is a public pool and tons of picnic tables for large gatherings. You don’t have to bring a boat because you can rent them there. You can even grab a drink and a burger from the luncheonette on the dock. So just grab your suit, a blanket or a chair and relax on a grassy knoll or the white sandy beach. You will love this small wonder.

For more on Marsh Creek: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/marshcreek.aspx

Thanks for reading,

Claire

http://www.ClaireRichardsRealtor.com