“I guess it started with pony rides at the Philadelphia Zoo,” said Ann, the owner of what’s known locally as the Smith Farm, about her decision to buy the property on Glen Hall Road. “As a busy mother with an infant and toddler, I’d go to the zoo to find quiet time as my toddler rode the pony there … again and again. That was the beginning of a lifelong love of horses for both my older children,” said Ann. Her two girls went on to become ranked equestrian eventers, competing in the triathlon of cross country, show jumping and dressage at venues including Plantation Field.
“We were living on the Main Line but wanted property where we could have horses. And it took a long time to find the right place — many were too expensive, others were bought by quicker buyers or were surrounded by housing developments,” Ann continued. When she found the right place, it took imagination to envision the dream. “Everything was covered in vines and ivy — invasive plants of all kinds. It took years to clear it all out,” she said. But the place had good bones.
The Transformation
Looking from the back deck of the main house at the wide-open protected views of the Chester County countryside down to the 1,282 acres of ChesLen Preserve, it’s hard to think back to what the property looked like 25 years ago after the Smith family’s 50 years of stewardship. Now there are stately sycamores and towering evergreens along with chestnuts, maples and other mature trees on the well-maintained property. The main house, pool, pond, pastures, nine-stall working horse barn, three-car garage and utility shed plus separate three-bedroom cottage are now all vine-free.
The main house, with its 1860s core and 1960s additions, has been fully renovated, starting in 2010 with help from Lindsey Construction. “We gutted the house. Knocked down walls, added large windows and skylights, installed reclaimed oak flooring and a new kitchen in 2018. Now the living space is open and filled with light,” said Ann.
The Home
The sensation of light is immediate upon entering the front door and seeing the stunning hand-turned staircase and cathedral ceilings. Pause for a moment to envision dramatic entrances down those stairs. A wood archway frames the entrance to the living room, where more hand-hewn timber frame arches separate three skylights. “That’s a two-story Rumford fireplace,” said Ann.
Atrium doors lead to the north deck, with expansive views to the pool area and on to the preserve. Glass pocket doors on the south wall lead to the aptly named sunroom, currently an exercise room but equally fit for an office or den. Behind the staircase is the dining room, also with cathedral ceilings and many windows.
The chef’s kitchen was completely redone to please the most discerning cook. High-end appliances (Wolf range and ovens, Bosch dishwasher, wine fridge), custom cabinetry, yards of granite countertops, prep sink and island make cooking a dream. A charming breakfast room and mudroom flank the kitchen.
Adjacent to the kitchen is a family room/office with a wall of windows for western views. A convenient main-level bedroom with en suite bath, powder room off the foyer and back staircase to the upper level complete the main level…