Tucked into a peaceful wooded setting and surrounded by preserved farmland, county parkland, conservancy land, and state game lands, this rare property offers exceptional privacy and natural beauty. Evenings are wonderfully dark and quiet, while daytime views stretch across rolling hills and bird-filled fields. Speedwell Forge Lake is just a short walk away, creating a true nature lover’s haven. Despite its tranquil rural setting, the home is only a few miles from the vibrant shops and restaurants of downtown Lititz. Hershey, Lancaster, Mt. Gretna, and Harrisburg are all convenient drives for work, dining, and shopping. Numerous hiking and biking trails are nearby, offering year-round outdoor recreation. Built in the 1760s as one of several worker homes associated with the historic Coleman estate, 550 Speedwell Forge Road carries a rich local history. (The estate’s main house across the valley is now home to the Wolf Sanctuary. ) Purchased as a shell in the 1940s by Ralph and Janet Wolf as their country retreat from Manheim, the home has remained in the same family ever since. The house is thoughtfully built into the hillside using local brownstone and features an exposed stone wall in the living room — the home’s original “putter” wall. The dining room showcases the original hearth. Outdoor spaces include two patios, a charming front porch, and a spacious screened-in porch with a Franklin stove that provides cozy warmth in cooler months. A unique opportunity to own a piece of Lancaster County history in an extraordinary natural setting. This property provides you a rare opportunity to purchase before the scheduled auction on Thursday, April 16 at 4:00 PM This is not a forclosure or tax auction. The seller/owner elected to offer this property at auction while also considering pre-auction offers. Want to buy it before the crowd shows up at the auction? Pre-auction offers are welcomed, giving you the opportunity to purchase early. Otherwise, it heads to the live auction where bidding can move quickly. Review the property info, documents and auction terms, and make your move before someone else does. Auction registration is simple and fast with in-person and online bidding available. If you plan to attend in person, arrive about 30 minutes early to check in and receive your bidder number. If you prefer to bid online, check out the documents and auction link or contact your agent for assistance with registration. A 10% buyer’s premium is added to the winning bid at auction to become the total purchase price. Buyer pays all transfer taxes. The property will be Sold Subject to Seller Confirmation. Be sure to read the full terms and conditions and check the auction page for more info.
Single-familyProperty Type
1750Year Built
2.9 acresLot Size
$349Price/Sq.Ft.
1 garage spacesParking
Listed by Craig Hartranft• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty
•717-560-9100 (broker)
•leadcenter@homesale.com (broker)
Listed by Brandon Hartranft• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty
•717-560-9100 (broker)
•leadcenter@homesale.com (broker)
Bought with Non Member NON MEMBER• Non Subscribing Office
Est. $2,046 per month, based on comparable rentals
Sale and tax history for 550 Speedwell Forge Rd
Sale History
Tax History
Date
Event
Price
BRIGHT MLS #PALA2078818
Apr 30, 2026
Sold
$800,000
$349/sq ft
Feb 20, 2026
Pending
—
Feb 16, 2026
Listed
$300,000
$131/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$5,774 (+2.1%)
$115,000 + $167,900
$282,900
2025
$5,657 (+0.6%)
$115,000 + $167,900
$282,900
2024
$5,622 (+0.5%)
$115,000 + $167,900
$282,900
2023
$5,596
$115,000 + $167,900
$282,900
2022
$5,596
$115,000 + $167,900
$282,900
2021
$5,596
$115,000 + $167,900
$282,900
2020
$5,596
$115,000 + $167,900
$282,900
2019
$5,596 (−17.8%)
$115,000 + $167,900
$282,900
2018
$6,810 (+47.2%)
$115,000 + $167,900
$282,900
2017
$4,627 (+6.7%)
$69,000 + $120,000
$189,000
2014
$4,336
$69,000 + $120,000
$189,000
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
3
Baths
2
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
2.9 Acres
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
2,294
Year built
1750
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Lancaster County
APN
2409891100000
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Jul 10, 2026.
R
Rural Zone
The primary purpose of this zone is to promote a continuation of the rural character of the area, characterized by a mixture of agricultural and sparsely developed residential uses. In addition, other small-scale nonresidential uses have developed. This Zone will continue these development trends but will install additional protection for agricultural uses and rural residences from the impacts of other nonresidential uses. These areas are not likely to be served by public sewer or water facilities within the foreseeable future; therefore, larger lot sizes are indicated. This Zone has been deliberately located away from large areas of productive farmlands; nonetheless, extensive areas have been placed within this zone owing to the Township's overall rural flavor. Because of the vastness of these areas, some steep slopes are included. For this reason, specific lot design requirements have been imposed on steeply sloped development sites. Finally, several intensive land uses have been allowed within this zone by conditional use. These uses have been targeted for the rural landscape as a means of protecting the Township's sensitive environmental features, its prime agricultural soils and its other more densely populated portions. Numerous protective criteria are attached to these uses to ensure their compatibility within this and other zones within the Township. Residential uses are limited, and any future inhabitants in this zone must be willing to accept the impacts associated with normal farming practices and related businesses.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Agriculture
Equestrian facility
Religious facility
Housing-Single unit
Public service
Cemetery
Park & open space
Property details
Parking
Parking Information
# of Detached Garage Spaces: 1
# of Detached Carport Spaces: 2
Garage Features: Covered Parking, Garage - Front Entry, Inside Access
# of Total Garage and Parking Spaces: 3
Has Garage
# of Garage Spaces: 1
Paved Parking
Detached Garage, Detached Carport, Driveway, Off Street
Interior
Virtual Tour
Bedroom Information
# of Bedrooms On 1st Upper Level: 2
# of Bedrooms On Main Level: 1
Bathroom Information
# of Bathrooms (Full) On 1st Upper Level: 1
# of Bathrooms (Full) On Main Level: 1
# of Bathrooms (Full) On All Upper Levels: 1
# of Bathrooms (Full): 2
Interior Information
Appliances: Built-In Range, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave, Oven - Single, Oven - Wall, Oven/Range - Electric, Refrigerator, Washer, Water Heater
Door Features: Atrium
Flooring Type: Hardwood, Stone, Vinyl, Wood
Interior Features: Breakfast Area, Built-Ins, Curved Staircase, Dining Area, Entry Level Bedroom, Family Room Off Kitchen, Floor Plan - Traditional, Kitchen - Eat-In, Wood Floors