This extraordinary circa-1846 serpentine stone estate offers a rare opportunity to own one of Birmingham Road's most distinguished historic homes, Fernbank Farm. Set on six picturesque acres with mature trees, perennial gardens, and views of 100 acres of conserved land, the six-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath residence was originally the summer retreat of renowned physician and scientist Dr. James Cheston Morris. Rich in history, the property also played a role in the Battle of Brandywine and is home to the historic icehouse where the nation's first bottled milk was produced—now transformed into an award-winning, two-story wine cellar and tasting room. Stepping through the double front doors, you're welcomed by a grand foyer showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of a bygone era. Herringbone walnut and chestnut floors, crown-glass windows, a sweeping mahogany staircase, and period architectural details set the tone throughout the home. Off the foyer, the library features custom oak built-ins, an original slate fireplace, and distinctive octagonal-pattern wood floors, while further down the foyer, the elegant double living room offers a wood-burning fireplace with a rare 19th-century French Campan rubané Breccia marble mantel, French doors to the veranda, and a sparkling crystal chandelier. A Hall bath is located across from the Double Living room. The dining room, dating to the original circa-1790 residence, is rich with historic character, including heart pine floors, wavy-glass windows, period millwork, and an 1840s bleu fleuri marble fireplace. It flows into the chef's kitchen, appointed with a marble island, one-piece walnut countertops, premium appliances, and French limestone floors. A dramatic sunroom with cathedral ceilings and walls of French doors overlooks the gardens, while the adjacent breakfast nook and stone terrace provide inviting spaces for everyday living and entertaining. A short flight of Belgian bluestone stairs leads down to the restored serpentine stone icehouse that has been transformed by renowned local architects, Archer & Buchanan, into an extraordinary two-level wine cellar and tasting room, complete with a mahogany bar, 1,500-bottle storage, and architectural details that have earned national recognition. The upper levels offer six bedrooms, four full baths, and additional fireplaces, seamlessly blending historic elegance with modern comfort. Thoughtful updates include central air, radiant heated bathroom floors, a gas fireplace in the primary suite, a spa-inspired bath with a Jacuzzi tub, and a spacious walk-in closet. Outdoor living is equally impressive with a wraparound veranda, heated saltwater pool, spa, bluestone terraces, and professionally landscaped gardens that provide year-round beauty and exceptional privacy. Located within the award-winning Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, just minutes from West Chester, Radley Run Country Club, Brandywine Battlefield, and the Route 202 corridor, this remarkable estate offers an unparalleled combination of history, architectural significance, luxury, and convenience.
Single-familyProperty Type
1800Year Built
6 acresLot Size
$611Price/Sq.Ft.
4 car garageParking
Listed by Holly Gross• BHHS Fox & Roach-West Chester
•610-431-1100 (broker)
•matt.didomenico@foxroach.com (broker)
Listed by Stewart Gross• BHHS Fox & Roach-West Chester
Fernbank Farm was the 1846 summer home of Philadelphia physician James Cheston Morris, who raised Devon Cattle here. Now, six acres of legacy trees, boxwood parterre and meadow can be enjoyed from the wrap- around porch of this elegant c. 1846 stone home. Nothing but a period house provides the character and quality materials unheard of in modern construction; but no one should be inconvenienced by history either. This property offers the best of both worlds? period details, along with high-efficiency heating and cooling, new roof, updated electric, kitchen and baths. Walnut and chestnut floors, crown glass windows and mahogany windows and doors are some of the best features here. French doors from most of the first-floor rooms provide access to covered porch and gardens. (Floor plan available to see dimensions and flow. ) Entry opens to the foyer with unique herringbone hardwood floor, flanked by the living room and library/study, which flows into the dining room, and chef's kitchen with adjacent breakfast and great room. 2nd floor offers 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Third floor has 3 bedrooms and one full bath. Set in Birmingham township, an area flush with history, scenic vistas and affluence, this ground is also in the heart of the American Revolution's Battle of Brandywine. Additional benefits: located in the top-rated Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, 30 minutes to Philadelphia International Airport, and 2 minutes to the charming restaurants and shops in the borough of West Chester. This is the best of country living with conveniences! Generous room sizes and ceiling heights, Front and back staircases, (incorporated from a much earlier house), deep windowsills, 5 fireplaces, original hardware and details abound to tell the story of this house. Outbuildings include four-bay carriage barn, garden building, and spring house. Residential-Agricultural (RA) zoning provides many options for use. Located in a Historic District and surrounded by conserved land, please inquire about additional possibilities. Legacy trees have been identified by professional horticulturalist and protected with lightning rods - list available in house. All furnishings, minus a few family heirlooms are available to the buyer.
TREND #5714613
Sep 30, 2010
Sold
$1,500,000
$278/sq ft
May 15, 2010
Listed
$1,900,000
$352/sq ft
BRIGHT MLS #1003544209
Sep 30, 2010
Sold
$1,500,000
$278/sq ft
May 15, 2010
Listed
$1,900,000
$352/sq ft
BRIGHT MLS #1008626260
Dec 12, 2008
Listing Removed
—
Oct 14, 2008
Listed
$2,400,000
$445/sq ft
Public Records
Aug 29, 1991
Sold
$850,000
$157/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$22,079 (+4.0%)
$138,920 + $396,010
$534,930
2025
$21,223 (+4.1%)
$138,920 + $396,010
$534,930
2024
$20,381 (+3.3%)
$138,920 + $396,010
$534,930
2023
$19,729 (+2.1%)
$138,920 + $396,010
$534,930
2022
$19,317 (+2.5%)
$138,920 + $396,010
$534,930
2021
$18,841 (+0.3%)
$138,920 + $396,010
$534,930
2020
$18,792 (+10.1%)
$138,920 + $396,010
$534,930
2019
$17,071 (+0.3%)
$138,920 + $356,200
$495,120
2018
$17,022 (+2.1%)
$138,920 + $356,200
$495,120
2017
$16,665 (+4.5%)
$138,920 + $356,200
$495,120
2015
$15,944 (+2.3%)
$138,920 + $356,200
$495,120
2014
$15,593 (+1.8%)
$138,920 + $356,200
$495,120
2013
$15,320 (+2.8%)
$138,920 + $356,200
$495,120
2012
$14,901 (−0.4%)
$138,920 + $356,200
$495,120
2011
$14,961 (−4.8%)
$138,920 + $362,720
$501,640
2010
$15,708
$138,920 + $362,720
$501,640
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Beds
7
Baths
4.5
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
6 Acres
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
5,397
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
5,397
Year built
1800
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Chester County
APN
6501 00010000
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 3, 2026.
RA
Residential-Agricultural District
In addition to the general goals listed in the statements of purposes and community development objectives, it is the purpose of this article to encourage and promote continued agricultural uses in the R-A Zone while also permitting low-density residential development which will blend with existing agricultural uses and perpetuate the rural atmosphere of the area; and also, by providing the option of utilizing the provisions in Article XV, Transferable Development Rights, to enable landowners within the R-A Zone to elect not to develop all or a portion of their land but instead to obtain, by the use thereof, the economic benefits of development while at the same time covenanting to leave all or a portion of their land undeveloped in perpetuity.; It is further the purpose of this article to promote agricultural uses while still permitting the population density as envisioned through farmside village development in appropriate areas of the district associated with maintaining the bulk of such tracts as agricultural lands in perpetuity.; Accordingly, the district incorporates a density standard which, among other things, provides for farm and low-density dwelling uses, discourages isolated higher-density development and facilitates the conservation of agricultural and woodland areas, surface and underground water supplies and the control of soil erosion and surface water flooding.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Agriculture
Greenhouse / nursery
Housing-Single unit
Golf related
Timberland
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
6/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 102° expected this year, 14 days in 30 years
6/10 Wind Factor
27% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 3 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
West Chester, PA • 19382
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
35
21
40
26
58
36
65
44
71
53
82
63
87
69
80
60
78
59
67
46
55
38
41
26
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
93/ 100
Exceptional sunlight
Sunscore
This home receives average direct sun exposure in West Chester. There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
10.2 hrs
6 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 1001 Country Club Rd
$3,024,542
$275K under list price of $3.30M
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $843K to $1.5M.