LASN Project Feature: Clock Tower Farm
*This article highlights our work on Clock Tower Farm and was originally published by Landscape Architect & Specifier News (LASN) Magazine.
Clock Tower Farm traces its distinguished origins back to 1703, when William Penn himself played a role in patenting the land on which the property now stands.
From that auspicious beginning through its later settlement, this 7.5-acre estate in West Chester, Pennsylvania has carried a rich history, more formally documented from the 1830s, with later significant renovations undertaken in 1882.
At that time, the property encompassed a colonial manor house, barn, workshop, riding paddock and a remarkable five-story clock tower that for some time housed a water tank that serviced the estate. A saltwater pool and tennis court were later twentieth century additions to the property.
In 2016, the current owners attended an auction to liquidate the estate and its now sadly neglected assets. Here they seized the opportunity to fulfill their dream of preserving and inhabiting a historic home.
Their successful bid triumphed over developers who might otherwise have cleared the site and subdivided it for multiple market driven single family homes. With vision and commitment, the owners embarked on a comprehensive restoration, engaging Archer & Buchanan Architecture and RGS Associates Landscape Architects to reimagine the property while honoring its legacy.
Inside the manor, the Drawing Room, Parlor, Library, Stair Hall, and Dining Room were meticulously restored to reflect the grandeur of the 1882 renovations. On the second floor, guest bedrooms were renewed, while the Owners Suite was expanded into a new addition that replaced a compromised earlier structure.
This addition seamlessly integrated with the historic fabric of the home, while introducing contemporary living spaces on the main level:
- Kitchen and Pantry
- Informal Dining Room
- Family Room
- Mudroom
- Home Office, incorporated into the Owners Suite
Beyond the house, the vision for the grounds was also transformative. A new period sensitive masonry feature with automatic entry gate, driveway, and guest parking court now provide a dignified arrival experience befitting the estate.
From the street, the approach is framed by two horticultural treasures: a mature linden tree and a magnificent purple-leaf weeping beech, which together, highlight the restored historic façade.
Across the site many other mature trees and tree groves were incorporated into the landscape design.
Other site features include a sunken garden adjacent to the lower-level walk-out Den and Game Room, as well as a formal garden aligned with the dining room’s stately bay window. This garden features a semi-circular tall hedge enclosure, central fountain, seasonal plantings, and the “Sunset Terrace,” a west-facing vantage point overlooking the grounds.
To complete the programmatic wish list, the owners expressed interest in a variety of kitchen garden opportunities. To this end, RGS envisioned a multipurpose garden space in a convenient yet secluded area between the Garage, Workshop and Barn. Here vegetables, berries and grape vines share space with colorful flowers providing opportunities for impromptu bouquet creation.
The estate’s ancillary structures were equally transformed. The historic Barn was adapted into an elegant Events Venue, complemented by a detached Garage strategically positioned between the Barn and the new house addition.
RGS further envisioned a pool house amenity to serve both the existing saltwater pool and tennis court, and Archer & Buchanan delivered a handsome three-season pavilion that now anchors this active area, creating a functional and inviting destination.
View our other Landscape Architect & Specifier News (LASN) Magazine features on residential and mixed-use projects previously published, including highlights of our historic preservation work on The Reserve at Maybrook and The Shoppes at Belmont.
