A Visit to a Historic Farmhouse in Manor Township - Come along!
I had an opportunity this past weekend to take a drive with my Wells Realty Group partner, Rick Brown. Rick, who is also known as "Conestoga Rick", knows just about everyone in the Manor Township and Conestoga Township area -- and I do mean everyone! When he heard that I have several buyers looking for specific historic homes for sale, he knew just who to call and invited me along!
We visited a Lancaster County historic farmhouse in Manor Township that simply took my breath away! As we sat listening to the owner's historical review of the farmhouse and surrounding land, Rick told me that he could just see my mind already getting my next blog ready! He was so right! Even though it was a very chilly Lancaster winter day, I was warm and cozy by the fire in the tenant house, listening to the history of the land I was visiting. Listening to the property owner tell of how he enjoys walking this historic property and searching for Indian relics, I could almost imagine what the property was like a mere 200 years ago. Rich with history, here is a little historical review of this Lancaster County area nestled on the Conestoga River, bordering Manor and Conestoga Townships.
The owner of this Manor Township farmhouse and the surrounding 58+ acres purchased it a few years ago, as it had sentimental value to him. While growing up, he was friends with the previous owner's sons, and spent many days roaming the land and hanging out at "the point".
The Point is the peninsula where this property ends, where the Little Conestoga Creek joins the Conestoga River. The area of The Point is also home to the historical Logan's Trading Post -- where James Logan, right-hand man to William Penn, set up and operated a trading post with the local Conestoga and Susquehannock Indians. Logan's land was right across the river, in Conestoga Township, although there is a stone foundation of some sort of structure, and evident on the historical maps, on the Manor Township side where this property is located that might also have something to do with the trading post.
It was in Conestoga Township, where the famous Conestoga Wagon was invented, and used by James Logan to freight his trade goods that were traded at Logan's Trading Post. It was easy for the Indian tribes to row their canoes to The Point, from just about anywhere in Lancaster County since most creeks and rivers were tributaries of the Conestoga River, which is a tributary of the Susquehanna River, as well. Where the Conestoga River meets the Susquehanna River, just below the Safe Harbor Dam, historical evidence of the local Indians that lived in these parts is found in the stunning petroglyphs carved into the rocks along the river.
Records show that the same family owned this farmland since the 1700's -- known as the Lefever Farm according to the Conestoga Area Historical Society records and historical maps. It remained in the Lefever family in 
one form or another, until it was sold to the previous owner in the 1950's. From what I learned, he was quite happy to see that one of his own son's friends now owns this beautiful Lancaster County farm.
The current owner does not live on the farm, nor does he have any plans to do so. Instead, he has lovingly restored not only the farmhouse, but the tenant house, as well. The huge stone and frame bank barn, as well as the tobacco barn, are all still in relatively good condition, considering their age. The Conestoga River flows along the entire length of the property, and is visible from most rooms of the home.
The tenant house, which was at some point the old smokehouse on the property, has been carefully secured structurally and renovated into an adorable and very efficient guest house. The first floor features the original fireplace and brick oven in the well-equipped kitchen, as well as the original barnsiding walls and original floors throughout. A bathroom and bedroom have been added to the attic area, creating a unique and very special get-a-way.
This Lancaster County farmhouse, centuries old, has also been lovingly restored. The kitchen has been retrofitted with antique furniture, customized into a one-of-a-kind kitchen sink and kitchen island. The pictures I took of this special home speak for themselves!
This has truly been not only a labor of love, but also a sort of hobby for the current owner and a tribute to the Manor Township farm where he spent much of his days while growing up and digging for Indian artifacts along "The Point".
I am sure the previous owners of this historical Lancaster County farm would never think they deserve such a grand place, nor could they have ever pictured their home in this fashion. It deserves to be this loved, though.
In search of a Historic Home or Property for Sale in Lancaster County?
Feel you could love such a special home such as this?
Contact Jeannie Kontis, Realtor at
www.JeannieSellsLancaster.com
or call direct 717-330-5137
