Entering the driveway to the historic John Cope House from Dunmoore Lane, one is greeted by a magnificently restored example of Chester County vernacular agrarian architecture. Meticulously re-pointed stone masonry, original colonial windows, old ironwork and native gardens make a lasting impression of one of this county’s irreplaceable cultural legacies.

The secluded courtyard took two years to excavate and reconstruct and the balcony was added in keeping with the original integrity of the property.

The view of the southern elevation displays a sweeping vista six windows – unusual 9 over 6 pane design. Two vertical lines can be discerned where additions were added to the original c.1726 structure. A restored patio and stone fountain were incorporated into the shade garden to the left.

The Eastern elevation, with its washed layers of white stucco, partially reveals how the exterior looked prior to the extensive renovation. The old farm bell, taken from inside the house, is now fitted to an antique wood post.

Entering the Mud Room on the Main Floor, note the handsome historically accurate door and hardware. You will see the remnants of a beehive oven, uncovered during the restoration. Due to water damage, the floors were replaced by those from one story above. That space then became the laundry room and master bathroom.

The Powder Room displays a unique concrete and stone countertop which was designed especially for that room

Note the stairs, one of five in the house, known as Penn’s Curves.

The Kitchen and Hearth Room -- 24 X 16 -- are in the oldest section of the house c1726. The stunning double-fireplace, rich antique cabinetry (some of which was constructed from salvaged wood found on the premises), countertops made from white Portland and crushed actinolite stone, chestnut floors and exposed stone walls create the heart of this home. state-of-the-art stainless appliances and contemporary lighting pull this room into the 21st century. The cabinet over the kitchen sink was created from an old shipping chest discovered in the basement.

The Keeping or Great Room – 24 X 16 -- was added between 1750-1790. Research reveals it is likely that this was where the original log home was located, c1712. Logs from that first home were probably reused in the construction of this stone addition. Note the beautifully restored original built-ins on either side of the fireplace as well as the concrete foundation where there once stood a wood burning stove. The satin finished floors are Southern Pine and Chestnut.

The Library Extension – 22 X 13 – This final addition was completed c. 1838 by Caleb Cope as a gift to his bride. Here you see the beautiful blend of exposed stone and brick with restored plaster work and an angled ceiling with exposed support beam. This Addition was in such a state of disrepair that the Margaret & Joseph Andraos considered demolition.

Now descend the Stairway to the Gathering or Family Room – 24 X 18 -- A Stone & Brick Fireplace is flanked by two Fabulous Arched Windowed Niches. A new bathroom features travertine tile and pink marble. A large closet is the Telecommunications Center for the house.

The Tavern Room – 22 X 13 -- is the ‘coolest’ room with its curved window and exposed stone walls. A side door opens to the secluded courtyard while the other box stair leads underground to an original cistern room.

Additional Ground Floor Rooms -- The original ground floor entry c1726 contains attractive stone support arches, ancient ceiling hooks, the oldest wooden hardware on the property and the initials C.R. Cope on a wooden beam. It is likely that animals were housed here during the room’s storied past. The heating room contains the radiant heat floor system and an ancient door leading to the courtyard. A cold storage room is located under the mudroom.

Now Ascend to the 2nd Floor Master Bedroom & Bath –24 X 16 -- This large attractive space was created from two smaller rooms and includes a fireplace, built-ins and a cedar closet with mahogany doors crafted by a local artisan. Note the massive original floorboards in this space, some 2feet wide. The new master bath features high ceilings, a whirlpool tub, antique oak cabinets, chrome finishes and warm Pennsylvania slate. The Master Bath leads to the small tiled laundry room which in turn descends by way of a Box Stairway to the Mud Room.

Second Bedroom and Hall – 18 X 14 -- In this bedroom are built-ins and a cedar closet. The Spacious Hall has Extensive original Cupboards that function beautifully as a Linen Closet. Artistic visual lines from the originally plastered Penn’s curved staircase and a classical tiled Hall Bath complete this area.

The Third Floor or Fourth Level can be reached by way of 2 Penn’s Curved Stairways. Notice the 10 foot high vaulted beamed ceiling. This area has 2 spacious bedrooms – 25 X 18 & 16 X 16 -- with random width floors and exposed stone chimney walls. Newly constructed knee walls serve as roof support, additional storage space and housing for the upper floor heating and air-conditioning units.