Cornerstone Farm c.1880

This extraordinary 1880's historic wood paneled house on 100+ acres, features 7 spacious bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, 5 fireplaces, a gourmet main kitchen and a second, well-equipped catering kitchen, and vaulted ceilings. Impeccably maintained, this is a home of rare and beautiful distinction.

ABOUT

Cornerstone Farm is one of the most beautiful farms in Historic Adams County, Pennsylvania. This gracious home and peaceful setting offer country living at its best. Currently a Gentleman's farm, it is well suited for horses, cattle, farming or just a quieter lifestyle. Located just seven minutes from downtown Gettysburg, Cornerstone Farm is close to the Battlefield and various tourist attractions but just far enough out of town to enjoy horses grazing, country roads, peace and quiet, and a sunset over the South Mountain Range.

The grounds at Cornerstone were used by Confederate troops for encampment after the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Bordered by streams on both east and west, this farmland offered troops and cavalry a much needed source of water and safe haven.

PROPERTY/SITE FEATURES

• Large and well maintained bank barn with 8 Stall stable below and open storage above
• 2 story out building with workshop below and 2 rooms up (the larger room was once used for community dances), including office space
• Second barn with additional stall capacity
• Extensive wooded acreage with wild game
• Lush fenced pastures
• Pond stocked for fishing
• In-ground pool and pool house
• Gardens

ROOMS

Main floor- Older Section built in c.1880

Front Room 13'x25'- Carpet, fireplace, built in bookcases
Entry11'x9'- Parkay wood floors, carpeted staircase, coat closet, stained glass above door
Kitchen13'x19'- Granite counter tops, island, 2 entries, beamed ceiling, Kitchenaid Refrigerator, Maytag dual range stove, double sink, brass fixtures.
Powder Room off Kitchen 3'x6'- Pedestal sink, tile floor.
Dining Room 12'x13'- Wood floors, chandelier, wallpaper, crown moulding.
Sun Room 29'x9'- Slate floor, wood siding, 2 ceiling fans, rear access.

New Section- Featuring a sound system throughout

Living Room 21'6"x22'4"- Wood floors, exposed beams in ceiling, posts, grand stairway, exposed brick, french doors to family room, granite fireplace.
Breakfast Room 18'8"x16'- Wood floors, garden view deck.
Kitchen 2 12'x9'- Double sink, chrome fixtures, Wolf stove, 2 Whirlpool Refrigerators, GE double oven.
Office 14'x12'- Wood floors, garden view deck.
Laundry Room- Off office, vinyl floor, rear access, stacked washer and dryer.
Bedroom 116'x15'- Carpet, granite fireplace, mantel.
Bedroom 1 Bathroom 8'x9'- Vinyl Floor.

Level 2

Bedroom 2 18'8"x13'- Carpet, Exposed beams, vaulted ceiling.
Bedroom 2 Bathroom 8'x9'- Tile floor, shower
Bedroom 3 18'8"x13'4"- Carpet, closet, granite fireplace, mantel, vaulted ceiling, rear porch.
Bedroom 3Bathroom 8'x9'- Tile floor, overlooks garden and pasture.
Bedroom 4; 14'x12'-Carpet, granite fireplace, vaulted ceiling, partially brick walls, closet.
Bedroom 4 Bathroom- Tile, whirlpool, brass fixtures.
Bedroom 5 12'x10'- Carpet.
Bedroom 5 Bathroom5'x7'- Tile, chrome fixtures, glass shower.
Sitting Room 9'x7'- Carpet.
Master Bedroom 14'x12'- Carpet, walls partially paneled and partially wallpapered, ceiling fan, 2 closets 1 with wood floor.
Landing 9'x20'- Window seat, carpet, built in cupboard.
Hall Bathroom 9'x7'- Whirlpool, tile, brass fixtures.
Den- Wood floor.

SYSTEMS

• 400 Amp electric
• Gas heating
• 2 water heaters
• Air conditioning
• 2 wells
• 2 septic tanks.

HISTORY

During the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, what is now Cornerstone Farm was a property owned by Isaac M. Bucher. His farm was located along a quiet country lane (now called Crooked Creek Road) that connected Cashtown-Chambersburg Pike and Mummasburg Road. It was an area of peaceful Mennonite farms and a small sawmill, along the Marsh Creek. Historical records indicate that Confederate troops were present on these lands from June 19th through July 6th, 1863. Troops from the leading Hospital Corps of General William Dorsey Pender were present on the property from July 1st to approximately July 10th, 1863. Christian Shank, Bishop of the Mummasburg Mennonite Church, was Bucher's closest neighbor. Shank's home and barn were commandeered by the Confederates for use as a hospital.Records of the Department of the Auditor General, Board of Claims 1862-1890, quote Isaac M.Bucher as asking to be reimbursed for “two horses and cattle taken by the Rebels, July 1-3, from my fields”. There are similar recorded claims from all of Bucher’s neighbors ( Daniel Shank, John Shank, E.W Stahle, Andrew Heintzelman Sign of the Seven Stars Tavern and others).

Additional interesting information about Crooked Creek Road:

On June 26th, 1863 just a few days prior to the Battle of Gettysburg, men of the newly formed 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia Regiment, “a hodge-podge unit of young farm boys, old men, shopkeepers and businessmen” were sleeping behind fences along the Chambersburg Pike near the banks of Marsh Creek. They were under the command of Colonel William W. Jennings, a wealthy factory owner who used his friendship with Pennsylvania Governor Curtin to secure a commission and a command. That morning, scouts from he accompanying 21st PA Cavalry detachment of Captain Robert Bell reported that a large Rebel force was approaching from the west, marching along Chambersburg Pike towards Gettysburg. Eyes straining under crisp newly issued blue forage caps, the 26th Militia saw the vanguard of the legendary Army of Northern Virginia. Knowing they were ill-prepared to meet Virginia's best, Jennings wisely ordered his men to withdraw “across a narrow dirt lane (now Crooked Creek Road) to reach the Mummasburg-Hunterstown Road”. They did so to avoid the mighty forces of Colonel Elijah V. White’s 35th Virginia Cavalry (know as White’s Commanches) who “were coming down the Cashtown-Chambersburg Pike from the Cashtown Pass in South Mountain” headed for Gettysburg.The 26th Militia would live to tell of their role at Gettysburg, "the turning point of the Civil War."

CORNERSTONE FARM - Showing by Appointment

		Historic Home Buyers are not looking for just a house - a composite of wood and nails. They listen attentively to the centuries old stories that heart pine floors reveal and revel in the craftsmanship of a time when artisans took pride in their work. They know that within every line and plane of a historic home, there lies a measured moment for reflection. We understand historic home buyers and we are historic home experts.
Cornerstone Farm presents a unique opportunity to acquire a home of significant historic integrity that has been beautifully updated for elegant modern living. This is a home of rare and beautiful distinction. Let us show you this extraordinary home.

CONTACT

Gary Gestson

Certified Historic Properties Specialist, Long & Foster Realtors

301-646-0046

gary@historichometeam.com