Bala Farm Cottage
Private Cottage in the heart of the Brandywine Valley
West Chester, Pennsylvania
ABOUT
Bala Farm Cottage, located less than 3 miles from the center of West Chester, was built around 1850 to serve as a library at a time when the main Bala Farm house (built in 1759) was being used as a boarding school for boys. It's undoubtedly been employed in a variety of functions since then, and when we bought the property we thought it would make a perfect guest cottage.
The first thing you'll notice as you approach the cottage is the beautiful grounds. Huge trees provide abundant shade and a park-like setting around the cottage, with smaller trees bordering the property and allowing for privacy and pleasant scenery. You'll also notice the stone fire pit and seating, on which you're welcome to relax and enjoy the grounds.
We've made a few changes to give the cottage some of the comforts that help make a very enjoyable stay, including a little wet bar/kitchenette in the downstairs hall closet. The kitchenette has a small refrigerator, microwave & toaster, and a coffee and tea machine with complimentary pods provided. The very comfortable queen bed in the upstairs bedroom and spacious bathroom with updated shower provide a cozy haven for relaxation. Combined with the charming study downstairs with a bay window looking out towards a beautiful, majestic Ginko tree (one of the biggest in PA!), Bala Farm Cottage is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend in West Chester.
The Cottage
Bala Farm Cottage has a cozy bedroom with a comfortable queen bed and spacious bathroom upstairs, and a quaint study with bay window downstairs. The hallway at the base of the stairs has a wet bar/kitchenette, complete with refrigerator, coffee & tea machine, and microwave and toaster ovens.
OUR SERVICES
Garden
Guests are welcome to enjoy the grounds, including the fire pit and the screened porch and deck on the side of the main house. If you'd like a comfy beach chair for reading in the shade, just let us know.
Beverages
Coffee and tea are provided, and the wet bar has a PUR water filter to ensure you're able to stay hydrated.
WiFi
There are no televisions in the cottage, but we provide speedy WiFi, with which you can stream to your heart's content.
Housekeeping
Housekeeping is on demand. We will leave you alone (no need for a do not disturb sign), but will be happy to provide fresh towels whenever you would like. Linens are changed weekly, unless needed sooner.
In-Room Dining Service
Other than coffee, tea, a few snacks, and cold beverages, we're afraid you'll need to provide your own in-room dining service. But if you need anything - plates, utensils, etc....just let us know!
GALLERY
THINGS TO DO
West Chester Borough
Explore the charming borough of West Chester, filled with historic buildings, restaurants & bars, galleries, unique retail shops and West Chester University. And it's just five minutes away! Or the visit the historic borough of Kennett Square, the mushroom capital of the world! These are just a couple of the many quaint and historic towns nearby.
Longwood Gardens
The jewel of the Brandywine Valley! Established by Pierre S. Dupont in 1906 and ever changing, Longwood Gardens is one of the world's great botanical gardens, encompassing 1,077 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, and a 4.5 acre conservatory. We visit often, as do many of our guests!
More Gardens!
The Brandywine Valley, America's garden capital, boasts more than just Longwood Gardens. The Winterthur and Nemours Estates and Gardens (Wilmington, DE), Chanticleer (Wayne), Jenkins Arboretum (Devon), Mt. Cuba Center (Hockessin, DE), and Welkinweir (Pottstown, PA) are just a few of the nearby gems.
Hiking
We love to hike at Stroud Nature Preserve, which consists of 571 acres, and is just 5 minutes from the cottage. Cheslen Preserve is 1,263 acres and only 8 miles away. Harmony Hill Nature Area, Marsh Creek State Park and Ridley Creek State Park are other great nearby options. A leisurely drive into Amish Country or through the Brandywine Valley's gorgeous equestrian lands are also highly recommended.
Historic Battlefields
History abounds in the area. In fact, Bala Farm is located just off Birmingham Road, considered the "spine" of the Battle of Brandywine, and which British Troops marched down in September of 1777. Battlefield sites are just minutes away, as are multiple historic locations...some noted for their role in the battle, and others for their longevity and beauty.
Museums and Galleries
The Brandywine River Museum of Art is a short, scenic drive from the cottage, and is highly recommended. The Chester County Historical Society, Delaware Art Museum, Hagley Museum and Library, and the Delaware Museum of Natural History are other excellent options nearby. Of course, you're less than an hour from the center of Philadelphia and it wealth of museums, galleries and historical sites.
Guest Reviews
