121 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335

Property Description

CIRCA 1790 GEM! What do YOU envision this space to be? Welcome to 121 Manor Avenue in the heart of Downingtown, situated on 1.4 acres and one of Chester Counties most coveted properties featuring 8 fireplaces. This property has stood the test of time in the 231-year history. The 1790 portion is still intact with an impressive number of original attributes including the substantial hearth that is now showcased in todays kitchen and 2nd story which is todays bedroom and bathroom. The cellar is intentionally deep in the original homestead portion and appears to have been utilized as the root/wine/cold storage cellar which is extremely rare in the Delaware Valley. The current owners do know, and the Downingtown Historical Society has confirmed Joseph Downing owned the property from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s however it is not clear who built the original homestead. Sometime in the early 1800s was a substantial addition. Unique to the Lower Delaware Valley; wooden architecture was instituted while other regions tended to follow brick or stone from their home country. The wooden architecture, random width pine floors, gigantic solid wood doors, oversized windows with 12-inch sills, cabinet work and molding highlight the fine carpentry craftsmanship. In 1922 the Downingtown Woman's Club acquired the property for their clubhouse and immediately installed a toilet in the basement for the gentlemen (seriously). It is not clear if the Club made any modifications however, we do know the first meeting at their new clubhouse was in October 1922 and was a thriving organization for many years (fortunately the Downingtown Historical Society houses all the club documents). Fast forward to 1989 when the current owner opened Lori Petrie's Pre-School which has been a landmark for a bit over 30 years. Gentle modifications were completed to transform into the bustling schoolhouse which can be undone to transform it back into an amazing 8,900 sq ft home or Commercial Space or a blend of the two. The current owner has been an excellent steward, recently retired and ready to pass the torch. The property is strictly offered as-is but please do not let that deter you from visiting, it is in outstanding shape with ample parking.