108 Bayard Rd

Constructed between 1859 and 1860 by Bayard Taylor for the princely sum of $15,000, Cedarcroft may be the most famous home in the tri-state area. A famous world traveler, Bayard Taylor was well known for both his travel books, literary works, and poetry. Legendary guests to Cedarcroft included Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Greenleaf Whittier, James Russell Lowell, and Horace Greeley. The construction of the home was said to have been overseen by Taylor himself who described the large brick Italianate home as "large and stately, simple in its forms, without much ornament ... expressive of strength and ornament." An adjoining brick carriage house needs total restoration. The first floor features 13' ceilings, an Entry Hall with a grand staircase to the upper level, a spacious Living Room and Library, both with handsome fireplaces plus a large Dining Room, also with a gorgeous fireplace. The Kitchen is reached from both the Entry Hall and the Dining Room and will require a total refurbishment. Off the Kitchen is a Mud Room with a laundry hookup and access to an attached two car garage. Upstairs is a Master Suite with a fireplace, private bath, and large closet/dressing area. There is another large bedroom with a fireplace and five additional bedrooms, some of which could easily have walls removed to make larger spaces. This level has a total of four bathrooms which are all in need of total refurbishment. The Tower is accessed from this level. The third floor has a full bathroom and additional bedrooms/storage rooms plus the air handling equipment for the home's central air conditioning. The basement is accessed from the Garage and houses the home's oil heater, hot water heater, and electrical panels. There is also a root cellar that awaits restoration into a wonderful wine cellar! Consisting of two parcels set on 3.7 acres in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, this historic home is truly a one of a kind - full of potential awaiting restoration to its former glory. Rarely does such a high-profile home come on the market. Because restoration is needed and this is a sale by an estate, we are offering the property in "As-Is" condition. Please see agent for details about taxes, etc. Property address AKA Gatehouse Drive.