Welcome

January 22, 2002

New Lancaster Neighborhood Features Historic Farmhouse

Lancaster Craftsmen Builders has given an old twist to a brand new neighborhood in Middletown. A pre-civil war farmhouse, built circa 1850, is the centerpiece of the Coblentz Farm community. "When I walked into the house the first time, I immediately recognized the significance and the potential it had," explained developer and builder Mark Lancaster. "It's such a landmark in the Middletown Valley, I couldn't bear to tear it down. Instead we decided to use its heritage as a theme for Coblentz Farm." Completely renovated, the 3,700-square-foot house features all new plumbing, heating and electrical systems and numerous original features that give it its distinctive character. "You just can't reproduce some of the architectural details found in this house."

A deed dated 1855 shows the farm property, but Mr. Lancaster believes the house was there even earlier because of the hand-hewn log floor joists and 16" wide chestnut plank flooring. An 1864 civil war map clearly identifies the Coblentz Farm, which was used by Northern troops during the war. When Lancaster Craftsmen Builders began developing the old farm, they decided to preserve the house and carefully planned the street layout accordingly. A fieldstone smokehouse on the property was also rehabilitated, as well as a large outbuilding that can be used as a workshop, office or garage. An Amish-built barn on the property was dismantled and used to construct a church in Texas. One of the hand-hewn log beams from the barn was incorporated into an antique brick wall in the farmhouse's new sunroom.

The home also features original plank chestnut and heart yellow pine floors, a handcrafted mahogany fireplace mantel and a three-story winding staircase. There are original exposed brick walls in both the second floor hall and the solarium. "In addition to restoring many architectural details, we upgraded the kitchen and bathrooms and added a sunroom, laundry room and deluxe master suite," said Mr. Lancaster. "The house has new cherry cabinets, Corian countertops, upgraded appliances, plenty of recessed lighting and a PS network that integrates the wiring for all phone, sound, television and computer systems. So you have all the modern conveniences you'd expect in a new home, plus the beautiful elements from the past that make it a unique and distinctive home."

Established trees were preserved on the 3/4-acre lot at the end of a cul-du-sac. The house, which has three bedrooms and three full baths, has a full brick exterior, brick paved sidewalks and a patio. The completed Coblentz Farm community includes nine custom homes.

Lancaster Craftsmen Builders has renovated a number of historic buildings, including their corporate office in Middletown, but this is the first in a new development. "Some people thought we were a little crazy, because it was definitely a challenging project and it's more costly to restore a home than to start from scratch. But we really believed this house was worth saving. Now everyone who sees it agrees and thinks it's a wonderful concept," reported Mr. Lancaster. "I'd love to see this become a trend and I encourage other developers to incorporate historical structures into their communities." This pre-civil war farmhouse is now called home.