House in West Chester, PA

Historic Cottage in West Chester PA - Two miles from town.

Historic Cottage in West Chester PA - Two miles from town.

Photo gallery for Historic Cottage in West Chester PA - Two miles from town.

Property grounds
Exterior
Dining
Private kitchen
Dining

Overview of Historic Cottage in West Chester PA - Two miles from town.

5 out of 5 Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 253 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Explore the area

West Chester, PA
  • Popular LocationWest Chester University of Pennsylvania5 min drive
  • Popular LocationLongwood Gardens12 min drive
  • Popular LocationQVC Studio Park13 min drive
  • AirportPhiladelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.)35 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Historic Cottage in West Chester PA - Two miles from town.

Bala Farm Cottage now has it's own website. Bala Farm Cottage is a wonderfully cozy little cottage located less than 3 miles from the center of West Chester, at the top of a hill in a quiet neighborhood. It has charming study downstairs with a bay window looking out towards majestic trees, and an entry hall that ends with a wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffee machine. A lovely curved staircase leads to the upstairs bedroom with queen bed and a spacious bathroom. You'll love your stay in West Chester at Bala Farm Cottage!

The space

Bala Farm Cottage, located 2 miles from the center of West Chester, was built around 1850 to serve as a "library" (1800's version of a man cave, we think) 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.

We've made a few changes to give the cottage some of the comforts that help make a very enjoyable stay. The wet bar is located at the end of a quaint entry hall, and has a small refrigerator and microwave, in addition to a K-cup coffee machine with complimentary pods provided, an electric kettle with tea. There is also a sliced bread toaster provided, but please be aware that there are no cooking appliances, utensils or abilities beyond these.

The study includes a love seat with pillows and additional blankets for staying cozy in winter months, across from a gas fireplace that warms the room nicely. There is a small table with two chairs that can be used both for dining or as a workspace. For those looking to spend quite a bit of time working, there is a desk against the wall that provides more of a formal workspace. There are also built-in cabinets in the study, which serve as a sort of panty, holding wine glasses, plates & utensils (we've switched to paper & plastic since COVID began), salt & pepper, napkins and bottle openers. To round out the seating, there are a couple of padded accent chairs that provide additional options.

The curved staircase leads up to a cozy bedroom with a comfortable queen bed and a spacious bathroom. There are both privacy curtains and wood shutters, so you can either fill it with natural light, or keep things dark for a longer slumber. There is no closet in the bedroom, but there is a suitcase stand and a garment rack for hanging clothes. The bathroom includes a shower and small vanity with mirror, as well as closeted shelves, with some basic amenities such as shampoo & conditioner and body wash.

There is a large stone fire pit just steps from the cottage that guests are welcome to use, with adirondack chairs and picnic table nearby, that you may find perfect for enjoying an evening glass of wine or cold beer outdoors. All of the trees on the property mean that there is plenty of wood nearby for enjoying fires if the weather allows (we keep one stack next to the fire pit).

Please note that the house and cottage are within a small development. However, we are on top of a hill at the end of a cul-de-sac and surrounded by trees, so there is a private feel and you hardly notice when you are on the property and in the cottage, but you will notice when you drive into the neighborhood.

We look forward to welcoming you for your stay at Bala Farm Cottage!

Guest access:

Guests will have the cottage to themselves, can come and go as they please, and are welcome to enjoy the grounds. If anything is needed that is not in the cottage, just ask!

Interaction with guests:

We're happy to interact with guests as much or as little as they prefer! Since we live on the grounds, we'll usually be available to answer questions, provide recommendations, or tell stories.

Property manager

Mina
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish
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Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Fireplace

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:30 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is okay outside of the cottage.
NO parties or events 1 car parking only; 2nd car or visitors may park on the street. We do not allow bikes to be stored inside the cottage.
If more than 2 visitors are invited (such as pre-wedding preparation), please notify us of your plans. If not, there may be an additional charge.
NO SMOKING inside the cottage. Outside is okay, if ashtray is used. Please, no cooking beyond the use of the provide toaster and microwave ovens.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

West Chester

Located in West Chester, this cottage is on a river. Chester County Historical Society and Chadds Ford Historical Society are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Baldwin's Book Barn and Brandywine Picnic Park. Pipers Way and QVC Studio Park are also worth visiting. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby.

What's nearby

  • Baldwin's Book Barn - 2 min drive
  • Brandywine Picnic Park - 3 min drive
  • West Chester University of Pennsylvania - 5 min drive
  • Longwood Gardens - 12 min drive
  • QVC Studio Park - 13 min drive

Getting around

  • Exton Station - 13 min drive
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • Giant Cafe - 6 min drive
  • The Greek Express - 6 min drive
  • McDonald's - 7 min drive
  • Stove and Tap - 5 min drive
  • Sterling Pig Public House - 5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Cottage in West Chester PA - Two miles from town. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Historic Cottage in West Chester PA - Two miles from town.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Cottage in West Chester PA - Two miles from town.?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Historic Cottage in West Chester PA - Two miles from town. located?

Situated on the riverfront, this cottage is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Baldwin's Book Barn and within 3 miles (5 km) of Brandywine Picnic Park and Brandywine Creek. West Chester University of Pennsylvania and Pipers Way are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

5

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 5 - Excellent. 50 out of 52 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 2 out of 52 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 0 out of 52 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews" "

5/5

Cleanliness

5/5

Amenities

5/5

Property conditions & facilities

5/5

Eco-friendliness

5/5

Check-in

5/5

Communication

5/5

Location

5/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

5/5 Excellent

Carol M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming cottage
We loved having this little house all to ourselves and the few deer grazing beneath the trees close by. Thank you for a delightful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

5/5 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Historic Cottage
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time away. The proximity to the town of West Chester, excellent restaurants, and historic sites made this a perfect location. The charm and quiet setting made our weekend even better.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

5/5 Excellent

Rich W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming stay
Great stay and experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

5/5 Excellent

Wil S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet and convenient
My wife and I stayed for a weekend away. We didn’t spend much time at the cottage, but when we were there it felt like home away from home. Plenty of access to the surrounding communities which are full of trails and fun places to visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

5/5 Excellent

Deborah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
What a wonderful, charming cottage with very thoughtful hosts. I asked in advance if the refrigerator had a freezer compartment that I could use for ice (to care for an injured knee). Mina not only responded immediately (yes) but offered to stock the freezer with small bags of ice for me. The cottage was also stocked with snacks, games, and a binder with restaurant recommendations (and some wonderful info about the cottage's history). I can't wait to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Mina

Host profile image
Bala Farm Cottage now has it's own website. Mina was born and raised in Italy, came to America in her 20s and fell in love with her husband, Chad. Two children and 3 states later, they've settled in West Chester, PA. Mina loves to travel and cook, with frequent returns to Italy, and enjoys meeting new friends. She is fluent in Italian and English and capably conversant in Spanish and French, so don't hesitate to communicate in the language you are most comfortable with!

Why they chose this property

The cottage is historic, picturesque and quaint. It's almost as though someone painted it, which is appropriate because it's been painted many times! It's cozy, surrounded by beautiful trees, and despite being located close to the center of vibrant West Chester, it's peaceful, quiet and relaxing. If you're looking for a cozy getaway in the region, you'll love the cottage!

What makes this property unique

Beautiful, historic cottage built in the 1840s. Simple, but has everything you need for a comfortable stay!

Languages:

English, French, Italian, Spanish

Premier Host

Premier Host
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