Introduction to the Property
This charming Lancaster County Amish community residence is scheduled for auction in approximately two weeks. It is also featured on Zillow, complete with an extensive collection of high-quality photographs, offering a detailed visual overview. Let’s explore this unique property together.
Exterior and Architectural Style
From the outside, the home presents a traditional aesthetic typical of Lancaster County Amish farms. It features an aged brick farmhouse complemented by additional structures and well-maintained fencing surrounding pastures. The property exudes a neatness and inviting charm characteristic of this community, reflecting the owners’ dedication to maintaining its appeal.
The exterior showcases the classic look of an older Amish residence—primarily traditional in appearance, yet with updates inside to meet contemporary standards. These renovations blend old-world craftsmanship with modern materials, creating a harmonious balance between tradition and progress. The property is situated toward the southern edge of the community, an area known for its more conservative Amish residents. Notably, the address places it in Nottingham, which technically falls within Chester County.
Community Context and Location
The term “Lancaster County Amish community” often encompasses neighboring regions such as Chester, York, and Berks counties, reflecting the extensive growth and spread of Amish settlements beyond Lancaster itself. While Lancaster County remains the hub, Amish in Chester County tend to adopt a more progressive lifestyle overall. Additionally, this property’s proximity to the Maryland border indicates that many Lancaster Amish families have relocated southward in recent years, establishing vibrant colonies within Maryland’s borders.
Property Description and Auction Details
The listing provides the following key details: The auction is scheduled for Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 11:00 am. The listed price is a suggested opening bid and does not necessarily reflect the final sale price. The property is a spacious rural setting, featuring a level one-acre lot with farmland surroundings, outbuildings, and fenced-in pastures.
This home comprises 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, totaling approximately 1,528 square feet. Several outbuildings are present on the property, and significant renovations appear to have been completed around 2020, although the original construction date is not specified. Numerous photographs offer a comprehensive view of the interior and exterior, which I will now describe in detail.
Interior Highlights – Kitchen
The kitchen exemplifies a more progressive aesthetic, diverging from traditional Amish simplicity. Notably, the lighting fixture is designed to emulate a classic electric light, a popular feature in Lancaster County modern homes. The stove area features a unique “skirt,” likely an addition for summer use, blending functionality with style. The cabinetry appears modern, with sleek lines and contemporary hardware. The gas stovetop, however, has a vintage feel, suggesting it may be 10-20 years old, contrasting with the overall updated look.
Many Amish households in Lancaster County favor a plainer, more traditional decor, but this home seems to belong to a younger family embracing a semi-modern lifestyle. The following photo showcases a more traditional, Amish-style nook, highlighting the contrast between the two interior styles—traditional versus contemporary within the same home.
Living Room and Common Areas
In the living room, you’ll notice an “Amish modern” style—clean lines, functional furniture, and subtle contemporary touches. The entryway features a classic farmhouse sink, a practical and aesthetic feature commonly found in Amish homes. For comparison, here is an example of a similar sink in another Amish residence, showcasing a more traditional interior design.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
The bedrooms continue the modern Amish theme, with fresh, inviting decor and practical layouts. A peek into the bathroom reveals a lively, cheerful color scheme that adds personality, even if it diverges from the home’s overall traditional aesthetic. The other bedrooms maintain a balance of traditional simplicity with modern comforts. The second bathroom exhibits similar design features, blending functionality with subtle stylistic touches.
Exterior Features and Outbuildings
Outside, a pulley clothesline mounted on a pole next to the back door offers a practical laundry solution. A long barn-like structure houses various cages, indicating some form of animal husbandry—though the exact species raised remains uncertain. The property appears to have been significantly reduced in size from its original footprint, now a modest one-acre lot fitting the needs of a typical Amish family, with space for a home, horse barn, and other outbuildings.
Additional structures include a small yet intriguing lighting business setup, evidenced by wall-mounted battery-powered lights. Behind a small door, there is likely space for batteries, suggesting this is either a sideline or a small enterprise conducted by the household—adding a touch of entrepreneurial spirit to the community profile.
Market Value and Final Thoughts
As an auction property, the final sale price is undetermined. However, Zillow’s estimated opening bid is listed at $350,000. Given the high demand and upward trajectory of property prices in this community, it is plausible that the home may sell for significantly more than the starting bid.