Description
Steeped in Revolutionary-era history and set on over TWO acres, The John Fell House is one of the largest parcels in Doylestown Borough. This is a rare and remarkable property featuring a fully renovated and restored farmhouse with a permitted guest house, together totaling 7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and 5,500 square feet across both homes. Situated just moments from the heart of town, the property offers both walkable convenience and exceptional tranquility.
As part of the Fell family's 18th-century holdings, this property is deeply tied to the region's colonial past--during the summer of 1778, General George Washington stayed in this very house and the Continental Army camped on the grounds as they advanced from Valley Forge. Today, the home seamlessly blends the original 18th-century heritage with refined modern living and creates a lasting link to American history.
The original section of the home preserves the earliest craftmanship, featuring a dramatic living room with a 9-foot walk-in fireplace, exposed beams, restored stonework, and wide-plank floors. A thoughtful addition, executed by Jarret Vaughn, harmoniously blends old and new. The main level is designed for everyday living and entertaining and includes a custom chef's kitchen, sunlit living spaces, walk-in pantry, powder room, welcoming foyer with sweeping staircase, and a sunken living room with walls of windows overlooking the spectacular gardens and grounds.
The home underwent a comprehensive renovation by Jarret Vaughn, with architecture by Period Architecture. New roof, new electrical, new plumbing, new everything - including a high-velocity central heating and cooling system with heat pumps. Smart home automation quietly controls lighting, blinds, and irrigation throughout, delivering modern ease without compromising the home's historic soul.
The expanded layout includes 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, including a beautifully appointed primary suite with a spacious walk-in closet and sumptuous bath. The third-floor bedroom provides a second en-suite, with the remaining two bedrooms sharing a beautifully designed his-and-hers bathroom.
The separate guest house is fully permitted as a second residence and offers exceptional flexibility, with a full kitchen, expansive living room, 3 spacious bedrooms, and 2 full bathrooms, ideal for extended family, guests, a private office, or rental income.
A four-car garage with two new automatic openers offers significant covered parking and storage. Above it, a large bonus space with electricity is currently used as a gym, with the bones to finish into living space.
The captivating grounds are designed by award-winning Jerry Fritz of Linden Hill and feature lush, layered gardens with multiple patios for entertaining. An exceptionally rare in-borough heated pool with all-new equipment anchors the backyard, while a 400-year-old giant sycamore stands sentinel over the front of the property. The original 18th-century springhouse has been beautifully restored with a new floor beneath its historic roof, creating a magical open-air retreat within its ancient stone walls. At the rear of the fenced grounds, a private gate provides direct access to walk into downtown Doylestown, offering effortless reach to restaurants, shops, and the train station.
The John Fell House is a once-in-a-generation opportunity: documented colonial history, an iconic stone farmhouse, fully renovated for modern living, on one of the largest private parcels in the borough.
