SOLEBURY — Trinity Episcopal Church of Solebury will hold its “Autumn in Bucks County House Tour “ on Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Now in its 22nd year, rain or shine, the tour is a one-day-only house celebration featuring five distinctive homes nestled in Solebury Township and Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania. Each property offers a unique combination of history, architecture, setting, style and furnishings.
The tour includes:
— Nestled beside the Paunacussing Creek with its own microclimate, Mill House Cottage hosts one of the area’s most beautiful menageries of native plant gardens.
In 1799, Jacob Fretz built the post and beam mill to process clover, grist, and bat guano. The original farm property was divided in the 1960s and the Mill Cottage was converted into a private residence.
After sitting vacant for almost 30 years, the current owner has spent the past 18 years making it into a home that proudly maintains the history of our area both inside and out.
— Rolling Green Farm — In 1682, William Penn deeded 250 acres to John Scarborough.
In 1746 it was reduced to 60 acres and sold to Enoch Pearson. The house was completed in 1748 and the barn in 1762. Thomas Paxson acquired the property in 1762 and it stayed in the family for generations.
There are many war stories and traditions handed down in the Paxson family regarding Rolling Green. It served as a camp for many armies from the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars. Many relics have been found such as the wooden mess bowl from a Continental soldier, who died and was buried there.
— Meetinghouse Cottage — The land for the cottage was part of Solebury’s largest William Penn grant given to John Scarborough in 1709.
The original home was built on a 102-acre farm, circa 1858 by Thomas Ely. This “farm twin” style home was built for Jeremiah and Mahlon’s families who were Thomas’ sons while he lived in what is now known as Maple Lane Farm. Meetinghouse Cottage was then bought by artist Paul Froelich, who added the great room as his art studio.
He and his wife lived here until 1961. During the 1980s many Meetinghouse and Creamery Road residents banded together to preserve the area’s farmland, now known as the Aquetong Valley and Honey Hollow Watershed.
— The land tract known as Cross Creek dates back to 1775 and sits along the Paunacussing Creek.
It is believed that the original stone structure was built circa 1876 as a carriage house by one of the Issac Stover family members. Although not a lot is known about many of its past owners, the home has taken on a wonderful personality, reflecting a bit of them all.
A recent renovation of the home and property brought it up to date while preserving its very unique style and character. From raised plaster treated walls to a corncrib style garage, the traditional look has been restored. The landscape design is centered on preservation and preventing erosion by the use of native vegetation.
— Centennial Barn — Built in 1850, the barn was dismantled and reconstructed by Ralph Stover for viewing during the Centennial Exposition Fair in 1876.
The fair was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The barn is an example of a forebay bank barn, used primarily for hay storage and cattle.
The Stover family lived in the house until 1953 when it was subdivided, including the 134 acres, which is now a state park, and sold to several different buyers. Today the grist mill, tenant house, and barn are all private residences. The manor house is now a bed and breakfast. All owners have worked to keep the history of the Stover family alive and the beauty of the estate preserved.
Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased at the Trinity Church Office on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or online at www.trinitysolebury.org/housetour. Ticket sales are limited and children under 12 are not permitted to attend.
Box lunches will be offered for an additional fee of $12. Lunch includes a wrap sandwich, bag of chips, homemade cookies and spring water. Lunches must be pre-ordered and picked up at Trinity church on the day of the house tour. In addition, raffle tickets for an array of items will be on sale the day of the tour.
Proceeds from the house tour fund Trinity’s local, national and international mission efforts. For more information, visit: www.trinitysolebury.org/housetour or call 215-297-5135.

