Chester County Day Tour – TheBrandywine.com: Your guide to the Brandywine Valley

Tale of a Tavern: 1998 Chester County Day Tour
From the August/Sept., 98 issue of “The Hunt” Magazine For 57 years, the first Saturday in October has been circled on calendars in homes throughout the beautiful Brandywine Valley. On that day, rain or shine, a caravan of cars and buses sets out in the early morning hours, traversing the roads of Chester County, Pennsylvania – the occupants eager to see things they’ve never seen before. For on the first Saturday in October, some of the area’s finest private residences open their doors for the annual Chester County Day Historic House Tour.

The Day

October 3, 1998, marked the 58th year for Chester County Day, and die hard fans of the event were not disappointed with the schedule of homes on this year’s tour. All of the homes are magnificent, but surely one of the favorites in 1998 will be found on the corner of the historic Crossroads at White Horse, at White Horse Farm. With parts dating back to 1750, the home at White Horse Farm has lived former lives as a tavern and hotel. In years past, the white three-story inn accommodated many travelers on their way to Philadelphia. In the 1930s, the inn was moved to its current location, set back from Goshen Road, and for the past twelve years, this former tavern, inn, and hotel has been the home of the Gansky family. The Gansky’s property is spread out comfortably over twenty acres of scenic Chester County countryside. Both active equestrians and fox hunters, the Ganskys have a barn and indoor riding area on the property where they can stable and exercise their horses. Over the years only four additions have been added; the dining room in 1935 and the kitchen, family room, and foyer completed in 1985 and 1990. Although recent modifications do exist, the overriding theme throughout the home is that of a gentleman’s farm. Sunlit, antique filled rooms, make visitors feel like they have been transported into another era. Although each room is unique, the Gansky’s interests are reflected throughout. Many of these antiques and furnishings, bought at auctions and antique shows, are carefully displayed in the living room, downstairs foyer, the library, and the family room and many echo the equestrian and fox-hunt motif. After walking up the brick entrance path, a small and cozy foyer awaits the guest. With low ceilings and antiques, the stage is appropriately set for the rest of the home. Although part of the new addition, completed in 1985, this room successfully retains old world charm. In addition to the many late 18th and early 19th century English and American antiques, the artwork is also significant. James Pollard’s “Trouble in Oxford Line,” circa 1830, hanging next to the door and a coaching painting by Henry Alken allude to the many 19th century paintings to be found throughout the rest of the house.

Stepping through a doorway to the left of the foyer is the family room, or tavern room. Immediately radiating warmth, this high beamed-ceiling room awaits guests and conversation in its large, dark blue leather sofas. The oversized windows allow for abundant sunlight in which the roomÕs many interesting furnishings and antiques can bask. Among the oldest furnishings in the room are English, oak tavern tables circa 1690 and the small side table next to the couch-a William and Mary yewwood piece, also from 1690.

A small flight of steps transports visitors into the kitchen, part of the recent additions. The off-white tones set off the drop-leaf kitchen table from Connecticut, circa 1735. The kitchen showcases English chairs from 1800 and a Dutch chocolate pot from 1750, among other accoutrements, while being perfectly practical. The dining room, added in 1935, sits directly beyond the kitchen. While formal, it also welcomes intimate, family dining. Of the many porcelain and glass pieces in the dining room, most significant are the cranberry glass collection atop the breakfront, dating from 1790-1800, and the Boehm porcelain orchids on the dining table, reflecting Mrs. Gansky’s interest as an orchid grower. The dining room gives way to a small foyer, which is central to the billiard room, the dining room, the small den, and the library. Notably emphasizing the hunt, the room centers on a circular table on which the room’s centerpiece, a stuffed and mounted fox, holds court.

Adjoining the foyer, the billiard room and the library continue to reflect the hunt theme. Both rooms are highlighted with dark woods. The library is uniquely set off by copper sculptures, primarily horses in various stages of the hunt, topping the bookshelves. Walking into the large billiard room, potted corner plants and an Oriental rug serve to accentuate the heavy antique billiard table.

These rooms represent just a taste of what the patron will view not only at the Gansky’s but also throughout all of the Chester County Day properties. It is easy to see why Chester County Day is steadfastly approaching their 58th successful season.