London Purchase Farm, Historic family residence in Upper Makefield Township, Pennsylvania, US.
London Purchase Farm is a historic home in Upper Makefield Township that comprises a main mansion along with several outbuildings including a carriage house, guest house, and barn set across farmland. The complex sits near Eagle Road and represents a typical colonial-era agricultural estate with multiple functional structures.
The property originated from a 1699 land purchase by the London Land Company, which divided and leased parcels to settlers. It gained military significance in December 1776 when General Washington and his officers used it as a headquarters before the Trenton campaign.
The Chapman family's long tenure shaped how neighbors understood this place as a working agricultural hub rather than just a residence. The property remains rooted in the local community through its connection to early settlers and land distribution patterns.
The site is located along Pennsylvania Route 232, making it accessible by road for those exploring the area. Visitors should understand that this is a private property listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The land distribution system used sixty-year lease terms rather than direct sales, which was an unusual approach for early colonial settlement. This arrangement allowed families to establish farms without needing large amounts of capital upfront.
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