Neighborhood Highlights
Philadelphia Museum of Art
World-class collections, exhibitions, programs...and some well-known steps. You can make like Rocky Balboa or simply enjoy the world-class art collection, including Van Gogh’s iconic Vase With Twelve Sunflowers. So many masterpieces live year-round in the museum’s 200+ galleries that you’ll want to visit again and again.
Valley Forge
Valley Forge is the encampment site of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778. The park features 3,500 acres of monuments, meadows, and woodlands commemorating the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation and honoring the power of people to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. Drive the 10-mile Encampment Tour Route and stop at nine key locations within the park. Or rent a bike at the Encampment Store for a closer view! Either way a visit provides an excellent overview of the history, significance, and scenic offerings of Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Nestled in the heart of Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley, Winterthur’s extraordinary museum, garden, and library offer tours, exhibitions, and programs for all ages. The museum is known for the world-class collection of American decorative arts on display through Henry Francis du Pont’s former home. Spend the day enjoying the 60-acre naturalistic garden, designed by H. F. du Pont, and the estate’s 1,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands. Winterthur has 25 miles of well-marked paths and trails, and lush gardens for you to explore. The award-winning children’s garden, Enchanted Woods, provides the grandkids the perfect place to safely run and play.
A Brief History of West Chester
Nestled in the heart of the Brandywine Valley just 30 minutes from Wilmington and 45 minutes from Center City Philadelphia, downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania reflects the small-town charm and cosmopolitan tastes that prompted The Philadelphia Inquirer to call West Chester “. . . one of the world’s most perfect small towns.”
West Chester became the seat of county government in 1786, and in the 18th century the town was a center for clock making. The Watermark at Bellingham’s own community farmhouse was originally built in 1720 and its stone house was home to Benjamin Garrett, a noted watchmaker throughout the Revolutionary War. Our community is the exact site of the former Grist Mill, where flour was shipped to George Washington’s troops at Valley Forge.
Today, the stone house holds our library, quaint meeting rooms and a full-service kitchen for private parties. The wood beams and stone from the barn have been graciously repurposed into a restaurant-style dining room. We love how our residents enjoy the charm of yesteryear amid this historical gem.
