Faunbrook is an elegant Bed and Breakfast, circa 1860, in a grand manor once owned by a Civil War-era congressman in West Chester , PA only 30 miles west of Philadelphia .

It provides a wonderful two-acre setting for quiet, elegant visits, and is a perfect venue for weddings and other events. It is within an easy drive of such major attractions as Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Museum and Gardens, the Brandywine River Museum (Wyeth paintings), and QVC Studio headquarters.

Faunbrook was built in 1860 by William Baldwin and is believed to have been designed by Samuel Sloan, a noted Philadelphia architect. Smedley Darlington purchased the home in 1867 and moved in with his wife, five daughters, and one son.

Located less than a mile from town, Faunbrook stood in the midst of stately oak and chestnut trees with two ponds. The property was complete with swans, manicured lawns and dotted with statuary, gazebos, and fountains. Magnificent views were enjoyed from the wraparound porches. Faunbrook was originally topped by a weathervane depicting a ''faun'' which gave the estate its name.

When Smedley Darlington moved his family to Faunbrook, he was a very energetic and colorful entrepreneur well on his way to becoming a wealthy man. The Darlingtons, known to be progressive Quakers, often sponsored fireworks displays on the Faunbrook grounds on the Fourth of July, and a special car on the street railway transported guests from West Chester.
''Oil fever'' broke out in 1886 and Darlington became a promoter of numerous business ventures that paid him handsomely. When interest in oil ebbed, he shifted his focus to western land investments, organizing two banking institutions in West Chester and amassing a personal fortune of one million dollars.

During the same period he was also busy building political power, organizing the Republican Party in Chester County and earning for himself the epithet, ''Autocrat of Chester County''. The culmination of this involvement was his election to two terms in the United States Congress. News accounts reveal that the family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle in Washington.

Darlington's power came undone during the depression of the 1890's and particularly as a result of the panic of 1897 when a considerable part of his fortune was lost. He died two years later and Faunbrook passed from his widow to their daughter, and finally to their son, Percy.

Faunbrook was featured in the first Chester County Day Tour in 1940 and in several others over the years. It has long been considered one of West Chester's most fascinating homes.

The Darlington - Decorated in rich tones of plum & ivory, the Darlington is a large second floor room overlooking south and east gardens. The room and private bath run the full depth of the house and the bedroom is furnished with a queen-size four-poster bed, dressing table, armoire, and media cabinet with television and VCR. The Darlington also has a fireplace and sitting area. $140 – $185 .

Elizabeth's Room- Boasts a beautiful antique Lincoln bed and marble topped chest of drawers. Decorated in jewel tones of burgundy and green, this corner room overlooks the gardens to the east and one of the fountains. A deep clawfoot tub is the focal point of the bathroom. $120 - $155

May's Room - This quiet corner second floor room with armoire and ornate queen-sized iron bed overlooks the west gardens. Subtle floral wallpaper lends to the overall feeling of warmth and serenity. $120 -$ 155

Rose's Room - Large corner third floor room that includes a hand-painted double canopied bed and matching vanity, slipper chair, child's rocking chair and inlaid wardrobe. $120-$155

Isabel's Room - Overlooking the east and south grounds, with a view of one of Faunbrook's fountains, this sun filled room contains a queen-sized wooden bed, writing table, chest of drawers, wing chair and ottoman. $120 - $155

Edith's Room - This large, bright and airy third floor room with a sitting area overlooks the north and west gardens. The large bathroom /dressing room contains a soaking tub. $140 – $185

Faunbrook features:
• Six warmly decorated guest rooms, including two suites with fireplaces;
• Large, dramatic common area rooms, including a library and winter porch;
• Wonderful details such as Monticello windows and intricate mahogany millwork;
• A sweeping porch, separate ice house and gazebo;
• A delightful watercourse and large pond, along with large brick patio.

Please visit during the weekly open house Wednesday 6 – 8 pm or call for an appointment. I'd love to have you as my guest!

Single night stays include a $15 surcharge.
Check-in time is 3-9 p.m. -Check-out time is 11 a.m.
Reservations must be secured with a credit card or deposit. If cancellation occurs less than 72 hours before the stay is to begin, one night's lodging, including tax, will charged for each room booked.
Due to the historic nature of the house, smoking is not permitted inside. Guests may smoke outside on the veranda.
We regret we cannot accept pets but can recommend a ''Pet Hotel'' to guests.
Some parents may find Faunbrook unsuitable for small children. Please discuss details with the innkeeper.
Faunbrook will make every attempt to be flexible in accommodating our guests' needs.

We are located at:
699 Rosedale Avenue
West Chester, PA
19382

All entrances to Faunbrook are flanked by stone pillars.

From Western Pennsylvania -- Take Turnpike to the PA 100 Exit. Follow Route 100 S through the commercial district. Bear right onto Pottstown Pike. After a few miles it will narrow and become High Street. Stay on High Street through the town of West Chester until you come to Rosedale Avenue. Turn right onto Rosedale Ave. Stay on Rosedale for four blocks. Faunbrook will be on your right.

From Northeast Pennsylvania -- Take Northeast (Route 9 S) to Pennsylvania Turnpike West. Follow Turnpike to Valley Forge exit. Continue about 1/4 mile to 202 S (Exit 26 S). Exit and stay to left on 202 S. Continue on 202 S for approximately 20 minutes. Take first exit past traffic light-High Street. At second light, turn left on Rosedale Avenue (Cornerstone of University). Stay on Rosedale for .8 of a mile, Faunbrook entrances are on your right.

From Philadelphia Airport --Follow 95S. Exit on 322W. Follow 322 W to Route 1. Bear left on Route 1 to 202 N. Turn onto 202 N for approximately 7 miles. Just outside West Chester 202N bears right. Go straight following 322 Business District/High Street . At second traffic light turn left onto Rosedale Avenue (Cornerstone of West Chester University). Stay on Rosedale for .8 mile, Faunbrook entrances are on your right.
From New York -- Take Exit 6 for Pennsylvania Turnpike. Follow Pennsylvania Turnpike. Take PA turnpike to exit 24. Take route 202 S. Take the first exit past traffic light (WCU, High St. Business District). At second light, turn left onto Rosedale Avenue (Cornerstone of University). Faunbrook entrances are on your right.

From Baltimore and Washington, D.C. -- Take 95-N, to exit 100. Take Route 272 about 10 miles to Route 1. Go N on Route 1 about 21 miles to Route 52. Turn left and go about 6 1/2 miles to just past Rosedale Ave. Turn right into first driveway past Rosedale, between two stone pillars, up to Faunbrook on the top of the hill.

From Southern New Jersey and Delaware -- Take 95-N . Exit 202 N. At Routes 1 and 202 you are 7 miles from West Chester. Just outside West Chester 202N bears right. Go straight (322W) following signs for Business District, High Street. Go under the overpass. At second light, turn left onto Rosedale Avenue (Cornerstone of University). Stay on West Rosedale for .8 of a mile, Faunbrook entrances are on your right.