West Caln

Quietly tucked away from urban life yet accessible, West Caln Township of Chester County holds an allure for those who seek respite in nature’s embrace without sacrificing proximity to city amenities.

Gary Mercer, a Realtor with KW Greater West Chester, describes the township’s strategic location, “Although it’s rural, you’re centrally located for a day trip any place you want; an hour from Philly and about two hours from the Pocono Mountains.” The township’s connectivity is enhanced by major highways, including U.S. Route 30, Pennsylvania Route 10 and Pennsylvania Routh 340.

While neighboring areas like Coatesville and Thorndale cater to shopping and dining needs, the township’s bucolic setting draws in residents. West Caln Township embodies a rustic lifestyle characterized by verdant landscapes, whispering trees, and family-owned farms. One such farm is Mt Airy Lavender Farm, where locals find solace through aroma therapy with yoga sessions in lavender fields and apothecary items infused with the calming essence of lavender.

The township’s residential areas mirror its diverse character with Colonial Revival homes, ranch-style houses and split levels adorning the soft, rolling countryside. Historic farmhouses with stories dating back to the 1700s are dotted among quaint bungalows with expansive front yards. Homes feature attached garages, long driveways, and front porches ideal for watching the sunrise in this bucolic atmosphere. The market is bustling with activity as prices range from $360,000 for a four-bedroom traditional retreat to $430,000 for homes up to 2,600 square feet. “The market is very busy with limited inventory,” Mercer says.

As for education, the Coatesville Area School District serves the students of West Caln Township, offering diverse learning experiences. Kings Highway Elementary School caters to young learners engaging them in activities centered around engineering and gardening. The community’s older students find outlets for their interests in the Scott 6th Grade Center and North Brandywine Middle School. The Coatesville Area Intermediate High School and Coatesville Area Senior High School also cater to extracurriculars, from skiing to robotics and weightlifting.

The township’s historical significance is evident through sites like the Hibernia Mansion and Sandy Hill Tavern, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Spanning a massive 900 acres, Hibernia County Park is a haven for outdoor lovers featuring hiking, camping, fishing and boating opportunities. Within the park is a living piece of West Caln’s ironworks history, the Hibernia Mansion, once a country estate now an attraction for its candlelit tours. Begin your visit meandering through the wooded paths of Rim Trail or cast your line out in Chambers Lake and catch Panfish and Chain Pickerel. Layton Park is an idyllic place for picnics with the family, rounds of tennis and letting the kids burn some steam on the playground. Since 1912 Coatesville Country Club has been where golf enthusiasts enjoy putting among its velvety greens. Along the club is Coatesville Reservoir, where residents immerse themselves in water-related activities.

Located on Common Drive, West Sadsbury Commons is where residents can conveniently purchase groceries and essentials with stores like Tj Maxx, Dollar Tree and Walmart. Shop locally at Kings Highway Farm Market and restock your pantry with farm-raised eggs, homemade cheeses and signature Dutch delicacies. When you’re hungry, head to Iccara Pizzeria or get a table at King’s Tavern for happy hour. Off Kings Highway, Rere’s Café is a quaint back-country coffee shop steaming up sweet lattes with views of horses grazing. Honey Brook Barbecue is smoking racks of baby back ribs, chicken and pulled pork for good ole' country cooking.

Don’t miss out on the annual Old Fiddlers Picnic at Hibernia Park, a celebration of folk music where residents have flocked to enjoy the melodies of local musicians for nearly a century. With its countryside homes and abundant outdoor recreation, West Caln Township is where residents experience the pleasures of rural living.

Written By

Pao Cordero

Photography Contributed By

Jay Ratchford