George Washington’s Revolutionary War Headquarters Lists for $3.3M


Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, is known for its captivating dogwood trees and its deep ties to the American Revolution. In fact, George Washington maintained his headquarters in the area just north of Philadelphia during the 1777 Whitemarsh encampment. 

History buffs can now acquire the over 300-year-old residence that the first U.S. president and general of the Continental Army used as his base of operations—it lies due north of then British-occupied Philadelphia—to watch troop movements and defend supply routes to the west. James McFadden and Kim Whetzel of Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty hold the $3.29 million listing.

Built in 1717, the imposing three-story fieldstone abode, known as Emlen House, was originally the summer retreat of the prominent Quaker family who gave it its name. The six-bedroom home commands a breathtaking view from its perch atop 2.6 acres of private land.

Emlen House Fort Washington PA exterior

Camp Hill stone and limestone are highlight the Emlen House exterior.

Thomas C Donkin

The historic estate extends to a wooded area recognized as the Piszeck Preserve, which spans another 35 acres along the Sandy Rum stream. It is named after Edward J. Piszek, founder of the frozen seafood brand Mrs. Paul’s Kitchen, who lived at Emlen House before his death in 2004. His family reportedly subdivided and then sold off the entire property, including its farmlands, for $4.5 million in 2013. 

Part of the original property became a luxury residential community, while a remaining portion traded hands for $900,000 in 2018. Its buyers, Demetrius and Morgan Sidberry, went on to conduct a full restoration of the 8,000-square-foot house, tapping the architecture firm Asher Slaunwhite and Partners and Cherokee Construction to spearhead a four-year renovation, during which amenities like its curved wooden staircase and four stone fireplaces were carefully preserved.

Emlen House Fort Washington PA study

A glimpse into the study with built-in bookshelves.

Thomas C Donkin

A spacious living room, a formal dining room, a chef’s kitchen with exposed beams, plus a study and an elegant primary suite featuring navy walls, a wood-burning fireplace, and an en suite bath accented with wood and marble make the house a sophisticated year-round retreat. 

The renovations revealed several hidden details. On the third floor, a vaulted ceiling uncovered an original circular window, and another was found in the library. McFadden tells Robb Report there is also a “‘Council of War’ marker on the patio. These medallions are placed in locations where George Washington spent a significant amount of time during the war, giving the home what McFadden calls “a sense of legacy that you simply can’t replicate.”

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In addition to its turnkey accommodations, the residence sits minutes away from Wings Field for those who fly privately. It is also under two hours away from New York, Princeton, and Philadelphia. “

Click here for more images of the Fort Washington estate.

Thomas C Donkin