Birmingham Township: What an $8.6 million house looks like

I've always been curious about that huge, ultra-modern house with a gated driveway off the winding part of Route 100 north of Hank's. If you have, too, check out the photographs on the realtor.com website before the listing is removed as "sold." The 21-acre property overlooking the Brandywine went on the market three weeks ago, with an asking price of $8.6 million, and is already listed as "contingent."

Built in 2007, the 24,000-square-foot house has five bedrooms, seven full bathrooms and three powder rooms, winding open staircases (plus an elevator), a home theater, an infinity pool, an air-conditioned pool house, and an temperature-controlled, drive-through garage with room for eight cars. 

As for the kitchen, I quote from the real estate agent's description: "Custom Gourmet Kitchen sure to make an executive chef jealous features multiple ovens, several refrigeration drawers and dishwashers, custom cabinetry, and only the finest appliances." 

I wonder who the new owner will be? The listing agent notes that the estate is located "25 minutes to stadiums," which makes me wonder if he had well-paid professional athletes in mind. No matter who buys it, Birmingham Township stands to reap a tidy sum from the property transfer tax on this sale.

Here's the link to realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1245-S-Creek-Rd_West-Chester_PA_19382_M36241-82469?view=qv

East Marlborough: Work on the traffic island restarts

I'm happy to see that work has restarted on the traffic island in the middle of Route 82 at the 42-house development, "Unionville Walk," that Toll Bros. is building across from RP Nurseries. For months the unsightly, half-finished island has been sitting there surrounded by rough temporary pavement. The contrast is even stronger when you continue south on Route 82 and drive on the smooth, newly paved Union Street through Kennett Square. 
I'm guessing Toll Bros. is eager to install a more attractive entrance to greet prospective homeowners. House prices in the development start at $681,995.

A thriving garden at the Post Office

Have you noticed the pretty petunias and the burgeoning sweet potato vine in front of the Unionville Post Office? The pocket garden is maintained by Linda Kaat of Marshallton, who was doing some weeding when I stopped by to pick up my mail this afternoon. 

Linda said she started volunteering to take care of the garden when she moved here 25 years ago and creates three different "looks" each year: one for spring, summer, and Christmas. This spring's pansies, she said, were so long-lasting that they kept blooming into early July!

She buys her plants from Barnard's Orchards and is a big fan of the soil enhancements produced by Organic Mechanics of Modena. 

Linda notes that it actually takes a village to keep the garden in good shape, with the postal staff helping out with watering and paying for her materials.