The Barns-Brinton House is located next to the Chaddsford Winery on Rt. 1, about a mile and a half from John Chads house and the Brandywine River Museum. The bank style house was built in 1714 by William Barns on "Ye Great Road to Nottingham" (Baltimore Pike) which was then the main artery connecting Philadelphia and Maryland. The house was run as a tavern by Barns for "ye accommodation of Man and Horse", from 1722 till his death in 1731.

In 1753, James Brinton, grandson of William Brinton, one of the area's earliest settlers, bought the Barns house and associated farm land. Brinton's family owned the house for more than 100 years.

In 1938, Rt. 1 was moved to the north side of the Barns-Brinton house, so that the original entrance of the house and tavern, that once welcome travelers, now faced away from the road. It is lined by an 18th century kitchen garden.

The Chadds Ford Historical Society purchased the tavern/house in 1969, and restored and furnished it as the 16th century country tavern. It is a wonderful example of Flemish bond brickwork and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside the house you will see authentic woodwork and paneling, and 18th century furnishings. The hardware in the house is mostly original and was probably the work of Barns.

To visit the Barns-Brinton House you can park at the Chaddsford winery next door and follow the footpath, to the entrance of the tavern.

HOURS: Open hearth cooking and tours of former colonial tavern and home. Open weekends 1 to 5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission of $5 includes John Chads House, free for Chadds Ford Historical Society members and children 12 and under. Information: (610) 388-7376. www.chaddsfordhistory.org


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