Designed by legendary Architect William Lightfoot Price, this estate stands to be partially razed & developed into a townhome community for seniors. Could this landmark have been marketed in a more appropriate way that might have secured its preservation? How will Rose Valley, a one-of-a-kind historic Arts & Crafts-based community, be altered forever?

William L. Price designed the Rose Valley Arts & Crafts-style estate known as “Schoenhaus” or “Schoen-Saul Estate,” located at 45 Rose Valley Rd., in the heart of this historic community. In February 2005, the property was purchased for $5 million by Vaughn & Sons with the intention of developing a senior community with perhaps at least 46 townhomes. ( mls # is 4404069)

This 26-acre estate boasts six unique stone buildings, in-ground pool with stone arches, greenhouse, pergola, pegbarn and fairy tale water tower. The main house is to be spared for now, but the fate of the remaining structures and lush surrounding landscape is in doubt.

Development hearing Monday, May 2nd at 7:30 pm. at the “Old Mill” at 9 Old Mill Lane in Rose Valley, Delaware County, Pa.

Please spread the word to anyone concerned about our vanishing heritage!
History of Estate: see “The Schoen-Saul House and Its Role in William L. Price’s Rose Valley Community” by Rebecca Hunt in Historic Preservation, (now called Preservation) 525, May 1992.

Rose Valley History: www.rosevalleymuseum.org

I LIVED IN THIS HOUSE WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL AND WENT TO THE SCHOOL IN ROSEVALLEY. I'M 37 NOW AND LIVE IN MALIBU, BUT LONG FOR THE DAYS I LIVED THERE ON THE SAUL ESTATE. THE HAPPIEST MEMORIES OF MY LIFE.

URSULA AUBURN
URSULAAUBURN2004@YAHOO.COM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by USULA:
I LIVED IN THIS HOUSE WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL

Ursula had just started school at the School in Rose Valley. I was the program Director of WMMR in Philly when we lived in this house from 1976 til January 1979. The estate was occupied by the original family and a few of us lucky guests. Studio House where we lived was beautiful not just for the Turret shown, but had huge 2-1/2 story entrance hall with with cross beams and cathederal windows. The lamps that hung from the beams had been imported from Pakistan. The fireplace, the center attraction in the main room was 6 feet high by 6 feet wide with an overlooking railed Balcony just above it. The room had incredible resonance. So one year at christmas we invited the whole family and one of neighbor/guests who was a talented classical guitar player for roasted Chestnuts and egg-nog. Whole logs filled and lighted the fire place and a musical ensemble of classical guitar, french horn and oboe serenaded from the above balcony. It was a christmas I'll never forget.
Legend had it that Studio house had been a way station for the for Livery service onn the road to Philadelphia. It had once been inhabited by Diamond Jim Brady. Each spring when Estelle, the matriarch would return from Key West there would be a 'Ladies day' at the pool. No men were allowed because the ladies wore no suits.
There was also an incredible Garden plus the Greenhouse and the Quaker care-taker would deliver fresh bounty from the crop at regular intervals to our back door before super.

I'm just hoping that Ursula and I will be able to visit it one more time before it's gone.

Is there any new news here - has demolition happened or is the fight still on?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Stonecat:
Is there any new news here -

I just discovered this site after a little research by my daughter. I was hoping to find out more too.

I'm in the Pocono's now but planning to drive down and check it out.