In 1725 John Chads built this charming house with two corner fireplaces and recessed storage niches framed into the woodwork above the mantels. With storage room at a premium, it was natural to use the space adjoining the chimney flues of corner fireplaces to keep household items.

The attic contains the original roof rafters and collar beams, which were built on the ground and then, with much effort, raised into position. Each beam has a carved Roman numeral used to place the wooden-pegged roof sections into proper location.

The widowed Mrs. Chads lived in the house during the Revolutionary War. Although her home was in the direct line of British cannon and musket fire during the Battle of Brandywine, she refused to leave it.

Over the years the house fell into disrepair, but since the Chadds Ford Historical Society purchased it in 1968, it has been fully restored. The house opened to the public in 1972. Much of the original oak flooring, woodwork, and hardware are still in the house. When the plaster was removed during the restoration, the original room partitions, made of feather-edged poplar, were discovered.

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