Pete and Dore Dabback have created their dream home in Phoenixville out of an old ranch house that came with an unexpected boon, an 1863 one-room schoolhouse, writes Paul Jablow for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

When Dabback and his wife decided to move into a bigger place from their home in Spring City, they looked at the ranch and cottage house. Pete was underwhelmed at first, but his impression changed the second he opened door to what he thought was a walk-in closet. In fact, the U-shaped rancher was built around a historic schoolhouse.

“We were dumbstruck,” said Dabback.

Since then, the three-acre property has turned into an eclectic showplace featured on house tours and used for concerts, recitals, and political events.

“We like to entertain,” said Dabback.

The pair has tried to redo the schoolhouse over the years by combining modern touches with its historic charm. Even today, a small wood stove and a blackboard from its school days sit in the corner.

Read more about the house in the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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