The 80th Annual Chester County Day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 AM-5 PM. The longest-running historic home tour in the country, the event has so much to offer in the way of history, architecture, and interior design.

A project of the Women’s Auxiliary to Chester County Hospital, “The Day,” as it is affectionately called, has raised more than $5 million for the hospital. Proceeds from this year’s tour will benefit the Women’s Auxiliary’s new pledge toward a state-of-the-art Women’s Breast Center at Chester County Hospital.

The 2021 tour will feature Chester County’s most beautiful homes and exquisite gardens in the southwest quadrant, including a walking tour in West Chester Borough. The public is invited to visit five historic and interesting homes in the Everhart Park area of town. The park is the borough’s second-oldest. The 10.2 acres of land were originally owned by William Everhart and donated to the town in 1905. A gazebo was built in 1908 and rare trees were planted in 1909. Stop at the park to enjoy a picnic lunch. Boxed lunches are available for purchase from Arianna’s Gourmet Café or bring your own.

Continue the tour to enjoy local art that will be on display in the galleries at the nearby Chester County Art Association.

The tour continues into East Bradford Township to visit six historic properties, including an 1850s home that was originally an Arabian horse farm and later a dairy farm, with many interesting architectural features, collections of 18th- and 19th-century furnishings and beautiful gardens.

Nearby, enjoy touring a sprawling 1775 farmhouse with many additions, including construction of a new barn, the tour’s second lunch and picnicking stop where you can also enjoy a boxed lunch from Arianna’s.

Deborah’s Rock Farm is a special property to tour. The land was first settled in 1724, and today, it includes 90 conserved acres adjoining the Stroud Preserve. The existing homestead was constructed in three phases. In 2015, it was fully restored by the current owners.

Continue on in East Bradford to visit a 1730s colonial style farmhouse and another sprawling farm on Lucky Hill Road. The core of Seeds Rock Farm on Allerton Road was likely built before 1764, with additions in 1860 and its newest addition in 2016. This lovely property was once the site of the Brandywine Fox Hunt.

Visit the quaint village of Unionville to see the original General Store and Post Office, now home to Catherine’s Restaurant. Stroll down to the historic buildings nearby or visit the tranquil Unionville Community Park to take in the views.

Every Chester County Day begins with a fox hunt. This year’s event will be hosted by the Cheshire Hunt — complete with hounds, horses, and horns — and will set off promptly at 9 AM.

Nearby in hunt country, visit a circa-1864 brick farmhouse with a 1932 addition. Situated on 60 acres, this magnificent home has remained in the same family. Enjoy the lovely countryside to visit a newer home set on 250 acres. The interior features beautifully carved mantles and archways and generations of family photos that mirror fox hunting history.

Boxed lunches must be pre-ordered before the Day. Boxed lunches from Arianna’s Gourmet Café are available for pick up at two lunch stops on the tour or can be picked up at the early morning fox hunt until 10 AM.

Boxed lunches can also be pre-ordered and picked up at Catherine’s Restaurant. Order lunch.

This year, the Chester County Day will offer only one ticket option for $50 that will allow you to visit every home and historic site on the tour.

With a GPS, a Chester County Day map, and tour booklet (that you will receive when you purchase your ticket), the beautiful architecture and bucolic roads of the county are yours to explore.

Learn more about the 80th Annual Chester County Day.