Roas-Ilhardt Farm and Winery
Also known as: Weedy Valley Farm
Why it's listed
Weedy Valley Farm, formally the Roas-Ilhardt Farm and Winery, occupies a secluded valley in Pierce Township, Clermont County. The complex centers on a two-story, five-bay farmhouse of local surface limestone with massive stone lintels and chiseled cornerstones, plus a stone winery built into a hillside behind it. A springhouse, smokehouse, blacksmith shop, cattle barn and stone wall complete the setting. Inside the house, walnut chairrails, Federal style mantels, paneled cupboards and a cherry and walnut balustrade show careful craftsmanship. Matthias Roas, a German immigrant, bought the property in 1850 and made improvements. The Ilhardt family acquired it in 1869 and later supplied wine to a Cincinnati hotel. The farm was listed for its link to early German settlement, its unusual pair of two-story stone buildings, its stone vernacular architecture, its intact agricultural setting and its place in the region's wine history. A circa 1950 frame wing is the main alteration.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the complex reflects early German settlement in Pierce Township and shows nineteenth-century stone vernacular architecture with sophisticated interior woodwork and masonry. Two two-story stone buildings so close together are described as atypical for the region. It is also valued for its cohesive agrarian setting and ties to the southwestern Ohio wine industry.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82003553, listed September 16, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | N of New Richmond at 3233 Cole Rd., New Richmond |
|---|---|
| County | Clermont County |
| Listed | September 16, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82003553 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | c. 1849-1850 |
| Architect / builder | Matthias Roas |
| Architectural style | Nineteenth century stone vernacular architecture with Federal style features |
| Areas of significance | European, Exploration/Settlement, Architecture, Agriculture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition, occupied and used as a private residence; the farmhouse was altered by a frame wing added circa 1950 and the winery is being renovated and extended. |
| Acreage | 2.8 |
| Coordinates | 39.01104, -84.25589 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82003553.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q137608248
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.