Harlan Log House
Also known as: The Log House
Why it's listed
Built about 1715 by Joshua Harlan in Kennett Township, southeastern Chester County, the house is a two story saddle notched log core measuring 26 by 26 feet. In 1814 James Cloud added a two story stone wing on the east side, and a stone and frame addition followed in 1890. The log walls are chinked and stone-filled, and the house has a symmetrical north facade with a center door. Techniques used in its construction are linked to Swedish colonial log building, while its square plan and layout reflect English custom. The house is regarded as the largest, earliest and best preserved log structure in Kennett Township. Thomas Hooker carried out a major restoration in 1947, removing stucco from the log core and rebuilding the chimneys, and the house retains its original exterior doors and windows. Its interior includes Federal-style mantels, moldings and a staircase from the 1814 alterations.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the house is a vernacular example of eighteenth century log construction with techniques linked to Swedish colonial log building and English building customs. It is described as the largest, earliest and best preserved log structure in Kennett Township, and Joshua Harlan is cited as one of the first prominent settlers there. The 1947 restoration by Thomas Hooker is documented as retaining original exterior doors, windows and walls.
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 87001211, listed July 16, 1987. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Fairville Rd., Kennett Square |
|---|---|
| County | Chester County |
| Listed | July 16, 1987 |
| Reference number | 87001211 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1715-1814 |
| Architect / builder | Joshua Harlan (builder of the 1715 log core, per the significance statement) |
| Architectural style | Vernacular log construction |
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Restored in 1947; the form notes the present owners intended to use it as a private dwelling. |
| Acreage | 5 |
| Coordinates | 39.84026, -75.63686 (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 87001211.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5658358
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.