11491 FURNACE RD Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214

***This amazing and unique property is currently heated with wood stove and wood burning fireplace. Property has income producing potential seasonally May 1-Oct 31. A little over 100 years ago, John Skelton Williams, President Woodrow Wilson's comptroller of the currency, and his wife Lila needed a cool mountain respite from the heat and humidity of Washington DC. The result was Rockledge, a rambling, six-bedroom, single-story lodge that opens onto a large, breezy porch with a stunning view of the valley below and the mountains beyond. A second porch connects three adjacent guest cottages. For 30 summers, the Williamses hosted the cream of Washington society at Rockledge, reportedly including President Wilson himself, who is said to have played golf at nearby Monterrey Country Club.Between 1945 and 1948, the property's ownership changed hands three times before it was acquired in 1949 (70 years ago) by Harry and Madeline Eckstein, parents of the current owners. The Ecksteins undertook major renovations and upgrades to the cottages and back wing of the main house in the succeeding years. They also continued the Williams's tradition of hosting large gatherings of family & friends escaping the heat of Baltimore and Washington. It was during this period that the house was rechristened Chateau Charmian, and for seven years the Ecksteins operated Camp Rockledge for girls there.The property sits on the path of Robert E. Lee's retreat from Gettysburg, and Union cavalry, led by General George Armstrong Custer, fought the retreating army on and around the property.Touring the property is like taking a step back in time. The main house and cottages are full of vintage furniture and antiques, most of which convey with the property. The main lodge features generously sized living and dining areas with dramatic vaulted wood ceilings and stone chimneys. A large butler pantry holds vintage dishes and glassware. The large kitchen is attached to a cozy breakfast room with a wood stove. There are six bedrooms and 3 baths in the main lodge, and each of the three guest cottages have 2 bedrooms and a full bath.The landscaped grounds are filled with blooming trees and shrubbery and are accented with beautiful stone terracing. To the back of the house, the cool forest awaits with over 25 acres to explore. There are many potential uses for the property. Keep it as a seasonal retreat where friends and family can gather, or operate a bed and breakfast, summer camp, wedding venue,or vacation lodge (buyer to verify permitted uses). There is currently no central heating system as the property has always been used as a summer retreat. ***Lot size is approximate***