Primitive Hall
Located in West Marlborough Township, Chester County, Primitive Hall is a striking manor house that looks much the same as it did when Joseph Pennock built it in 1738. While it now sits on a smaller piece of land than the original 1,250-acre estate, the surrounding countryside—peaceful farms and rolling fields—still provides a fitting and picturesque backdrop for this historic home.
Primitive Hall is maintained by the Primitive Hall Foundation, a non-profit organization whose Board of Trustees is made up of Joseph Pennock’s descendants. The house itself is large and generously sized, yet its design remains simple and straightforward.
The name “Primitive Hall” first appeared in print around 1846, in a family tree compiled by Mrs. Casper W. Pennock. However, it’s believed the name was in use at least three generations earlier.
Since 1960, the house has undergone many restoration changes. Through careful study of the remaining features—such as the original kitchen foundation and traces of old garden walls—we have been able to form a remarkably accurate picture of what the property looked like during Joseph Pennock’s lifetime.
The house and grounds are available for touring by appointment and through various events throughout the year.