Architectural treasure in Cumberland County includes event venue: Cool Spaces
One of the second floor bedrooms. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
This Georgian estate, known as the John Williams House, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
The property has a storied history that at one time was an economic driver in the development of Cumberland County.
A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
The community of Williams Mill, circa 1875, became a railroad center with the intersection of the Cumberland Valley, Harrisburg and Potomac Rail Roads. Williams leased and/or sold land to the railroads and three stations were built.
One of the second floor bedrooms. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
This led to the property being chosen as a convention site for the National Grange, an annual two-week summer event, which at the time of the 1890s brought hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving by passenger trains to the exposition.
The foyer. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
Some of the land eventually became home to the Williams Grove Amusement Park, which has closed, and the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association.
The second floor. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
The property, which is now 7.1 acres, once was “...the hub of a substantial family enterprise containing over a thousand acres of farm land, two mills, a quarry, and a lime kiln,” according to the National Register of Historic Places nomination form.
The wedding and event venue. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
The 3,790-square-foot home, built circa 1799, has been renovated, carefully updated, and added on to over the years. The classic Georgian-style limestone residence has a five-bay facade with dark limestone lintels over all of the first floor windows and doors.
The kitchen. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
The rooms of the home are adorned with classical moldings, chair rails, and intricate architectural accents.
The kitchen. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
The home showcases original details including a grand turned maple bannister staircase, 6-over-6 windows, and a classic center-hall floor plan that flows seamlessly through formal living spaces.
The kitchen. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
After the death of John Williams, his son James inherited the house. James did an extensive remodeling circa 1825. In a 1970 restoration, the outside walls were furred out for insulation. This major restoration preserved the home’s historic integrity.
The family room. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
In recent times, the property has operated as Magnolia Manor Weddings and Events. The event venue operates out of a restored bank barn, a short walk from the home. The climate-controlled barn creates a setting for events of up to 150 people. The bottom floor of the barn is also used for smaller events of up to 48 people.
The foyer. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
The sales listing describe the home as a “remarkable testament to early American craftsmanship, heritage, and enduring beauty.”
The dining room. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
Located at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township, the home is listed at $1,750,000 by agent John Rainville, with The Brokers Realty Group Limited.
The family room. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
Want more Cool Spaces? See all of our stories showcasing the neatest homes in central Pennsylvania by clicking here. Know of any Cool Spaces? Submit ideas to [email protected].
The living room. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
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The wedding and event venue. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
The wedding and event venue. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
The wedding and event venue. A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
A Cool Spaces home at 1554 Williams Grove Road in Monroe Township. May 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | [email protected]
