Historic Castle Rock Farm preserved
Landowner Peter Giangiulio and his family recently worked with Natural Lands to preserve his family property, Castle Rock Farm, on Northbrook Road in West Bradford Township.
WEST BRADFORD » A 54acre horse farm that has been a mainstay of the Chester County equestrian community for more than half-acentury has been protected by a land conservation easement arranged by the Natural Lands organization.
Castle Rock Farm, which straddles Pocopson and West Bradford, is adjacent to several other already-protected properties, adding to a growing greenway along West Branch of the Brandywine
Creek, according to a press release. The land will now be protected from development, in exchange for an undisclosed easement benefit for the owners.
“My family has owned this property since 1957, said landowner Peter Giangiulio, whose family began raising thoroughbreds at the farm outside Marshallton in 1957. “We’ve fought to keep it going during hard times. This farm, this land, it’s too meaningful not to save it, to ensure it will always be preserved even after my sister and I are gone.”
The conservation easement preserves the pastoral, scenic views along the creek.
In addition, the deal means Castle Rock Farm will continue to provide vital ecological benefit by recharging groundwater supplies, slowing and filtering stormwater, and reducing flooding during storms.
“This property was attractive as a development site, but we believe the easement was a better option for everyone,” added Giangiulio. “I get to keep seeing these views, and my neighbors get to, too.”
Chester County’s protected open spaces, like Castle Rock Farm, offer far more than pretty views, however, noted Natural Lands in its announcement.
A study released in 2019 by the county Planning Commission, “Return on Environment,” documented the many ways in which preserved green spaces are economic powerhouses that generate significant value for the region. Open space contributes to the local economy, increases property values, and saves money on everything from health care to recreation. It improves the air we breathe and the water we drink, reducing the cost of providing these basic services.
“Our organization believes in the power of nature’s open spaces to improve our health, calm our nerves, and clean the air we breathe and the water we drink,” said Natural Lands President Oliver Bass. “Natural Lands has been working to save our region’s land — forests, fields, and farms like Castle Rock Farm — since 1953. With the help of many partners along the way, our preservation efforts have resulted in more than 125,000 acres of permanently protected open space. Even during these challenging times, our work continues.”
Natural Lands received funding to underwrite this project from the county’s Preservation Partnership Program; the Mars Foundation; the Marshallton Conservation Trust; the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program; West Bradford township; and the
Gianguilio family.
“West Bradford is pleased to be a partner in this important piece of preservation,” said Township Manager Justin Yaich. “Since passing the open space referendum in 2017, West Bradford has worked diligently — and will continue to do so — with partners like Natural Lands to preserve as much of our valuable open space as possible.”
“The Marshallton Conservation Trust is delighted to have helped fund the conservation of part of this iconic landmark, which includes the birthplace of Humphry Marshall, the namesake of our village,” said Bob Portnoy, president of the Marshallton Conservation Trust.