Falls Township officials are expressing their hope that a local organization or historical group can make better use of the 300-year-old Three Arches home, which has ties to William Penn and sits empty most of the time.
The township has owned, preserved and maintained the property at 335 Trenton Road since 1971. In 1977, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to this year’s roof replacement, Falls has replaced weathered windows, doors, shutters and a bulkhead basement door.
Now, officials are wondering if it might be time for new ownership of Three Arches. According to the township supervisors, a new owner could potentially open the home and its beautiful grounds to tours, school field trips and local history events. In the past, Falls rented the space out for small gatherings and previously held Christmas tree lightings there. However, limited parking and tight quarters inside the home made regular use more difficult.
Currently, Falls is seeking interest from nonprofit organizations and groups interested in acquiring the 17th century property. It is also amenable to offering a donation to help with future preservation efforts.
“It’s a shame to see a piece of our township’s history essentially closed to the public,” said Falls supervisors chairman Jeff Dence.
The homestead dates to 1684, when the first owner of record was granted the land from William Penn’s commissioners. The historical importance of the property centers on owners John and Mary Sotcher, who were believed to have built the first stone section around 1712, with substantial additions around 1760 and 1806. At the outset, the Sotcher Farmhouse was a one-story stone structure. Future additions morphed it into a two-and-a-half-story, four-bay fieldstone structure incorporating the home’s unique three arches.
The Sotchers were trusted friends of Penn and worked as steward and housekeeper for him at Penn’s estate in Pennsbury in the early 1700s. Penn attended the Sotcher marriage in 1701 at the Falls Meeting. Penn signed the marriage certificate, as well as Phineas Pemberton, James Logan and other notable Bucks County figures.
Those interested in acquiring the Three Arches property can contact Parks & Recreation director Brian Andrews at b.andrews@fallstwp.com or 215-949-9000, Ext. 220.
