Thursday
September 19, 2024 
Two historic New Hope properties have been listed for sale for the first time in 40 years.
Jointly listed for $4.95 million, the two contiguous properties include the Wedgwood Inn, which first opened its doors as a “guest house” in 1929, and Umpleby House, first built in 1833, which in combination offer 18 guest room accommodations. The current innkeepers, Nadine and Carl Glassman, are the fourth proprietors of the Wedgwood Inn, having owned and operated the business since 1982.
The property offers a unique opportunity for a future owner, with its rich history, park-like grounds, artistic details, antique appointments and its prime location.
“It is an iconic architectural property in New Hope,” said Realtor Jay Ginsberg, of Addison Wolfe Real Estate.
Ginsberg and agent Donna Lacey are representing the West Bridge Street properties. While listed jointly for $4.95 million, they can be sold separately.
“Coming into town, you almost can’t not turn your head and look at (the property),” Ginsberg continued. “If you want both a bed and breakfast experience and a New Hope experience, this is the only game in town.”
As for its historical significance, the current structure sits on the stone foundation of a colonial-era building, known as the “Hip Roof House,” which served as a fort during the American Revolutionary War.
Owner Carl Glassman explained in an email that, “For approximately four weeks prior to the famous Christmas Eve Crossing of the Delaware River by General Washington and his Continental Army, this property and the fields across the street bivuacked 1400 soldiers: officers inside and enlisted men outside.”
Roy Ziegler of the New Hope Historical Society cited numerous references to this area documented by local historians.
“It is very important in American history because it was one of the places that was fortified to protect the ferry slip in Coryell’s Ferry from a possible British invasion prior to the legendary Battle of Trenton,” Ziegler said. “The Umpleby House is also important because it was once the home of George Umpleby, who owned an important mill nearby along the Aquetong Creek.”
While it holds historical importance, its scenery has also served to inspire artists.
According to Glassman, “the property provided the setting for New Hope artist Joseph Pickett’s painting entitled, ‘Manchester Valley,’ which was painted in the early 19th century, which is now housed at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in NYC.”
Glassman added, “these same beautiful vistas that attracted Pickett and the New Hope School of Impressionist Painters still exist today.”
The renovations to the property under its current ownership have included the addition of Victorian-era porches and an addition to create a formal dining room. Walkways have also been added to make the property fully accessible. Each update and improvement, particularly to the building’s exterior, has been approached to maintain the historical integrity of the building.
As for the Glassmans, after 42 years of inn-keeping, they feel the time is right to pass along stewardship of this iconic historic property to its fifth owners and innkeepers.
They say they plan to remain active in the New Hope community, travel, enjoy family, and volunteer.
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