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Jack and Jessica Meyer – father-daughter owners of White Chimneys in Gap (Lancaster County), PA – joined the Practical Preservation Podcast to discuss their property’s history and their business. We covered multiple topics, including:
- The Meyers’ realization of their historic preservation values through the purchase and renovation of White Chimneys over the past 15 years
- The 300 years of history – including the estate’s direct connection to our founding fathers and famous historic figures such as the Marquis de Lafayette – of White Chimneys
- Restoration and renovation experiences and tips from the homeowners’ perspective, including historic discoveries made along the way
- Services utilized for restoration and ongoing maintenance, including details on the air purification system (particularly in light of COVID-19)
- How curious visitors planted the seed for their wedding venue and other business
- Unique options and services offered to brides and grooms – including co-creating a signature cocktail with ingredients from the estate’s own gardens
- Their business focus on sustainability, to support the history and future of the estate (which is on the National Register of Historic Places and under a historic preservation easement)
- Challenges of owning a historic home and business, including that maintenance work is never done!
Contact/Follow:
Listen to the end of the podcast to learn more about the HVAC business – Shoemaker Heating and Cooling – responsible for the custom ductwork and air filtration system installed at White Chimneys. Mr. Shoemaker can be reached via the link above, at 610-314-7278, or at shoemakerhvac@gmail.com.
If considering a wedding or other service at White Chimneys during these uncertain times, listen to their description of adjustments in the podcast or visit their COVID discussion here.