This colonial/federal style house is one of the oldest in the vicinity, dating to the earliest settlement of West Whiteland Township.  

The northern and back part of the house dates to about 1720. It is a 5 bay, 2 story L-shaped house oriented to the Lancaster Turnpike. The land today doesn’t lend itself to residential use, although at the time it was built the area was very quiet, aptly named Sleepy Hollow Hall. Lincoln Highway at the time was a 2 lane road, becoming in the early 1900’s the first turnpike that connected the east to the west.

One of the earliest tanyards was located at Sleepy Hollow by 1778. Its owner, Isaac Jacobs, deeded the 60 Are property to George Massey in 1791. Under Massey’s control and thanks to its prime turnpike location, the business thrived. The tanyard occupied both sides of the Lancaster Turnpike in Exton until the 1840’s and was the most expansive of the township’s cottage industries. By 1798, it was one of only 5 in the county. The property stayed in the Massey family until 1849 and was operated continually as a tannery. No evidence of the tannery remains today.

The prosperity of the tannery enabled George Massey to enlarge the stone and log dwelling around 1810 when his assets jumped dramatically. Being a frugal Quaker, Massey retained the original stone cabin, rebuilt the adjoining log portion in stone, added a story and constructed the five bay, single pile main block fronting on the Turnpike. This portion is the house is noticeably plain in contrast to other buildings and houses of the same vintage along the Lancaster Turnpike.

Massey was, unlike many of his wealthy neighbors, a rigid Quaker and Elder in the Society of Friends for many years. He was noted for his intelligence and ‘exemplary moral and religious character’. Sleepy Hollow Hall is the most architecturally restrained manor house remaining on Rt. 30, an excellent example of quiet, Quaker good taste.

If you are interested in viewing the historic properties, (Zook House/Exton Meadows and The Massey House, or Sleepy Hollow Hall), please contact the Exton Square Mall Management Office at 610-363-2865, for more information.