The Lodge at Cricklewood...where time melts away....

Delaware County, United States

Guest rating: 5.0 / 5

Overview

The Lodge at Cricklewood is a secluded vacation home in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, set on a hillside adjacent to a 60+ acre wildlife haven with a pond and a creek running through the property. Nestled in forest near the historic Brandywine Valley, it combines the feel of a mountain lodge with easy access to the boroughs of West Chester, Chadds Ford and Kennett Square. The property has been featured in Philadelphia Magazine and has hosted notable guests, including television personality Tom Bury and Weezer's Rivers Cuomo.

Rooms & Layout

The Lodge sleeps groups across 5 bedrooms plus a sixth private space with two twin beds and a full-size futon, and includes 4.5 baths. The master suite is a standout, featuring a bespoke king bed built from 100+ year old reclaimed wood, a jetted tub, a walk-in shower, and heated marble floors. Squeaky floors and doors have been noted by past guests as a minor quirk of the older-style construction.

Dining & Kitchen

A fully stocked professional chef's kitchen with oven/stove, microwave and full-size amenities supports group cooking, and meals can be enjoyed at the Great Room dining table overlooking the forest, on the deck, or in the screened porch. For special occasions, guests can inquire about a personal chef service from a Michelin-trained chef formerly of the Waldorf Astoria, who can design bespoke menus for gatherings up to 50 guests. Nearby dining options within a few kilometers include Osteria Ama West Chester, The Salty Cow, P.J. Whelihan's Pub + Restaurant, and Sedona Taphouse.

Amenities & Recreation

Outdoor features include an in-ground hot tub, a large deck, a gas fire pit, a wood-burning fire pit, and a screened porch with its own fire pit for rainy-day relaxation. Indoor entertainment includes a Lounge with an antique pool table, dartboard and fireplace, a Library stocked with antique and contemporary books (many on US Civil War history), and a Game Room with ping pong, air hockey, foosball and an Xbox One. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi, free parking for up to 10 cars, air conditioning, heating, a washer, cable TV, an outdoor grill, and balcony/patio access.

Location & Surroundings

The property borders wooded trails home to red foxes, red-tailed hawks, white-tailed deer, and occasional bald eagles, ideal for walking and wildlife-watching. Regional attractions include Longwood Gardens, Ridley Creek State Park, Pipers Way, Baldwin's Book Barn, Brandywine Picnic Park, and Subaru Park for sporting events. Philadelphia International Airport and Wilmington Airport are both roughly 27 km away, with Lehigh Valley International Airport about 83 km distant.

Best for

This property suits large family reunions, milestone celebrations and small private events (up to 50 guests), thanks to its multiple bedrooms, expansive common spaces, and ample 10-car parking. It's also well suited to groups seeking a nature retreat with recreation options, given the hot tub, fire pits, game room and surrounding wildlife-filled acreage. Guests wanting seclusion and a "getaway" atmosphere close to Brandywine Valley dining and attractions will find it especially rewarding.

Travel tips

Plan to drive, as the Lodge is a rural, secluded property roughly 27 km from Philadelphia International and Wilmington airports; ample onsite parking accommodates up to 10 vehicles. Because the wood-burning fire pit can't be used in wet weather, guests attending in variable seasons should have a backup plan using the gas fire pit or screened porch fireplace. Early check-in and late check-out are available for additional fees ($200–$500 depending on timing), so guests should inquire in advance if they need flexible arrival or departure times.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the beauty and spaciousness of the property, particularly for hosting family reunions and multi-day group stays, citing the well-equipped kitchen, comfortable and roomy bedrooms, and an oversized master suite and bath. The host, Eric, is repeatedly noted for prompt, clear communication and a helpful property walkthrough at arrival. Ample parking for large groups, functioning game room equipment (pool, ping pong, air hockey, foosball), and scenic forest views with wildlife sightings are recurring highlights. A minor recurring complaint is that the floors and doors can be squeaky throughout the house.

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