Architecture

THE ARCHITECTURE
In his detailed account book, Anthony Morris wrote on June 8, 1795, that “The Masons
began to lay the stone of the new House.”

For the next six years, Anthony Morris documented the expenses of the construction of his late Georgian style house which crowned the hill of his farm just outside of Philadelphia.

Morris hired “T. Matlack, Architect,” likely Timothy Matlack (1739-1829) of Philadelphia and Lancaster, better known as a politician and ardent patriot, to design his manor house.



As important as the mansion, was Matlack's design of the two story stone springhouse and massive three level stone barn.

After the purchase of the property in 1813, George Sheaff began a series of renovations inside the house including the construction of the verandah on the north side, the addition of the portico on the main south façade, and the replacement of interior doors and moldings on the first floor. By 1856, during John Sheaff’s ownership, interior plumbing was installed and in the 1870’s new plaster cornices and ceiling medallions were added to the main rooms.

Caroline Sinkler’s ownership included extensive renovations under the supervision of architect Halfdan Hanson and interior designer Henry Davis Sleeper. The new work included the addition of the servants’ wing on the northwest corner, and a small rounded porch on the north side in the Colonial Revival style. After Mrs. Roosevelt’s death in 1970, The Highlands Historical Society and the state began a comprehensive restoration of the buildings to preserve the architectural imprint of the five families who owned The Highlands.

Today, The Highlands is an historic home opened to the public for historic tours and private rentals. Visit this beautiful piece of Pennsylvania History.