A historic mansion in Germantown, Pennsylvania, built in 1798, has been listed for sale at $995,000, but includes a unique stipulation: its new owners must allow annual Revolutionary War battle reenactments on the property's front lawn. The Upsala Mansion, situated on 2.47 acres approximately 15 minutes from Philadelphia, is being sold by its current owner and listing agent, Alex Aberle.
The property is steeped in history, with its land having served as a staging area for cannons during the Continental Army's 1777 Battle of Germantown. The mansion itself features nine bedrooms, 10 fireplaces, and 15 parking spaces. The unusual condition for sale is formalized in a 70-page easement.
Aberle confirmed that the reenactment requirement is legally binding, written directly into the property's deed. This stipulation was officially established in 2017 by the National Trust of Historic Preservation when Aberle and his ex-partner purchased the mansion. They were the first private owners since the property was converted into a historic house museum in the 1940s.
The mansion was originally constructed for John Johnson III, a descendant of early Germantown settlers. The property remained in the family until the 1940s, after which it was seized due to financial issues. Preservationists intervened to save it from demolition, leading to its transformation into a museum until the early 2000s when it closed due to low revenue.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation acquired the home in 2005. In 2016, Aberle and his partner purchased it for $550,000, outbidding eight other offers. Following the purchase, they undertook renovations, including the installation of central air, plumbing upgrades, and a new boiler, while also redecorating the interior with vibrant colors.
Aberle stated that he never intended to sell the home but decided to list it after his separation, as he felt one person did not need to reside there. He described the easement as less daunting than its length might suggest, and noted that he has enjoyed hosting the reenactments for nearly a decade. Historically, battle reenactments have been held on the mansion's lawn and at the nearby Cliveden, a National Historic Trust site, to commemorate the Battle of Germantown.