2071 PENNINGTON RD

If bringing an historic, early American home back to life is on your radar, the Tindall-Lanning House offers the kind of opportunity that rarely comes along—especially at a price in the low $300s. This circa 1790 farmhouse is believed to be the earliest surviving house in the historic hamlet once known as Cross Keys, now part of Ewing. It was likely built by Joseph Tindall after he acquired a portion of his uncle Stephen Lanning’s farm following Lanning’s death in 1781. Tindall was a second cousin of John Hart, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Inside, the passage of more than two centuries remains visible in original flooring, doors, hardware and other period details. Make no mistake, this is a project. The house needs significant restoration and updating, but its bones, history and remarkably useful floor plan provide plenty to work with. The first floor includes a generously sized living room, dining room, kitchen and a parlor or keeping room, with the intimate proportions and character that make early houses so appealing. Upstairs are three good-sized bedrooms, an office nook and a large hall bathroom. Rather than a tiny antique house that must be dramatically reconfigured to suit modern life, there is already enough space here to imagine a thoughtful renovation that preserves what matters while introducing the amenities a 21st-century house requires. And then there is the property itself. A deep, level lot provides an unusually broad stretch of grassy land, with room for gardens, outdoor games and gatherings. A substantial barn with a loft adds another dimension entirely. Its scale makes it practical for equipment, machinery and serious workshop needs, while its rustic volume also holds intriguing potential as an entertaining space.The location makes the proposition even more compelling. Princeton and Route One are close at hand, as are I-295 and mass transportation, putting this 18th-century farmhouse within reach of the places and connections that matter today. “Fezziwig”, home to well-known historical preservationist, Elric Endersby, is an appealing purchase for an old-house enthusiast willing to continue the work. Home is on the historic registry of Ewing Township, any alterations will require approval. Cash or Renovation loan preferred.