Terracina - Coatesville, PA
N 39° 58.865 W 075° 49.325
18S E 429807 N 4425980
Terracina is one of four main contributors to this historic district. The home is beautiful in its Greek Revivalship. Terracina is now owned by the Graystone Society, a non-profit organization, which is restoring the mansion to original form.
Waymark Code: WMDDNT
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 12/30/2011
Views: 1
The successful growth of the Brandywine mill is reflected in the substantial house built in 1850-51 by Rebecca Lukens for her daughter, Isabella Lukens Huston and her son-in-law, Dr. Charles Huston. Rebecca Lukens constructed this first, high style mansion in the historic district, the Gothic Revival "Terracina," as a wedding present for her daughter. This mansion, also known as the Huston House, is simply beautiful. A tour of the property reveals beautiful landscaping, gorgeous architectural detail and two interpretives which inform and teach visitors about the history of this property. The house is listed twice, once a an individual NRHP site and again as a contributing structure to the historic district in which it lies. Terracina, the Huston homestead, remained a family residence until 1985.
Terracina is located just north of Brandywine on a terraced embankment behind a cast-iron fence which borders the west side of South First Avenue. In addition to Terracina, four other structures on the site are contributing: a rustic-styled octagonal gazebo standing at the northwest corner of the lot; a brick-arched root cellar southwest of the house; a small, gabled, frame outhouse behind Terracina; and a 1-story, cross-gabled frame barn (converted to a garage) at the southwest corner. Although the date for the gazebo is not known, it is significant for its use of natural tree limbs for posts, rails, and trusses in the manner illustrated in A.J. Downing's (and other's) publications that are contemporary with the Gothic Revival style Terracina. NRHP Narrative
The other properties of particular note are Brandywine, Graystone, and the Lukens Main Office Building. Including Terracina, all lie on a one block stretch of First Avenue in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. I loved walking around this small area and visiting all these properties. I especially liked the interpretives. This is a very small, esoteric historic district which would normally be only fully understood and appreciated by a very specific cross-section of people. The Walking Tour Project / interpretive program located here successfully incorporates technical information and jargon into an accessible history lesson for Lukens' visitors. The interpretives are very organized and planted right in front of the contributing structure to which they refer. The background is well-landscaped, green and beautiful. Simply put, there is a lot to learn here, not just about the district but about the Steel business in America. You won't be bored. Allow up to two hours for the full tour. Be sure to go inside the Executive Offices building and read up on everything first before visiting.
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