The historic Stone Barn, a cherished venue in the heart of Chester County, was severely damaged by a massive fire early Sunday morning. Firefighters from across Chester County, with mutual aid from the Hockessin Fire Company in Delaware, responded to reports of a fire at the venue on Upland Road in Kennett Square shortly before 2:50 a.m.
The initial 911 caller reported that the building was ablaze and collapsing, before abruptly ending the call to evacuate a nearby apartment complex. When the first units arrived, the historic barn was fully engulfed in flames. Crews immediately began their attack on the fire.
Residents in the area reported that multiple nearby ponds were drained as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. As dawn broke, fire crews remained on the scene to extinguish lingering hot spots and ensure the fire did not spread to surrounding properties.
The Stone Barn, a venue steeped in history and known for its rustic charm, has been a centerpiece of the community for generations. Owned and operated by the Thomforde family for over a century, the barn was originally constructed in the 1800s. Established as a working farm on the property in 1922, the family planted an apple orchard and kept honeybees. In the 1960s, they converted the barn into a restaurant using reclaimed materials from the region, officially opening The Stone Barn in 1968.
Over the years, the property evolved into a beloved venue for weddings, events, and farm-to-table dining experiences. It’s Foxfire Restaurant is renowned for its locally sourced menu and cozy atmosphere.
Community members report that the barn hosted an event on Saturday night, though no injuries have been publicly reported from the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Further updates are expected as firefighters and investigators assess the damage and work to determine what sparked the devastating blaze. The extent of the damage is unclear at this early stage.
This story is developing, and additional details will be provided as they become available.