I
n the heart of The Bronx, a piece of history awaits its next chapter. The Old Hadley Farm House, rumored to be one of the oldest surviving dwellings in the borough, has hit the market for $1.49 million.

    This five-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom Colonial-style property is more than just a home – it's a testament to New York's rich past. "It's like driving through time," says Nick Dembowski, historian at the nearby Van Cortlandt House Museum. "You're not just passing by a regular Bronx street; you're stepping into a piece of history."

    The property's exact age is shrouded in mystery, but its storied past is undeniable. Nathan Grass

    The home sits on a sprawling 0.34-acre lot near Van Cortlandt Park, surrounded by lush greenery and the whispers of the past.

    A historic stone fireplace and 2-foot-thick walls transport you to an era long forgotten. The property's original stone structure remains a mystery, with some claiming it dates back to 1747 – predating even the Van Cortlandt Mansion, the borough's oldest confirmed residence.

    The home's first recorded occupant was Isaac Green, a tenant farmer who lived on the property alongside five enslaved people. Little is known about its history before the American Revolution. William and Elizabeth Hadley purchased the property in 1786, and it soon became a hub of activity during the war.

    In 1778, French officer Colonel Armand led a daring night raid on the property, catching British troops off guard and "slapping them around a little bit." The rebels gave the troops a sound drubbing, as documented by Armand in a letter to George Washington.

    The home underwent significant renovations in 1915, courtesy of renowned architect Dwight James Baum. He maintained some of its oldest details while adding modern touches, including a north-side porch and wood beams crafted from halved tree trunks – bark intact.

    Today, the property is listed for sale after being on the market previously for $2.25 million without finding a buyer. The current broker, James Endress, notes that it's "basically in estate condition" and requires special care and expense to restore its landmarked exterior.

    A new owner could tear down the detached garage and subdivide the lot, but Dembowski hopes that whoever buys this house has the means to preserve it for generations to come. "It needs a fair amount of preservation work," he says, urging buyers to "bring your architect and your imagination."