The Heritage

Of Bentley Farms

A Witness to History in the Kreutz Creek Valley

Before becoming York’s premier event estate, this property was a cornerstone of Pennsylvania agriculture.
While the name “Bentley” is a modern tribute to quality, the estate’s soul is rooted in the 19th-century development of the region.

1820s: The Federal Brick Mansion Completed around 1823, the Brick Mansion is a rare architectural landmark. While many local structures used harvested fieldstone, this home was crafted with classic red brick, signaling its status as a premier Federal-style residence. Its stately symmetry and enduring craftsmanship have stood as a silent witness to the valley’s history for over two centuries.

    1850s: The “Preserve” Bank Barn The heart of our celebrations, this structure was raised in the 1850s. A quintessential Pennsylvania Bank Barn, it was engineered into the natural slope of the hill for airflow and longevity.

    The Ground Floor: Thick, original stone walls once protected livestock; today, they provide a cool, atmospheric lounge space for modern cocktail hours.

    The Upper Loft: Once a storage hub for the region’s tobacco and wheat, the loft’s cathedral-like proportions and hand-hewn oak beams now host grand celebrations.

    1863: A Witness to the Civil War Located on the historic Lincoln Highway, our porch once held witnesses to one of America’s most tense moments. In June 1863, Confederate General Jubal Early’s division marched directly past this brick facade toward the Wrightsville Bridge, just days before the turning point at the Battle of Gettysburg.

    The Pasch Restoration: Following a multi-year, meticulous restoration by local developer Timothy F. Pasch, the “bones” of the property were saved. Every hand-hewn oak beam was stripped and preserved, and the historic brickwork was protected, ensuring that the legacy of Bentley Farms continues. 

    OUR HISTORY

    Bentley Farms is where restored history meets effortless modern romance.

    Lovingly revived by Pasch Companies, this 1820s farmhouse and 1850s barn were transformed with intent, keeping the original character while integrating eco-minded upgrades, energy efficient systems, and a deep respect for the surrounding landscape.

    For much of the 20th century, the property was owned by members of the Wolf family. They were long-term owners of the farm. In local history and property records, the estate is often associated with the Wolf family name.

    Public records show the property was sold in March 1999 for a nominal amount (around $9,000), which typically suggests a transfer between family members or a legal entity associated with the family.

    During this time, the property functioned as a traditional private farm. The 1850s barn (now “The Preserve”) was a working structure, likely used for tobacco or general storage, and the 1820s mansion was a private residence.

    Timothy Pasch acquired the property through Pasch Companies. At the time of purchase, the buildings were in their original, weathered state. Pasch spent several years meticulously restoring the 1820s brick mansion and the 1850s barn.

    The name “Bentley Farms” was established by Pasch during the renovation process to give the estate a distinct identity for its new life as a luxury event venue.

    Because the mansion dates to 1820 and the barn to 1850, the land was owned by early German or English settlers of the Hellam Township area. During that era, the property sat on the York and Gettysburg Turnpike (now Route 30). This stretch of road was vital for farmers transporting goods between the Susquehanna River and York City.