Historic Farmhouse Lifestyle Expert Calls 300-Year-Old Home Her Own

Ruth McKeaney renovated a dilapidated property outside Philadelphia into a charming family farmhouse.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Hospitality expert Ruth McKeaney and her husband Bob purchased a 300-year-old farmhouse outside Philadelphia in 2010 that had fallen into disrepair over the decades. Despite extensive damage, they saw the property's potential and spent three years renovating the historic home, which first served as a 300-acre dairy farm in the 1700s. The couple now proudly calls the restored Hillside Farm their family home, filled with laughter, peace, and rest.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing trend of historic home restoration, as more people seek to preserve the character and charm of older properties rather than demolishing them. McKeaney's project also showcases how a passion for design and hospitality can transform a neglected space into a warm, inviting family home.

The details

When McKeaney's best friend told her about the dilapidated farmhouse in 2010, she and her husband Bob put in an offer and moved in just three weeks later. The home, built in 1717, had fallen into disrepair over the decades, with issues like corroded pipes, leaky ceilings, and trees growing into the roof. Over three years, the couple renovated the property, uncovering its rich history - it was originally a 300-acre dairy farm that was later owned by renowned architect Richardson Brognard Okie for over 40 years.

  • In 2010, the McKeaneys purchased the 300-year-old farmhouse.
  • Over the next three years, the couple renovated the extensively damaged property.
  • In 2020, McKeaney published a book about the renovation and family life at Hillside Farm.

The players

Ruth McKeaney

A hospitality expert who, along with her husband Bob, renovated a 300-year-old farmhouse outside Philadelphia into their family home, which she now calls Hillside Farm.

Bob McKeaney

Ruth McKeaney's husband, who worked with her to renovate the 300-year-old farmhouse they purchased in 2010.

Richardson Brognard Okie

A renowned architect who owned and lived in the farmhouse property for over 40 years in the early 20th century.

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What they’re saying

“We saw abandoned buildings and niches and prayed we would be good stewards.”

— Ruth McKeaney

“It was a labor of love. We wanted the home to be filled with laughter, peace, and rest, all that represented our family.”

— Ruth McKeaney

What’s next

McKeaney plans to continue sharing her family's experience restoring the historic farmhouse through her book, social media, and an upcoming episode of her Homeworthy YouTube series.

The takeaway

This story showcases the growing trend of historic home restoration, as more people seek to preserve the character and charm of older properties rather than demolishing them. McKeaney's passion for design and hospitality transformed a neglected 300-year-old farmhouse into a warm, inviting family home, proving that with dedication and vision, even the most dilapidated historic properties can be brought back to life.