Publisher’s Letter
February 2026
February can be bitter cold, but County Lines wants you to feel the warmth of home, hearth, community and country. We invite you to read our Fine Home Issue.
Start with part of the America 250 celebration. The project “Dare to Declare” invites people to gather and read the Declaration of Independence aloud. In “Declare Where You Live: Bringing History Home,” Kim Andrews finds these readings have become a regional phenomenon.
For more heritage, Allen Burke shares the winners of the 14th West Chester Preservation Awards in “Finding Preservation Excellence,” highlighting architectural projects and other contributions, including a nod to County Lines Magazine (we were honored!).
And our Fine Home feature tells the story of preserving and reimagining the 1799 Dowlin House by John Milner Architects, linking our past with modern day living. Laurel Anderson takes you through the history and revival in “White Acres Farm.”
There’s more on homes in our “Dream Kitchens” photo layout with inspiration for your own renovation, plus our “Fine Homes & Design Resource Guide” is a good reference for plans for your entire house.
Our winter look at independent schools led me to find “AI Is a Part of Local Schools,” for better or worse. Read how five schools are handling new developments. For more on your child’s education, consult our “Guide to Private & Independent Schools.”
Need an easy winter getaway? Shannon Montgomery suggests a “Weekend in the Western Brandywine Valley,” highlighting local inns, eateries, museums, theaters and shops. For relaxation, she explores the appeal of saunas — their history, health benefits and recent popularity — in “Turn Up the Heat.”
February requires chocolate, not as novelty but as nourishment with intention, writes Brandywine Table’s Liz Tarditi. Read “Chocolate to Warm the Winter” to find out how and why.
Finally, check out our Best Local Events section for more to discover in the Brandywine Valley. Read what Marci Tomassone has found.
Perhaps you already have County Lines delivered to your mailbox. Save it for future reference. At CountyLinesMagazine.com, you can read the February issue online. At Issuu.com, you can read the digital issue. Or click “Get A Copy” on our website to find locations to pick up your own print copy.
We hope you’d like to subscribe to County Lines. Do it on our website or call 610-918-9300. For single issues, try Baldwin’s Book Barn, Wellington Square Bookshop, Main Point Books, More than Books, Bookish Notions or Reads & Co. Bookstore. Visiting an advertiser is also a great — and free — way to find copies!
We hope you enjoy this issue.
Thank you for reading.
Ed Malet, Publisher
610-918-9300
White Acres Farm
The history of White Acres Farm and the Dowlin House began with the establishment of the Dowlin Forge community, about two miles north of what’s now Downingtown, in the early 19th century. An original stone house was built as part of a working farm and sold in 1854 to Augustos Dowlin, owner of the Dowlin Forge. The property changed hands often in the ensuing years. In the mid-20th century, it was designated as a historic property. The current owners engaged John Milner Architects to build a substantial addition to it, creating a beautiful living space for a modern family.
AI Is a Part of Local Schools
AI promises powerful capabilities but also raises complex questions about academic integrity, equity and ethics. Five of our local independent school discuss how they are handling the issues. Their approaches differ somewhat, but each balances innovation and values. Each is shaping AI’s use through intentional policies, ethical frameworks and educational conversations. The schools remind us that AI’s value lies in what it can help students understand about themselves, their world and how they choose to act within it.
Chocolate to Warm the Winter
Melted slowly, served deliberately and allowed to be exactly what it is — dark, warm and deeply satisfying. Brandywine Table’s Liz Tarditi has chosen chocolate recipes that are sensual without being showy and indulgent without apology. They invite you to trust your hands, warm your body, steady the spirit and make winter feel not merely survivable but genuinely delicious.