Twin Acres History

Two lush acres of mature plantings form the backdrop for the 2008 SOTA Showhouse and Gardens, “Twin Acres.” The elegant home, built in 1947 by Bethlehem Steel executive, Paul Sellers and his wife, reflects the post war prosperity and stability of the Lehigh Valley.

The Sellers chose a Colonial style design for the first and only home that they would own. Uncomplicated, economical and refined, the Colonial created a comfortable, well-furnished appearance representative of the way people wanted to believe their ancestors had lived. Everything about the house was stately yet comfortable. This was most definitely a home of a self made man who made a very good living.

The Colonial was a symmetrical design with an orderly arrangement of windows around a central front door. The style evoked an era that seemed (however erroneously) simpler and safer, full of quiet restful spaces and objects with which an imaginative person could summon the past. World War II was over and not only the Sellers but also homeowners all over the United States embraced this nostalgic and comfortable style.

In 1955 “Twin Acres” became the home of Dr. Joseph and Ethel Bartos. Dr. and Mrs. Bartos lived in “Twin Acres” for over 50 years. The Bartos’ made many improvements to the home, including bay windows in the front, a columned front porch, third floor dormers and a swimming pool. They also filled their home with their nine children, twenty-two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The next chapter for “Twin Acres” begins with its transformation into the 2008 SOTA Showhouse and Gardens. Dr. and Mrs. Bartos and the Society of the Arts, invite you to stroll through the gardens and experience the charm of this elegant, post war executive home.