Cornwall Manor acquires 55 acres of North Cornwall Township farmland

In a real estate auction held in October, retirement community Cornwall Manor purchased an approximately 55-acre farm that straddles state Route 72/Quentin Road between Rocherty and Zinns Mill roads.

The $2.2 million purchase of 2150 Quentin Road is a future investment for Cornwall Manor, said president and CEO Harry McConnell.

There are no plans for the property, other than to have it farmed by a local farmer in a lease agreement.

“We are confident that the farmer we have hired will take exceptional care of the property and that is something that means a lot to our senior leadership and board of trustees,” said McConnell.

McConnell noted that land is becoming very scarce in the Lebanon and Cornwall areas, and said that the property was attractive for its proximity to Cornwall Manor’s Main and Wood campuses. The purchase is Cornwall Manor’s first property outside of Cornwall Borough.

Cornwall Manor already has organizational experience with agriculture through its Trailside Organic Farm, located at the Woods Campus.

Established in 2021 through a partnership with the Rodale Institute, the 2.5-acre organic vegetable farm supplies produce to Cornwall Manor dining areas and two area nonprofits.

McConnell said Cornwall Manor stands out for its focus on health and wellness, and that he believes in the importance of farming.

“It’s really been an amazing thing for our community,” said McConnell of the organic farm.

McConnell noted that the one thing you can’t manufacture is land. He also emphasized that the organization prides itself on being an excellent long-term steward of all its properties, which include the circa 1773 Buckingham Mansion on the community’s main campus.

“No matter what we do, we do it well.”