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St Joseph got his act together at last!

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 PA License - AB067198

I never thought it would take this long! When I took this listing in my development at Big Elk I thought this beautiful home would fly away.  But, last year was weird, with many listings just sitting. When I sold another listing in three days and the owner told me she had buried a St. Joseph figurine I felt I had to try the same for this client. Well, it didn't happen the way I had hoped, it still took a while longer, but we did get increased showings, and very positive feedback. And at last we went under contract, nothing came up on the inspections so we are now Pending with settlement set for the end of the month.

166 Hood Farm Drive, West Grove, PA 19390 – Big Elk Community

Welcome to 166 Hood Farm Drive, a beautifully upgraded single-family home nestled in the desirable 55+ Big Elk community in West Grove, PA. Thoughtfully designed with main-floor living in mind, this 3-bedroom home features a versatile layout where one of the bedrooms has been converted into a stylish home office—perfect for working remotely or managing household affairs.

The open-concept living area is anchored by a cozy gas fireplace, ideal for chilly evenings, and flows seamlessly into a spacious kitchen and breakfast area. A sliding glass door leads to a private deck—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. The kitchen is a cook’s dream, boasting a generous island with seating for four, upgraded stainless steel appliances, gas cooking, double ovens, and a built-in microwave/oven combo. Custom-designed shelving in every closet—including the walk-in pantry—adds organization and ease throughout the home.

The primary suite is a private retreat with a large walk-in closet and an elegant ensuite bath. Another full bathroom offers comfort and convenience for residents and guests alike.

The large finished basement with additional and plentiful space for storage is for those who need some extra space. Imagine what you can create.

The attached garage is equally impressive: fully insulated, featuring premium flooring, built-in storage, and even its own heater for year-round functionality.

Big Elk offers resort-style amenities including a clubhouse with a full kitchen, a sparkling swimming pool, fitness center, and a cozy film room for movie nights with neighbors.

Located in scenic southern Chester County, this home is just minutes from local favorites like 2ESP, Aurora Pizza and Pasta, The Corner Cafe and Casa Carmen Winery right next door. Christianacare has opened a hospital within a mile of Big Elk. It’s also a short drive to Kennett Square, often called the "Mushroom Capital of the World," with vibrant restaurants, shops, and events. Nature lovers will appreciate the close proximity to Longwood Gardens, one of the nation’s premier botanical gardens. History and culture enthusiasts can explore the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Winterthur Museum, and Chadds Ford Winery, just one of the many local wineries worth a visit nearby.

Posted by

Nick Vandekar
Nick is a Tredyffrin Easttown Residential and Commercial REALTOR selling The Main Line, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Giving you the confidence to make
the right decisions.

225 W Uwchlan Ave
Downingtown , PA 19335
Office 484-237-2055
SellingTheMainLine.com
Mobile: (610) 203-4543 [call or text me]
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If you are buying or selling on or around
Tredyffrin Easttown or along the Main Line, 
I can help you, contact me.

Comments(22)

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Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Nina Hollander, Broker it certainly helped on the first house, this one took a little longer.

Gloria Todor he must have been very busy, but we got there in the end, even with the weather.

Mar 04, 2026 08:20 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 I know of Realtors that actually give their Sellers a St Joseph figurine with their listings, and claim that it really works.

Mar 04, 2026 09:45 AM
Kelly McGovern
Realty Concierge International - Bellingham, MA
Working with Kelly is a good move

Congratulations on finding the buyer!  I used St. Joseph last year for the first time and it was a huge success!!  I'd do it again ;)

Mar 04, 2026 09:45 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Great information. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your week! Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Mar 04, 2026 09:59 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Nick, for sharing this story. Best wishes for a successful settlement.

Mar 04, 2026 11:04 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

George Souto that sounds like a plan, not sure how they cope when it is an apartment in a larger building.

Kelly McGovern whatever works right!

GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore thanks.

Roy Kelley thank you.

Mar 04, 2026 11:20 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Nick, LOL, I have had sellers absolutely believing St. Joseph needs to be buried in the front yard.  Congrats.

Mar 04, 2026 02:28 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Nick- Congratulations!!! And, as they say...whatever works!!! My friend, a devout Catholic, loved to buy and sell her home after a few years. She was always redoing, remodeling, etc the home. She always buried a St Joseph's statue. 

Mar 04, 2026 07:28 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Congratulations on the sale Nick, no matter how long it took or what helped get it to closing!

Mar 05, 2026 06:09 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner that is funny because the instructions said to bury him upside down facing the house in the backyard. Whatever works I guess.

Kathy Streib my previous seller swore it was the statue, forget about my wonderful marketing.

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 I agree, whatever it takes I will use it.

Mar 05, 2026 07:36 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Congrats to you and your clients!  St. Joseph will always look after us, whether we bury a statue of him or not, haha.

Mar 05, 2026 11:52 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Brian England we all feel better with a placebo, but who knows, if you believe you create your own miracles.

Mar 05, 2026 12:17 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Nick. Although I have heard positive story after story about this I just could not bring myself to do it.

Mar 06, 2026 06:42 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Bob "RealMan" Timm I usually do not, but as this home was sitting and all the feedback was positive generally I thought it couldn't hurt.

Mar 06, 2026 06:46 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

I understand Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 as I have had homes sit way longer than I was comfortable with.

Mar 06, 2026 06:54 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Saturday morning, Nick. Have a great day and an outstanding weekend.

Mar 07, 2026 07:58 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Roy Kelley thank you very much, enjoying the warmer temperatures.

Mar 07, 2026 08:03 AM
Patricia Feager
Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 - I found that when my Sellers wanted a St. Joseph statue, and I bought it, it worked. Seller has to have faith and believe their house will sell. 

Congratulations on getting it sold. 

Mar 07, 2026 07:20 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Patricia Feager thank you. I bought this one after asking the seller if it was OK.

Mar 09, 2026 08:10 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Nick. My first broker had cases of St. Joseph statues in the basement of the office. She used them on almost every listing she took. She was the top agent win her area for several years, Her listings sold quickly. So, St. Joseph was given credit do her success. Enjoy your day.

Mar 13, 2026 06:04 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Wayne Martin so many people swear by using a St. Joseph statue, it is interesting in itself that is the case.

Mar 13, 2026 06:49 AM