(Saddlebrook Estates is located just off the Bristol Pike in beautiful, historic Bensalem Township, in Bucks County’s southeast corner)
Bensalem, Bucks County
Founded along the Delaware River in 1692, just 10 years after the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was created, the township’s name and origins can be traced to Joseph Growden, an early settler who named his estate Bensalem, the son of peace, in honor of William Penn. Benjamin Franklin often traveled from Philadelphia to Bensalem to visit Growden Mansion, where his good friend Joseph Galloway lived. Legend maintains Franklin performed his historic kite-flying experiment at the mansion, where he proved that lightening is static electricity.
Modern Bensalem is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. The Bensalem School District has six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Conveniently located just north of the PA Turnpike near its intersection with Route 1, and not far from I-95 and Route 132, Saddlebrook Estates offers easy access to all directions. Two SEPTA Regional Rail lines serve the township, as well as multiple bus routes. Amtrak trains also service the Cornwall Heights station. That makes it easy to reach Center City Philadelphia, Temple and Drexel Universities, and Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
Shopping enthusiasts will find what they want at the Neshaminy Mall, the Willow Grove Mall, and the King of Prussia Mall. There’s also Peddler’s Village, as well as numerous restaurants, art, galleries, and even wineries nearby. In addition to a selection of movie theaters, Bensalem entertainment venues include the TD Bank Amphitheater, Sesame Place Amusement Park, and Parx Casino and Racetrack.
Of particular note is Bensalem’s rich, religious culture. The Mission Center and National Shrine of St. Catherine Drexel is on Bristol Pike. There are several synagogues, as well as the Mongkoltepmunee Buddist Temple, an exact replica of a famous temple in Bangkok.
Andalusia, the country estate of Nicholas Biddle, President of the Second Bank of the United States, has been a presence along the Delaware River for over 200 years. Placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1966, the Big House provides visitors with a family that helped shape its future. The mansion is surrounded by spectacular gardens and native woodlands.
Nature lovers can explore the Delaware River Access and Neshaminy State Park or stroll the trails of Benjamin Rush State Park or Core Creek County Park. The Neshaminy Valley Golf Club and the Bensalem Township Country Club are both popular destinations.