This structure was built by Gottlieb Sehner in 1787-89, and became the home of Andrew Ellicott from 1801 to 1813. Ellicott, who designed and built scientific instruments, took over laying out Washington, D.C. when Major L'Enfant walked out on the job. Ellicott later became the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Land Office.

When the house was to be torn down a group formed to fight the destruction. The fight to save the house was won and it was restored in 1981 by the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation.The Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess house is a wonderful illustration of Georgian style architecture and is on the Federal Register of Historic Places. It is currently the home to the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.

The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County exists to preserve and protect historically significant buildings and places in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, so as to insure that the County's rich heritage and unique character, which contribute to its livability, economic well being and quality of life, are passed on to future generations.