The estate was built in 1843 by Mr. John Ludwig Beck for his future bride, Mrs Mary Beck. Mary's family gifted them $10,000 to build this 6,000 sq. ft., 16-room home on the banks of the beautiful Delaware River located in the small village of Riverton, PA.   Together they raised 4 children Elizabeth Beck, Rose Beck, Laura Beck, and John Beck Jr.  The style of the house was referred to as a New Jersey Farmhouse, possibly because the estate is located on the state border of New Jersey.  It was rumored that the family were bootleggers which could be supported by the moonshine bottles many years later discovered hidden in the floor of the house during work in the basement.  The Beck Family also purchased The Union Hotel in the late 1800's directly located across from the estate, currently known today as The Riverton Hotel.  The estate looks out with stunning views of the historic Belvidere-Riverton Bridge.

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The house was only built 7 years after the original covered Riverton-Belvidere Bridge that was built here in 1836, replacing the local ferry across the river.  The river crossing connects the old village of Riverton, Pennsylvania to the historic Victorian town of Belvidere, New Jersey. The covered bridge was built by Solon Chapin, a contractor from Easton.  The board of freeholders in Warren County supported the replacement of the ferry with a bridge for the safety of passengers. In 1832, the state created the Belvidere Delaware Bridge Company, which was funded with the job of building a bridge from Riverton to Belvidere.

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The bridge survived two large storms in 1836 and 1841, although sustained major damage both times.  In 1903 flooding destroyed the covered bridge leading it to be replaced 1904 with the current metal bridge which stands today.

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The Beck Family later became the McCabe Family who resided at the estate during the historic flood of 1955, the only time documented having the estates have flooded.  An original letter handwritten by Harry Fredrick McCabe hangs on the walls here documenting the horrific destruction of the 1955 flood.  18" of mud filled the house leading to months of time to repair.  The house was then constructed with metal beams in the basement to support the 6,000-square-foot house safely.

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Harry Fredrick McCabe and his wife resided at the estate until their passing in 1962 when the estate then became abandoned for over 20 years.  The estate became in need of major repair from its abandonment due to the roof collapsing.  During this time a legal lawsuit of the proper owner of the estate occurred after Harry's will was changed shortly before his death cutting his son from inheriting the family estate. 

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In the early 1980's the estate and the neighboring house both went up for sale and were both purchased and turned into The Hurryback B&B by a lifelong resident of Riverton, PA.  The estate later became The Belle Reve B&B where it rain for many years until the 2000s when it was sold and operated as a private residence. 

 

In 2020 the estate became for sale again.  The estate had been vacant for a year and was in need of major updating but caught the eye of Todd & Heather Rehrig who fell in love with the history and the potential the property had.  Just as the Covid19 pandemic was about to hit they purchased the estate and have been working hard to bring the property back to life while respecting it's history and beauty.