A New Vision Unveiled For The Grounds At Fonthill Castle In Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Bucks County Historical Society (BCHS) is working on conceptual plans to transform the grounds of the Fonthill Castle on East Court Street into a space that's in harmony with its environment and amplifies Henry Mercer's long-lasting legacy.

During a gathering of public officials at the Doylestown Borough Hall on Feb. 8, the society's CEO Kyle McKoy unveiled the organization’s conceptual vision for the transformation of the grounds surrounding the landmark castle.

The society is exploring ways to conserve and enhance the open space surrounding the castle - private land owned by BCHS that is enjoyed by the public year-round - and seeks to realize Henry Mercer’s vision to foster education and enjoyment of both the arts and nature.

In 2022, the society secured a state grant to develop a master plan for future site improvements to the property and to the surrounding 69 acres of woodlands with the goal of amplifying Henry Mercer’s legacy in Bucks County.

A boardwalk is envisioned through the wetland area. (Bucks County Historical Society)

The state grant included a comprehensive study of the property, including the woodlands, waterways, vehicular and pedestrian access, and environmental studies of natural flora and fauna, with the goal of improving community access and usage for residents and visitors.

BCHS hired OLIN, an internationally recognized landscape architecture, comprehensive planning, and urban design firm based in Philadelphia, to envision a plan whereby the land surrounding Fonthill would be multi-functional and serve both as an educational venue and an environmentally-enhanced space for diverse habitats.

The conceptual plans draw on the project’s pillars of community, ecology and wellness, including proposals to restore the landscape and improve plant and species habitats, revitalize the “Little House in the Woods” as a new space for environmental and ecological education, enhance educational opportunities and community program spaces, and expand the existing Fonthill Woodlands trail system to encourage outdoor exploration for all visitors.

According to the society, the primary goals of the initiative are to reveal and enhance cultural resources, demonstrate leadership in conservation ecology, promote wellness, engage the community, and expand Fonthill Castle’s educational mission.

The vision for the pond area. (Bucks County Historical Society)

“For over 45 years, the Bucks County Historical Society has been dedicated to stewarding Henry Mercer’s mission to create a space in harmony with its environment for the public to experience nature at Fonthill Castle,” said Kyle McKoy, CEO of the Bucks County Historical Society. “Our conceptual plans to transform the grounds of this historic landmark will usher this mission into a new era, enhancing 69 acres of land open to the public, conserving Bucks County’s natural beauty, and providing educational and community-building opportunities for generations to come.”

Officials in attendance at the Feb. 8 meeting included State Representative Tim Brennan, district director for Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick Kyle Melander, event director for State Senator Steve Santarsiero Nancy Adam, Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo, Bucks County Chief Operating Officer Margie McKevitt, Doylestown Township Manager Stephanie Mason, Doylestown Borough Mayor Noni West, Doylestown Borough Council President Jack O'Brien, Doylestown Borough Council members Amy Popkin and Wendy Margolis, Doylestown Borough Manager John Davis, Deputy Borough Manager and Director of Public Works & Planning Phil Ehlinger, and Doylestown Borough Director of Building and Zoning Karyn Hyland.

Fonthill Castle was built between 1908-1912 and was the home of Henry Chapman Mercer. Mercer built Fonthill Castle as his residence and showplace for his collection of tiles and prints. The castle serves as an early example of reinforced concrete and features 44 rooms, over 200 windows, and eighteen fireplaces. Fonthill Castle's interior features Mercer's renowned, hand-crafted ceramic tiles designed at the height of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Fonthill Castle is operated by the Bucks County Historical Society as a historic house museum and community cultural gathering place