Turning a Home into a Designer House

In March, dozens of designers and landscapers began transforming Hill Crest Manor, a Victorian farmhouse on Burnt House Hill Road in Doylestown for a great cause.* It's been selected as this year's home for the 42nd annual Bucks County Designer House & Gardens event, hosted by the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA).**

The three-story 1808 house already had some interesting features, like 'cash windows' where farm hands were once paid, an original hand-pulled doorbell and Mercer tile accents. But when the tour opens on April 30 the interior will display a hand-painted mural by Carol Nagel echoing the property’s tall trees, themed areas which include An Evening in Old Havana, Safaris and Sommeliers and a playroom called Pixie Hill. On the grounds, visitors will be treated to beautiful gardens, include a secret one, surrounded by original stone walls. Visitors can dine in the on-site cafe, shop for furnishing for home, garden and fashion accessories in one of the four boutiques.

Special events include time with the design team on May 11, Wellness Wednesdays (free health screenings by Doylestown Health) on May 10 and 24 and complimentary house tours for military, veterans and Gold Star families on Memorial Day Weekend, May 27 & 28.

Led by Committee Chair Barbara Ann Price, an army of almost 80 VIA members began the selection process last summer. On February 28, an Empty House Party officially kicked off the event, where over 400 guests caught a glimpse of the house before work began. On April 30, a Preview Gala will celebrate the completion, with a sumptuous feast prepared by Crave Events Group, dancing with music from The Chatterband. Price says, "Thanks to the many sponsors, advertisers, designers, volunteers, visitors and others who support this event and enable the VIA to give back to the community in such a meaningful way. In 2016, the VIA donated just under $300,000; about $205,00 to Doylestown Health for the Heart Institute renovations; the remainder to children in need, teen and women's scholarships and repair of the historic James-Lorah Memorial Home.

For more information, tour tickets and special event details, visit BucksCountyDesignerHouse.org or call 215.345.2191. __________

*Proceeds from this year's tour will benefit capital and equipment needs for the renovation and expansion of Doylestown Heath heart and vascular facilities, services, and programs, including a new Endovascular surgery suite.

** The Village Improvement Association of Doylestown is a women’s nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the health and welfare of Central Bucks County and surrounding communities. In 1923 they founded Doylestown Hospital and continue to govern this award-winning regional healthcare facility. The VIA is well known for its largest fundraiser the Bucks County Designer House & Gardens; proceeds benefit Doylestown Health and the VIA’s mission. To learn more, visit via‑doylestown.org or BucksCountyDesignerHouse.org.