Doylestown Township Home Chosen as 2013 Designer House

Once built to be the centerpiece of a Bucks County estate, an historic Doylestown Township home will be the next centerpiece of one of Central Bucks' biggest fundraisers.

Doylestown's Village Improvement Association has chosen the Clement Doyle House as the 2013 Bucks County Designer House and Gardens.

It will be the stately home's second time in the spotlight; it also was chosen a Designer House 14 years ago.

"We have been enchanted by this lovely home since 1999, when it was chosen as that year's Designer House," JoAnn Cunning, the 2013 Designer House chairwoman said in a statement. "Design trends have changed considerably in 14 years, so we're delighted to have our designers transform this deserving property."

Built in 1811, the stone manor house sits on eight acres in the Pine Run Valley section of Doylestown Township. The land once was owned by Clement Doyle, the uncle of William Doyle, who ran the tavern from which Doylestown acquired its name.

The area's top designers and landscapers will transform the home into a showpiece. A total of 27 design areas, 17 landscaped gardens plus a barn, carriage barn and guesthouse will offer the designers a creative foundation upon which to work their magic.

"Visitors will experience a crisp and fresh color palette in home and garden design inspired by current trends while, at the same time, contributing to improving the care of our newborns," said Cunning.

The Designer House program is the main fundraiser for the V.I.A., which owns and operates Doylestown Hospital. Money from this year's fundraiser will be used to upgrade the hospital's maternity wing.

In 2011, the V.I.A. presented the hospital with $200,000, the first installment of the group's $1 million, five-year commitment to the birthing center.

Before the designers get to work, the V.I.A. will hold its traditional "Empty House Party," wherein guests are able to see the property before its transformation, as well as meet the landscapers and designers. That will be Sunday, Feb. 24, from 2 to 6 p.m.

The finished house will be open for tours from April 28 to May 26. A variety of events are planned for those weeks.

For tickets and more information, visit the Designer House website.

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• V.I.A. Selects Spring Valley Farm for 2012 Designer House
• Virtual Mini Tour of the 36th Bucks County Designer House
• Behind the Scenes of the 2011 Bucks County Designer House and Gardens