The Designer House Committee has begun their search for the 2025 house. Homes that have been on the market for an extended period of time because they need a “makeover” are often the best candidates.  Homes that are about to go on the market and properties that have recently sold where the new owner would benefit from assistance getting the house ready for occupancy are also good candidates.

Please contact The Bucks County Designer House & Gardens if you have a property that could work for next year at [email protected].

Background

The Bucks County Designer House & Gardens is the largest annual fundraising event of the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA), a non-profit organization. Proceeds benefit Doylestown Hospital and the mission of the VIA. Since 1971, more than $5 million has been donated to Doylestown Hospital for projects such as the Heart Institute, Maternity Center, and Emergency Department. The VIA has also provided numerous community-benefiting grants, educational scholarships, and medical, food, housing and utility support for those in need in the community.

Professional interior designers and landscapers will be selected by the Designer House Committee to apply their talents to interior spaces and exterior gardens and patios. Boutiques are also established in outbuildings and, if possible, a café to serve light refreshments and prepared lunches is set up.

Several special events, including an Empty House Party to show the house and grounds before work begins, an elegant Preview Gala prior to the House opening for tours, and other events such as informational seminars are held by the Designer House Committee. The House will be open for tours for four weeks.

What Makes a Good Designer House?

• Home – a large home that exemplifies Bucks County. The house should be structurally sound, with all mechanicals in working order. Ideally, the home is historically significant. Interesting features – architectural, wine cellars, etc. are appreciated.
• Land – for gardens, to accommodate parking and for events such as the Gala. At least five acres is ideal, but not necessary.
• Outbuildings - such as barns, sheds, stables, etc. are used for boutiques and an on-site cafe.
• Additional features – Pools, tennis courts, pastures, etc.
• Homeowners – Who can benefit from a makeover of their property and the exposure that the event will generate.

Homeowner (H/O) Expectations

• Sign a contract with the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA) for use of the house and grounds for several days when the Committee can prepare the house for designer selection, designer preview and designer measurements, as well as for the period when design work will be performed, when the house is open for tours and for closeout activities.
• Maintain property and liability insurance.
• Ensure that the house is in good structural shape, including leak-free roofing and windows, and free of safety hazards. In addition, all utilities, including electrical, heating, plumbing, and, if applicable, well, septic and air conditioning systems, must be in good operating condition. During the contract duration, the VIA will pay for utilities usage.
• Specify any restrictions on work that can be performed, e.g., stained woodwork cannot be painted.
• Identify a single representative to review Request of Owner (ROO) forms from Designers and Landscapers for permanent changes to the home or property, e.g., installation of granite countertops, Venetian plaster application, and installation of stone patios. It is expected that designers will paint areas and painting does not require the completion of a ROO.
• Provide grass mowing and snow removal, and payment for these services, during the entire duration of the contract period.

Please note: if the property is under contract with a realtor, the realtor may make arrangements with the Designer House Chair to show the property before or after tour hours. In the event that a H/O would like to have an area, such as a kitchen or bathroom, remodeled, there will be a separate contract between the designer and H/O covering services and costs.

Homeowner (H/O) Benefits

• Home and gardens undergo a complete makeover.
• All rooms are painted and accessorized with top-of-the-line furniture and décor
• Gardens are pruned, mulched and accessorized with colorful flowers, furniture and décor.
• Pool, if present, is opened and cleaned. Minor repairs are performed.
• Home is publicized through newspapers, magazines, print materials, radio and social media throughout Bucks County and surrounding regions in PA, NJ, NY, DE and MD.
• Home is seen by thousands of people.

Please note: Preparation of a property for The Designer House is a major staging effort rather than a complete renovation. Designers and landscapers are not responsible for performing significant repairs such as fixing cracks in walls, sanding and refinishing floors, etc. Depending on designer relationships, the H/O may have access to discounted or complimentary services and products, e.g., counter tops, flooring, tile, kitchen and bathroom fixtures and lighting. Most homes receive tens of thousands of dollars of benefits but, other than completely painting the house, these cannot be guaranteed.

VIA responsibilities

• Sign contracts with H/O, designers, landscapers and boutique operators. These contracts will specify conditions requiring Request of Owner forms and require that these companies/individuals maintain liability insurance.
• Protect the house and property. If not already present, a temporary security system will be installed and monitored. A member of the VIA will always be present when work is being performed and when the house is open for tours.
• Comply with state and local requirements for fire and health safety.
• Comply with all restoration as defined in the contract.
• Ensure that a No Smoking policy is enforced inside the house and on all the grounds.

Timeline