Sneak Peak: The 21st Annual Home Tour

Trinity Episcopal Church of Solebury announces its 21st Annual House Tour, a one-day-only house celebration featuring 5 distinctive homes nestled in beautiful Solebury Township, Pennsylvania, set for Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased at the Trinity Church Office on weekdays between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm or online at www.trinitysolebury.org/housetour. The 2011 Autumn in Bucks County House Tour includes:

Edward Redfield Homestead, Center Bridge

The former home and studio of Edward Redfield (1869-1965), the celebrated artist of the Pennsylvania Impressionist painting movement, under went a major renovation in 2009 by interior designer Bruce Norman Long. Great care was taken to preserve the historic elements of the property that Mr. Redfield purchased as a 100-acre farm back in 1898; many of which are depicted in Redfield’s paintings that are displayed in museums and private collections internationally. The artist’s former studio is now the living room where a massive window was restored to allow views of the canal and Delaware River beyond. The bridge to New Jersey, the original subject of Redfield’s most famous works “The Burning of Center Bridge,” is now seen from the window restoration. Another gem is the charming springhouse visible from the dining room window. This same view was the subject of Redfield’s painting “South Window” which featured his wife Elise gazing at the springhouse and the gardens beyond. The new addition of a sunroom, mudroom and garage/guest suite blend seamlessly into this magnificent 10-acre property.

The Mill House, Carversville

From mill worker’s house to show home, The Mill House has been evolving for three centuries. Originally built by Thomas Ellicott in circa 1784 as a two-story stone residence for workers at the neighboring mills. Its first metamorphosis occurred when the Knights of Pitheas enlarged the house to three apartments during the mid-1860s. The house’s next identity took place when renowned artist, Charles Ward maintained it as his first studio in the 1930s. Here is where he completed his famous mural, “Progress and Industry.” Then in 1990, the property became a single-family dwelling and today is a stunning showcase of interiors inspired by antiques, art and travel.

Double Tree Farm, New Hope

This circa 1800 horse farm radiates the warmth and care that has been put into this home for over three decades. Renovations have been made over the years to accommodate the owners growing family of children, grandchildren and their many pets. Upon entering the house you will be welcomed by a room filled completely with antique working trains and accessories from several generations. The property has a beautiful barn, guesthouse, several out buildings and many acres for endless horseback riding, which the homeowner enjoys today. Double Tree is an example of the quintessential traditional Bucks County horse farm.

Playwicky, New Hope

Built in 1923 by William Bottomley for Morris L. Cooke as a weekend retreat, Playwicky is reminiscent of a lake retreat in Northern Italy. Roughly translated in the Lenni Lenape language, Playwicky means “a place full of turkeys.” The current owners bought the house in the mid-1990s. After studying Bottomley and keeping in his aesthetic of design, they went on to renovate and add to the house. The home feels spacious with views of the river from almost every room; steps wind down to terraces, gardens, ponds and an octagonal guesthouse. The home also features the art of master ironsmith Samuel Yellin. In 1929, Playwicky was described in House Beautiful as a “playhouse of two traveled grownups.” That description still holds true today.

Ruinas, New Hope

Spanish for ruins, Ruinas is the brainchild of two environmentally conscious homeowners. Not only is the house space efficient, but it’s 100% “green.” The use of eco-friendly and energy efficient materials throughout the home are in every room including: paint, flooring, cabinets, geothermal heating and cooling, salt free reverse osmosis water filter system, all LED lighting and wind power from PECO to power the rest of the home. The result is a zero carbon footprint. The foundation and landscape is beautiful Bucks County while the interiors have a more contemporary European style. Ruinas is an inspiration to the “green” concept and showcases the future of modern living.

Ticket sales are limited and children under 12 are not permitted to attend. Please note, this year’s tour is not handicapped accessible.