Tuesday, June 24, 2025
79 ° Clear
79 ° Clear
Throughout the month of May, thousands of visitors experienced the transformation of a centuries-old Ivyland estate into the 49th annual Bucks County Designer House & Gardens. The featured property, Hidden Trail Farm at 636 Almshouse Rd., offered not just a showcase of elite interior design but a window into over 300 years of Northampton Township history.
This year’s event, organized by the Village Improvement Association (VIA) of Doylestown, spotlighted a 14.4-acre estate that includes two residences: a historic 18th-century farmhouse and a custom-built chalet from 1992. Both structures were meticulously renovated by a team of nearly 20 interior designers, each contributing time and creative vision to convert the property into a stunning display of modern and traditional aesthetics.
The roots of Hidden Trail Farm trace back to 1722, when Derrick Kroesen, a Dutch immigrant and early settler, was one of 21 people to sign the petition that established Northampton Township. At the time, he had already been farming the land for five years, having purchased 1,000 acres in stages from land originally granted to Arthur Cook by William Penn in 1684.
Kroesen and his descendants occupied the land for roughly 140 years, and the original farmhouse, still standing today, was constructed in 1721, making it one of the region’s oldest continuously used residences. Historical records reveal that the Kroesen family operated a plantation that, at its peak, spanned over 1,000 acres bounded by what are now Almshouse, Hatboro, Bristol, and Jacksonville Roads.
Ownership of the land changed hands multiple times throughout the 19th century. In 1830, Silas Yerkes purchased a portion of the property and doubled the size of the farmhouse through renovations that defined much of its current structure. John Scott acquired the estate in 1867, followed by Mahlon H. Stout in 1894, and eventually Harry Snellenburg, owner of the prominent Philadelphia department store, in the early 20th century. The Snellenburgs restored the house, added the current library and primary bedroom suite, and renamed it Henny Penny Farm.
In 1978, Raymond and Roberta Trail became the next custodians. The Trail family removed stucco from the home’s exterior to reveal the original stonework and modernized the interior while preserving its colonial character. Mrs. Trail chronicled their hands-on restoration experience in a memoir, offering a unique perspective on life within such a storied structure.
A fire in 1984 destroyed a second historic homestead on Hatboro Road, once part of the larger estate. Before selling, the Trails expanded the property by acquiring adjacent land, ultimately creating the 14.4-acre estate that hosted this year’s Designer House.
The chalet, added by subsequent owners in 1992, introduced a modern contrast to the original farmhouse. With soaring ceilings, a loft-style design, a spa, and a sauna, the space is now decorated in mid-century modern style, reflecting a design departure that delighted visitors.
“This year’s Designer House was unique because of that blend of old and new,” said Pat Urban, Vice Chair of the 2025 Designer House and a VIA board member. “The chalet is something we haven’t really done before; it’s midcentury modern, which is really trending right now, and it paired beautifully with the classic charm of the farmhouse.”
Both homes were renovated by local designers, who volunteered their time and creativity. “Each designer was assigned their own room, or sometimes more, and they worked collaboratively so there was a sense of flow,” Urban explained. “The result was breathtaking.”
The Designer House is the VIA’s largest annual fundraising event, and the proceeds from this year’s event are primarily earmarked for enhancing the behavioral health unit at Doylestown Hospital’s Emergency Department, a reflection of the community’s growing mental health needs.
Shuttle buses ran regularly from Richboro Swim Club, and an estimated 5,000 visitors toured the property from April 27 through May 25. Guests also enjoyed shopping at on-site boutiques housed in the estate’s large barn and dining at a café catered by McCaffrey’s.
Currently listed for $3.45 million with Lorma O’Hanlon of Keller Williams, Hidden Trail Farm is on the market, and this year's Designer House makeover may well enhance its appeal to prospective buyers. The present owners, Dr. Jennifer Kramer, a veterinarian, and her husband, Gregory Bock, purchased the estate in 2008 and undertook substantial renovations, including updates to the pool, gazebo, and outdoor kitchen. Dr. Kramer also operated a boarding kennel, the Richboro Ritz, from the barn.
The VIA expressed gratitude to the couple for making their home available. “Without the generosity of homeowners like Jennifer and Gregory, none of this would be possible,” Urban said.
Founded in 1895, the VIA of Doylestown is a nonprofit women’s organization dedicated to improving health and welfare in the region. The VIA not only established Doylestown Hospital in 1923, but continues to govern its operations today. Through its scholarship funds, veteran support, community recognition, and welfare committees, the VIA's mission extends far beyond hospital walls.
Since the first Designer House in 1971, the event has raised millions of dollars in support of healthcare and community initiatives. Last year alone, proceeds exceeded $260,000, with $184,100 benefiting the VIA Maternity Center at Doylestown Hospital and $78,900 distributed among various mission-driven programs.
For more information about the VIA, visit via-doylestown.org/.
