Fonthill Castle: A Local Business Mogul’s Concrete Oasis
July 22, 2016 | greystar
Henry Chapman Mercer was what you might call an eccentric genius. In Doylestown and around the region, he was best known as the man behind the Moravian Tile Works. This local factory crafted colorful, decorative tiles that were popular during the American Arts and Crafts Movement. But beyond his thriving business, Mercer had other interests, such as archaeology, anthropology, and antiques. To see the ways his various hobbies influenced his home, you'll have to schedule a tour at Fonthill Castle.
Dubbed the Castle for the New World, this towering structure was built almost entirely from poured concrete. Mercer's own tiles are sprinkled throughout the home as well as a handful of eccentric oddities that give Fonthill its distinct personality. Built over the course of four years starting in 1908, Fonthill Castle was an architectural and technological marvel at the time, equipped with running water and electricity. Take a tour to see the various winding hallways, spiraling staircases, and unusual collectibles that Fonthill houses.