Hill Crest Manor

Hill Crest Manor is a gracious Victorian farmhouse surrounded by various species of tall, mature trees.  The foyer, staircase and second floor hall were designed for the 2017 Bucks County Designer House and Gardens.  Kathy Appel, Hearth & Hedgerow Ltd. collaborated with Carol Nagel, the lead artist at Carol Nagel Decorative Painting.  On their first visit to the property, looking out the second floor windows they were awed by the tall, stately trees.  This was the inspiration for the hand painted mural that transcends from the entry to the second floor.   Bringing the bucolic setting from the outdoors in through the foyer creates a serene and welcoming space.  Carol referenced the work of Maxfield Parrish for the style of the trees and the atmospheric background.  Parrish was an American painter in the 20th Century, he was active for many years and his early career spans the Arts and Crafts into the Art Nouveau era.  During the Victorian period there was a great interest in nature and collecting.  Kathy selected furnishings and art from these three decorative styles which flow sequentially through history and are heavily influenced by natural elements. Together Carol and Kathy produced a cohesive design that connects the period style of the house with it's natural surroundings.