Fonthill, Concrete mansion in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, US
Fonthill is a concrete mansion in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, containing 44 rooms, more than 200 windows, 18 fireplaces, and 32 stairwells. These spaces connect through an intricate network of passages and corridors that wind throughout the structure.
Henry Chapman Mercer built this residence between 1908 and 1912 using innovative poured concrete techniques that were groundbreaking at the time. The structure stands as an early demonstration of concrete's architectural potential.
The walls feature thousands of handmade tiles and ceramic pieces from the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works mixed with collected objects from around the world. This combination shows how Mercer valued traditional craftsmanship and cross-cultural exploration in his everyday surroundings.
Visitors can tour the house Tuesday through Sunday on guided one-hour visits, with photography permitted during regular tours. The layout involves many staircases and passages, so comfortable walking shoes are a good idea.
The house holds over 6,000 books and 1,000 prints, many bearing Mercer's own handwritten notes in the margins. These collections fill built-in concrete bookcases scattered throughout the rooms.
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