Willowmere is a unique one-of-a-kind 74-unit townhouse development situated on 18 magnificently landscaped acres in Upper Dublin Township.
The site, containing a 2-acre pond, stream valley and steep slopes and plateaus, was originally covered with trees, many of which were of specimen nature. Reconstructing Colonial Philadelphia’s Society Hill in the suburbs was the vision of Albert Westrum, of what was Westrum Enterprises in Blue Bell, a builder who had a longstanding reputation of quality construction in this area. In 1972 he was approached by the heirs of the Van Der Slice family about purchasing the 18 acres that would later become Willowmere. At the time, the property was zoned for single family lots, as there was no zoning for townhouses in Upper Dublin Township. Mr. Westrum was passionate about preserving as much of the rolling terrain, pond, and specimen trees as he could, which would not be possible if he was only permitted to build single family residences. In 1973 he presented Upper Dublin Township with a series of different plans that would retain the pond and flora, with 74 townhouses. Many nearby residents in the vicinity and on Willow Avenue objected to the construction of “Row Houses” in their community. Upper Dublin Township turned down numerous applications, so Mr. Westrum went back to the drawing board with his land planners and made some changes. After more meetings, the plan for townhouses was again turned down. The next step was to take the plans to the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, which upheld the original Upper Dublin Commissioners decision. Undeterred, and after a long battle to pursue his dream, Mr. Westrum took his subdivision plan to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, citing there was no zoning for townhouses in Upper Dublin Township. Under a Curative Amendment, the State Supreme Court ruled in Mr. Westrum’s favor in 1977, after which he began developing Willowmere.
The first homes completed were in the 400 to 500 block of Willowmere Lane. Initial prices of the townhomes ranged from $72,000 to $133,000 and the very first home to be occupied was 401 Willowmere Lane. It wasn’t until 1986 that the final unit was completed.
The construction of the homes was done with great care, and quality materials. To recreate this type of construction today would be cost-prohibitive. Every detail in style, materials and craftsmanship in Willowmere’s construction hold to the integrity of it’s Colonial Society Hill model, circa 1750 to 1850. From the beginning, the developer persisted in his goal of site preservation, and part of the attractive result is a substantial 2-arch stone bridge that was installed over the stream valley and low stone retaining walls that help preserve the pond. Open green lawns, forming part of the common area, sweep down to the stream to form an elegant contrast to the intimate patios and courtyards of the homes. The immediate area was originally called Rose Valley, and the newly created streets/courts with the exception of Willowmere Lane, are each named after a species rose. The Quinard Rose is a deep red hybrid tea rose which was first introduced in France, while the Clair Martin Rose is a pink climbing rose. There is a china pattern by Meissen, the oldest porcelain manufacturer in Europe, called Rose Pink that features a pink rose in the center of the place setting. All of the units were oriented to sun or site considerations to maximize the views for the homeowner.
The townhome architecture is representative of 18th century Philadelphia, and authenticates the period in meticulous detail. Carefully researched re-creations are present throughout the community. Hand-molded brick, with a water table course in a Flemish bond design is present on the homes. Marble thresholds were placed in all homes at the entry way. Paneled shutters and cedar shingle roofs are employed throughout, and authenticate the period in every detail. The meeting-house style shed garages were accented with hand-made copper lanterns that are treasured, and still in place, designed and produced especially for this community by tinsmith Thomas Kleinfelter. At the time, American wood cornices and other moldings were not easy to obtain so Westrum’s crews fabricated molds, then had identical copies made from a polyurethane material. While the exterior of the homes were and still are rigorously kept to the 18th century Philadelphia theme, residents were able to customize the interior of their homes as well. Mr. Westrum employed Nathan Moll as his in-house architectural designer, and when the units were sold, each homeowner typically spent 40 to 50 hours with Mr. Moll, to customize their interior plans, many re-creating the Society Hill style inside their homes.
Surrounded by a handsome brick pillar and wrought iron fence, Willowmere is as sensitive to the site as it is charming to the eye. The original sketches of the fence and garages are provided in the photo gallery along with early construction photographs. When it was built, every builder in Philadelphia and it’s suburbs visited Willowmere where it became a “must-see” attraction in the real estate and building community. In later years, Willowmere was cited by the Montgomery County Planning Commission for outstanding land development (see photo gallery). The Planning Commission recognized the care and perseverance needed by the owner and developer to uphold the original concept and commitment to the environment. Mr. Westrum contributed a great deal to the community, including a Gala event held at Willowmere to benefit the Chestnut Hill Hospital. A tree is planted in his memory just beyond the arch bridge on Rose Valley Way.
Willowmere’s common area is maintained by the Willowmere Homeowner’s Association; all residents are members. The Rules, Regulations and Specifications document (available in the Community section of this website) provides for a consistent, aesthetically pleasing appearance, which will help ensure increased property values for the future. The Board of Directors is chartered with protecting and preserving the authenticity and beauty of this unique community.