Our History
The area surrounding and including Hotel du Village was part of a large tract of land granted to the Ely family by William Penn in the seventeenth century. In 1895 Dr. George Morley Marshall of Ohio bought a parcel of the Penn Grant from Ely descendants to establish a country residence for his family in Bucks County.
Dr. Marshalls' sister, Caroline Wood, chose the site of our present restaurant as a prime location for a country estate, and at the turn of the century she began the construction of White Oaks, close to her brother's home across Phillips Mill Road. Morgan Colt was the architect for the building. Karline Holmquist founded the Holmquist School in 1917 in a converted barn. The success of her school required expansion, so she acquired White Oaks and adjacent Appledore, a converted stable, from Mrs. Wood in 1925.
Our restaurant is in White Oaks, formerly the setting for academic and social preparation of young ladies. In 1925 Solebury School was founded as a preparatory school for boys at the present "Upper Campus" on Phillips Mill Road. The two schools merged in 1949 with White Oaks, Appledore and Stone Cottage on River Road constituting the" Lower Campus."
Solebury School maintained the two campuses until 1976, when Omar and Barbara Arbani purchased the "Lower Campus." Lodging became available in Appledore during the summer of 1978.
Since the late 70's until present day, Hotel Du Village is still owned and operated by the Arbani family.
If you would like information or to make a reservation, please call 215-862-9911. We will be happy to assist you.