Riverscape

Perched above the Delaware River in Bucks County, this architecturally significant riverfront residence is a modern masterpiece conceived as a “floating box” in dialogue with its surroundings. Designed by Studio Hillier, the home was commissioned for a family seeking to trade city noise for the serenity of life on the water, and it delivers a rare combination of striking design, engineering brilliance, and deep environmental sensitivity.

Lifted gracefully above the floodplain, the residence is supported by three 14‑foot‑high Vierendeel trusses and cantilevers over a sculptural concrete pedestal that occupies the original 1930s cottage footprint. This poured‑concrete base houses a three‑car garage and a dramatic double‑height foyer with a winding staircase and elevator, while engineered vents allow water to pass safely through in the event of flooding—an elegant solution to a highly regulated riverfront site.

Above, the main living level unfolds in glass and light, capturing panoramic views of the Delaware from full‑height windows and two expansive entertainment decks. An open kitchen and great room form the heart of the home, oriented to the riverscape, while the primary suite—with two luxurious bathrooms—becomes a private observatory for the ever‑changing water and sky. At the rear, three additional bedrooms, an exercise room, and a dedicated teen hangout enjoy framed views into the surrounding woods, creating a tranquil, tree‑lined counterpoint to the drama of the river.

Every detail reflects a refined, contemporary material palette that feels both sophisticated and understated. Exposed structural steel, cast‑in‑place concrete, and insulated metal panels wrapped in a perforated stainless‑steel screen give the exterior a subtle, industrial elegance that recedes into the landscape rather than competing with it. Inside, porcelain tile floors and rich Mozambique rosewood doors and casework bring warmth and tactility, while Ipe decking and cable railings complete the outdoor terraces for seamless indoor–outdoor living.

The site itself is a triumph of restraint and respect for nature. Approved by the National Park Service, the project preserves all existing trees and plantings and maintains the original 900‑square‑foot footprint with no disturbance to the surrounding soil—even avoiding columns or piles beyond that boundary. Carefully calibrated massing ensures that view corridors to the river are no more obstructed than they were by the original three‑story cottage, resulting in a home that feels both boldly contemporary and remarkably discreet in its lush, riverside setting.

More than a residence, this is a living installation attuned to the river’s microclimate—where shifts in air and water temperature, humidity, wind, and light transform the atmosphere from hour to hour and season to season. Spring mornings glow with bright, warm light, fall dawns arrive in cool fog, and each day offers a new composition across the water, making this property an extraordinary opportunity for those seeking a highly designed, riverfront retreat that is as thoughtful as it is unforgettable

Outside, a spectacular in-ground pool and pool house, stone terracing, meandering walking trails, and lush, cultivated gardens create private outdoor rooms for play, repose and unforgettable entertaining. A private staircase descends to the shoreline with towpath access—your gateway to river life, from sunrise paddles to moonlit cocktails.

Rare, private, and utterly seductive, Riverscape is one of the finest river estates in New Hope—offering effortless access to Philadelphia, Princeton, and Manhattan while feeling worlds away.