Durham Springs, which was closed permanently during the COVID-19 pandemic, will open again as a wedding venue under new ownership.
The sprawling property, once home to Cascade Lodge, a popular dining spot on Lehnenberg Road in Durham Township, has been purchased by Landmark Developers.
Durham Township Zoning Officer Edward Child confirmed the new owner had met with township officials. No formal applications have been made, Child
Telephone calls and emails to the developer seeking information about the sale and plans for the future have not been returned.
The company does, however, list Durham Springs on its website among its portfolio of properties, many of them in Bucks County. It describes the property as “exquisite, custom and unique,” claiming, “Since 1730, families have gathered here, celebrated here and embraced the farm’s natural beauty. Durham Springs accommodates 70 guests in the Cascade Suite, around 150 in the Durham Suite or nearly 300 in the Barn” and mentions its proximity to Bethlehem, Philadelphia and New York City.
Frank and Jeanne Cretella own the highly successful family business, which is based in Plainfield, N.J. The portfolio on the company’s web site lists 20 hospitality venues, including Logan Inn, Mansion Inn, Hotel du Village and The Landing, all in New Hope or Solebury Township, and several in Montgomery County, including the Elkins Estate and Chelten House.
The previous owners of Durham Springs, Dan Fehlig and Ian Humphreys, had done extensive construction work on the original farmhouse and barn and added land, bumping the farm up to 33 landscaped acres perfect for outdoor weddings and other events.
The pair planned a restaurant, event center and catering service. They gave new life to the old Cascade restaurant, even though construction problems delayed its opening until the fall of 2018. In less than a year, the pandemic struck, stifling business and eventually forcing bankruptcy for the partners.
Although local residents have detected activity at Durham Springs, no opening date has been announced.
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