With its winding gardens, fabulous maximalist decor, rich colors, and large glass walls, Ken Bere and Jerry Mazzola couldn’t resist purchasing what the neighborhood dubbed as “The Party House.” Largely inspired by chinoiserie furniture and ceramics, warm woods, rich color and lush gardens, the house presents like a museum of charming antiques, each corner creating a “moment” to appreciate.
Ken and Jerry were generous enough to sit down with me, and walked me through all the unique details of this architecture, what it was about the structure that won them over, and how it has continued to be an iconic part of their neighborhood. The house was designed by architect Frank Weise (1918-2003). Weise studied architecture at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard. He distinguished himself in Chicago, and later the greater Philadelphia area. Here’s their story.
Your home makes striking use of glass — walls, windows, and architectural details. What role did light play in shaping the design vision?
The glass walls took a bit of time to get used to. Most windows were covered by window treatments. After some time, we felt that the windows needed to be exposed, and all window walls were stripped of any coverings. The glass was revealed and we understood what an amazing design element it was going to be. We had to learn how to live with the light and the sun as it moves through the sky.
We embrace the feeling as it changes with each new season, when the sun is in a different place as it makes its journey. When the sun sets, the light goes down outside but it goes up inside. That gives the house an entirely different feel. It’s something we learned to live around, and makes our life here much more interesting and seasonally dependent.
Glass can create both openness and intimacy, creating unity between the interior and exterior space. How do you feel these features affect the way you experience daily life inside the home?
As this house is set much higher than the street it sits on, built purposely higher than its neighbor’s property, we feel mostly private. The architect designed it to have public and private sides. The bedrooms and baths are much more private as they are behind solid walls.
The gardens surrounding the house are lush and abundant. Were they designed to be an extension of the living space, and how do they interact with the architecture?
Yes, the gardens, in the way they appear now, did not exist. We both designed and planned them out down to the plant. Paths form a figure eight and weave through shrubs, trees and the pond, intersecting the doors and decks. Walkways are respectful to the house itself, views from inside are small framed pictures. Rear windows see the entire garden in one sweeping view.
What inspired the specific plant selections and landscaping styles? Are there symbolic or personal meanings woven into the garden design?
The choices we made were based on the conditions we have. Dry and dark. Surrounded by mature trees, it is a woodland garden, so we dealt with it that way. It leaned towards a Japanese aesthetic, though we include many native or European plants and design elements too. The large pond is the true heart of the garden and the koi, like jewels, are our outdoor pets.
The garden has been certified as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Foundation. We get many migrating birds, and much local animal activity. We let them be and love that they use our garden to live, to have families stop by for a visit.
The materials throughout the home feel both modern and warm. How did you and your architect/designer decide which finishes, textures, and elements to highlight?
We both chose and agreed on every decision we made. Every piece of furniture, every color, every surface or pillow. We don’t cling to any one style and did not wish to live in a mid-century museum, as that’s been done by so many. This is an eclectic and totally maximalist type of decor. It suits both our personalities as collectors.
Was sustainability or eco-conscious design a factor in the choice of materials or layout?
Yes, sustainability and eco-consciousness were very important to us in all ways.
Every home tells a story. Do you feel that this space reflects your own personal journey or identity in a particular way?
Our home is “us” in every way. A walk-through tells the story of 34 years of love, laughter and happiness together. And it’s evident that we wish to share it with all who come to stay with us. It is clearly our story told in the glass house we live in.
We felt connected to this house from the moment we stepped in the door. It was known to anyone local as “The Party House.” We learned about everyone who lived here and their joy in sharing it with everyone they knew. We felt that. And we continued the legacy. Now, in our retirements, I’d say it’s a peaceful retreat from a maddening world. We don’t entertain as much anymore, but this house came with a life of its own and we owned that. Now, just living inside the snow globe looking out is enough for us. We definitely placed our own stamp on it. We hope that’s enough for the next caretakers of such a beautifully unique place.
Is there a favorite space or detail in your home that holds the most personal significance for you — and why?
For Ken, it’s very architectural. To him, the roof line and interior ceilings are at the core. The fact that they angle and warp in different directions at the same time and in each room, this fascinates him. He never tires of that.
For Jerry, it’s an overall feeling of safety and warmth as if the house wraps its arms around you and says, “Welcome.” The gardens are a particular point of pride, making something from nothing and turning it into a private paradise. One favorite spot is the screened-in porch where one can stop, sit, and relax, surveying the results of years of hard work.
