URBN’s first Terrain in Bucks County will be on the gorgeous grounds of Delaware Valley University.

by Tara Behan, contributing editor

Doylestown’s Terrain opens June 29, bringing the signature retail store, nursery, garden cafe and private event space to Bucks County. Called Terrain at DelVal, it will be in the former Market at DelVal, which is owned and run by Delaware Valley University.

URBN, a Philadelphia-based company, owns the brands Terrain, Anthropologie, Free People, FP Movement, BHLDN, Menus & Venues, and Nuuly. Terrain introduced its Glen Mills flagship store in 2008 and a second Terrain opened at Devon Yard in 2018. Terrain at DelVal is the company’s second foray into the Bucks County area, the first being the opening of Anthropologie in Newtown in 2015.

The partnership between a high-end lifestyle brand like Terrain and a higher-level learning institution like Delaware Valley University certainly is unique, but one that makes sense when considering the synergy between the two institutions. “The partnership allows us to build upon the school’s agricultural foundation and our brand’s seasonal, experiential approach to retail,” says Dave Ziel, Terrain’s chief development officer.

Produce and farm products from the university will be included in Terrain’s culinary programming. Produce, plants, and farm goods from DelVal will be sold at Terrain’s retail store and incorporated into its restaurant and catering menus, led by Terrain’s culinary director Steve Linneman.  

Terrain’s retail store will include the elevated offerings it’s known for, including: diverse native plants; hand-picked planters; all-weather furniture; seasonal décor; outdoor lighting; and artisan-made gifts. “Our product assortment is curated to find beauty in natural imperfection, and to enhance a life lived outdoors and in,” says Elizabeth Smith, managing director of Terrain.

Amenities offered through the retail store and nursery range from container design and gardening expertise to private event planning and custom floral design by Terrain’s staff for in-home use, events, or gifting. Terrain’s cafe is a welcomed addition to Doylestown’s dining scene and is scheduled to be open seven days a week, with seasonally-inspired menu offerings for brunch and dinner. Also on the menu are wines by the glass and bottle, beer from local breweries, craft cocktails and mocktails. Takeout, delivery and catering will also be available. 

The charming, pastoral setting of Terrain at DelVal makes an appealing location for a wedding and events venue. With a capacity to accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated reception, Terrain at DelVal already has weddings booked for this summer. Terrain’s event venue has indoor and outdoor spaces for both ceremonies and cocktail hours. Couples will have the option to take their vows in The Ceremony Garden, overlooking the property’s orchard and the nearby Garden House, an English-style structure that will provide the perfect Instagram-worthy backdrop for photographs.

The indoors is as impressive as the outdoors with the main reception area, Trellis Hall, outfitted with high ceilings enhanced with European chandeliers and a floor to ceiling wirework garden vine treillage on a focal wall in case Mother Nature brings rain on the couple’s big day. While most couples may be from the Bucks County area, Terrain’s close proximity to Philadelphia—about an hour’s drive—could attract couples from throughout the city and its suburbs. 

Students at Delaware Valley University are at a special advantage now that Terrain at DelVal is on campus. The university’s existing Experience360 Program blends classroom knowledge with real-world skills based on students’ majors, ensuring they graduate with work experience to add to their resumes. Terrain has agreed to partner with the university in the program.

“The partnership includes experiential learning opportunities for DelVal students through the university’s award-winning Experience360 program,” says Smith. “Students can pursue paid internships and additional employment opportunities at Terrain at Delaware Valley University and other URBN locations. These internships may include retail, food service, events and other activities.”

Mark your calendars. Terrain at Del Val opens June 29.

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Want more stories about our region? Read The Insider’s Guide To Phoenixville, The Insider’s Guide To Ardmore, and The Insider’s Guide To Valley Forge.

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