Philadelphia Main Line Estates: from grand mansions to gardens

Guests will visit three former country estates located on the Philadelphia Main Line, which have been brought to life as public historic sites, each at varying stages of development.

The day begins at Chanticleer, a pleasure garden, formerly the Rosengarten estate in the early 20th century and open to public since 1993. Participants will tour the historic home and will be guided through the garden, learning how it is designed and maintained. Following the tour of Chanticleer, guests will travel to Willows Park Preserve by personal car and guests will enjoy a tour of the mansion and lunch served on the terrace.

Following lunch, guests will drive to Ardrossan, which has been called the last great estate on the Philadelphia Main Line. The tour will feature the first-floor rooms which were decorated by the London-based firm of White, Allom & Company and have been unaltered since 1913. Guests will spend time in the house, discussing the architecture, paintings, history of the house and the Montgomery-Scott-Wheeler family.

Historian Jeff Groff will attend the tour and serve as local expert. Jeff's research interests include architecture and interiors of American country places, garden history, gentlemen farming, and country sports. At the end of the tour guests will have an opportunity to purchase copies of the book, "Ardrossan: The Last Great Estate on the Philadelphia Main Line" and author, David Nelson Wren will be there to sign or inscribe copies.

Join this tour to learn how three nearby historic sites are handling contemporary development in distinctly different ways. Space is limited. This tour will be rain or shine.

Schedule for the day

9:30am Tour at Chanticleer, a pleasure garden – 786 Church Road, Wayne PA 19087

12:00pm Tour and Lunch at Willows Park Preserve- 490 Darby Paoli Rd, Villanova, PA 19085

2:00pm Tour of Ardrossan - 807 Newtown Rd, Villanova, PA 19085

3:30pm Final wrap up of the day

Host or Publisher Chanticleer, Willows Park Preserve, Ardrossan