You can’t live on the Main Line and not visit some of the incredible estates and mansions that dot the area. (Come on, who hasn’t walked through some of these homes and wandered their gardens and not dreamed that you were walking through your own home?)
Check out these grand mansions of the Main Line on this week’s Five on the Line:
1. Appleford Estate – Originally part of a land grant from William Penn, Appleford Estate was left to the citizens of Lower Merion Township in 1973, and for the past 40 years has been managed by The Appleford Committee. This 24-acre estate, located in Villanova, is available for rent for weddings and special occasions. Visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds, free of charge, until sunset, and tours can be arranged. With its stunning gardens and breathtaking views, it is worth a visit whether just to view or to plan an event.
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2. Woodmont – This 72-acre estate in Gladwyne boasts the highest elevation in Montgomery County with views of 15-20 miles. It was designed in 1891 for Alan Wood, a steel magnate and U.S. congressman. In 1953, it became the home of Father Divine and the center of his International Peace Mission Movement and was declared a national historic landmark in 1998. Woodmont is open to the public Sunday afternoons from April to October, with guided tours free of charge.
3. Harriton House – Owned by Lower Merion Township, Harriton House was originally built in 1704 by a Welsh Quaker, who received the 700-acre estate from William Penn and called it Bryn Mawr, which means High Hill in Welsh. Harriton House is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has a $5 admission charge. It is suggested you call ahead to schedule a visit for the house. (The park and grounds are open every day.) Future events at Harriton House include the Harriton Plantation Fair, September 28, and Fall Apple Tasting on October 19. Check out their website for more on these events and other happenings.
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4. Willows – While the future of the Willows is currently unsettled, that doesn’t mean you can’t stop by this beautiful 47-acre estate in Radnor for a stroll through its rolling hills or enjoy a picnic by its pond.
5. I admit it. I am stumped for a fifth estate. I know there are some beautiful grounds ands gardens (some of which I mentioned in past posts) but I just cannot think of one more. If you know of one I missed, please comment below and share with everyone.
