Entrance to the Estate. Click to enlarge. |
Walking toward the home. |
Three years after the Steinmans moved into the house, the Philadelphia firm of Mellor and Meigs designed and developed the formal exterior areas which included a swimming pool, stables and the many gardens and walkways that make this house an amazing piece of architecture. I was one of maybe 20 or so other visitors today who had a chance to walk around the exterior of the home and view the fall gardens as well as visit the pool and other outdoor courtyards. I can't imagine what this property must have looked like a few months ago with all the flowers blooming, but many fall blooms still added to my trip through the 20 acres of paradise.
Rear of house with 7 car garage. |
The front of the home with flower boxes. |
The pool area is amazing with manicured grass covering all the areas around the 60-foot pool which looked very inviting, but was closed for swimming. Close to the pool was a restored lime kiln which at one time was used to smelt limestone. Another interesting greenhouse was the orangeries which is an early style greenhouse that was developed in Italy in the 1500s to house citrus plants. The windows can be removed during the summer months and replaced in the colder months,
The beautiful pool area. |
Most of the property is covered in lush grass with stone stairs going from one level to the next on the sloped property. No matter which direction you go, it seems that there is always a covered area with seating at the end of the pathway for relaxation before you continue on your way toward the next area of the property. The rose garden was still in bloom and a great place to take photos as was the water garden that had a few koi swimming in the murky waters. I read online that the property is Lancaster's version of Longwood Gardens which has a world-class arboretum and conservatories.
One of many creations on the property. |
The entire time I was exploring the grounds I kept thinking to myself...I'm glad I don't have to mow all this grass and pick all the weeds from the gardens. My visit was self-guided, but you may request a guide for larger groups. Their home was not open to the public today, but my wife did have a chance to see the estate home of the Steinmans during a visit a few years ago. The exterior is amazing, but what impressed me the most were the window boxes that seemed to be at every window on the estate. Can't imagine the amount of upkeep that is required just for the window boxes. If you live within driving distance, you can find the place at. 1608 Marietta Ave in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their phone number, if you care to check on times they are open, is 717-397-5353. Enjoy yourself, just as I did! It was another extraordinary day in the life of n ordinary guy. PS - The following photos will give you a better idea of the magnitude of the floral gardens as well as the home.
The home as seen from the street. Taken from a publication. |
Mr. and Mrs. Steinman. |
A map which was given to me when I entered. |
The head groundskeeper. |
The koi pond. |
From inside one of the side rooms of the estate. |
A beautiful pink Hibiscus |
A red Hibiscus |
The impressive front door. |
One of the Topiary Animals on the property. |
One of many water displays. |
One of many roses still in bloom. |
Another Topiary figure. |
Entrance from the Marietta Pike. |
The rose garden. |
A Lantana flower is home to a few insects. |
Throughout the property are sites where you can sit and relax. |
Bees can be found on many species of flowers. |
I enjoyed reading your experience and insights.
ReplyDeletetarpaulin