Glynallyn Mansion, The Renovated Gardens
Friday, May 4, 2012 It’s May and what has been lauded as one of the finest examples of English Tudor architecture in America has been restored to its former glory in Morristown, NJ. Glynallyn, the sixteenth mansion to be restored as part of the Mansion in May fundraiser hosted by Woman's Association of Morristown Medical Center, is a 32,000 square foot castle, complete with 19 fireplaces, 66 rooms and 7.5 acres of terraced gardens.
Forty-one of the indoor rooms have been renovated by local, prominent interior designers and seventeen landscape architects have refurbished the exterior gardens in order to share this beautiful piece of American history with the public. We had a peek of the castle before the designers got their hands on it back in February and have been eagerly awaiting the big reveal.
Upon the arrival at Glynallyn, you enter through a tree-lined drive to the front of the home. Either side of the house as well as the rear of the house are flanked by 7.5 acres of terraced gardens. Each space has been carefully curated to create a sense of tranquil peace around what has been a sleepy giant.
Front tree-lined drive of Glynallyn. Image by David Gruol Photography, courtesy of Mansion in May.
Here are some of our favorite outdoor spaces:
Pre-existing Stone Elements
It’s really hard to not give credit to the original stone features in the garden. While the landscape designers did an amazing job with their plantings and furniture additions, there were some beautiful bones to work with: the stone seating and curved staircase by Grace’s Lookout; the beautiful, tiered staircase leading from Gateway to the Glen to The Lady’s Garden; and of course, the back of the house itself.
A Living World Awaits by Back to Nature
The rear terrace of Glynallyn featured living walls and living art to bring life into this outdoor living space. Three living walls, multiple lighting elements, rustic furniture, and a potters table spring to life in this half-covered and half-open outdoor area.
Garden in the ‘Glyn’ by Cording Landscape Design
Grotto walls frame a beautiful mini-aqueduct that had been long neglected but brightly sprung back to life with playful animal sculptures, beautiful plants, and plentiful seating. While preparing the space, a hidden 1920’s garden was discovered tucked in the hillside and what a true oasis and gem it is!
Come back on Monday to grab a glimpse of some of our favorite rooms inside the house!
You can see our full collection of images in our Glynallyn gallery.
Glynallyn is open to the general public May 1 - 31; Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. General admission tickets cost $30. No photography, food, drinks or children under the age of 12 are allowed in the house. Parking and shuttle are available at the Madison Hotel, 44 Whippany Road. For more information, please visit www.mansioninmay.org.
Reader Comments (3)
Wow! Glynallyn looks amazing - I can't wait to see the inside!
It was so much fun to talk with you last night
Thanks so much, Marcy! Yes, you must come out and see it!! Great seeing you too and we'll see you again soon.
Nice Job! beautiful photo's. It was nice to meet you at the media event.