Take a Driving Tour of Main Line Mansions

A favorite pastime of many locals is to ogle grand old estates of the Main Line. Alas, many have been demolished, lost except in local historical society libraries. But some are still standing. Some — Chanticleer in Wayne and Stoneleigh in Villanova — are perhaps even more famous for their public gardens. (Read about the gardens in last July’s issue online, “Enjoy Nature on the Main Line.”)

This year, we suggest a driving tour of the Main Line, focusing on some of these “found” mansions that have not been lost to neglect or development. Our tour begins near Devon. From there, we head east, visiting Villanova, Bryn Mawr and Haverford.

Grey Craig

We begin at Grey Craig, designed in 1902 by noted architect William Price. It was a hunting lodge for James Patterson, whose family founded the Patterson Whiting Paper Company. No longer commanding 76 acres, Grey Craig is now surrounded by modern homes. But the main house, still stands and is a private residence. 680 Wetherby Dr., Devon

Hilltop House

Our second stop is Hilltop House, located on 23 sunny south-sloping acres. Initially called Idlewild Farm, the mansion was built for chocolatier William Nelson Wilbur, son of the developer of those tasty Wilbur Buds. He sold in 1919, and the estate later went into foreclosure during the Depression.

During its next chapter, Hilltop House was owned by a Drexel University professor, whose wife was an heir to the Heublein Distillery fortune. Since 2005, the mansion has been used as an event space. The southern view, with walkways, benches, lawn and trees, remains spectacular. 570 Beaumont Rd., Devon

The Willows

This 47.5-acre estate, now known as The Willows, was built in 1910 by renowned architect Charles Barton Keen. Originally called Rose Garland, the mansion was built for John Sinnott, a wealthy distillery owner. It was later purchased by Clarence Geist for his daughter Mary and her husband, Alfred Zantzinger, Vice President of the Suburban Water Company, who lived there for over 30 years.

The Zantzingers deeded the property to Radnor Township in 1973. With views of water, meadows, woodland and gardens, it’s now a public park. The mansion had fallen into disrepair, but renovation began in 2019 and is currently used for weddings, private parties, concerts, educational programs and similar purposes. 490 Darby-Paoli Rd., Villanova

Ardrossan

Perhaps the best-known Main Line mansion is Ardrossan, because of its connection to Helen Hope Scott (née Montgomery), who lived there and inspired the 1940 film The Philadelphia Story. A captivating socialite and equestrian, Hope entertained notables of society, government and the arts, and was a principle organizer of the Devon Horse Show as well as director of the U.S. Equestrian Team. She was considered the epitome of the Main Line high society.

The Georgian Revival mansion was designed by famed architect Horace Trumbauer in 1911, and its 750 acres were assembled by Col. Robert Montgomery, founder of the investment firm Janney Montgomery Scott. The 50-room mansion is still standing, but the land has been subdivided and is being developed with luxury homes, though less grand than “the big house,” which is attached to only 17 acres now. 807 Newtown Rd., Villanova

Dolobran

As you go east on Montgomery Avenue, you’ll pass several notable buildings. There’s Rathalla, built in 1891, now part of Rosemont College (1400 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr). Farther east you’ll see The Baldwin School (701 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr), originally the Bryn Mawr Hotel, built in 1890 and designed by famed architect Frank Furness.

A few miles farther east, the Merion Cricket Club (325 Montgomery Ave., Haverford), also a Furness design, is located on land adjacent to Cheswold, the estate of Alexander Cassatt, President of the Pennsylvania Railroad and brother of Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt.

Turn left on Grays Lane and find Laurel Lane. Less than a quarter mile in is Dolobran, built in 1880. It’s yet another Furness-designed mansion. Currently a private residence, the property, once 150 acres in all, belonged to shipping magnate Clement Griscom, who helmed a shipping conglomerate that owned, among other ships, The Titanic. 231 Laurel Ln., Haverford

Knollbrook, aka Camelot

Back on Grays Lane, heading down the hill toward Mill Creek Rd., on the left you’ll pass the high gates of Knollbrook, now renamed Camelot. Still a private residence, the mansion is set atop a hill on 13 acres.

Knollbrook was remodeled by architect William Woodburn Potter for J. Howard Pew, President of Sun Oil. Enlarged gradually to include neighboring estates — at Pew’s death it reached 65 acres — the property was developed to include a pool, putting green, rock garden, fountain, bridges and greenhouse. It’s one of several Main Line estates — Rocky Crest, Skylands, Glenmede, among others — once owned by the Pew family. Grays Ln., Haverford