Mansion History

Acquired by Radnor Township in 1973, the Willows Park is the last remaining significant parcel of open land in the Township.

Shortly after its purchase, the estate grounds became a public park and for nearly fifty years visitors came to walk, fish, bird watch, photograph, paint, sled and enjoy the quiet serenity and restorative powers of nature.

The mansion, which sits high on the park’s hill has sweeping views of the pond and meadows. Once a beloved social center where generations of visitors attended parties, meetings, weddings, and dances, the mansion has suffered from years of neglect and the ravages of time.

Designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Charles Barton Keen for the bride of a wealthy distillery owner, the mansion was built in 1910 and originally called Rose Garland. Radnor Township renamed the property in homage to the beautiful willow trees encircling its pond.

In 2011 when outdated systems and mounting repairs made operations untenable, the Willows Mansion closed for good. Today its lovely silhouette overlooks the park, awaiting its new beginning.

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