the first homes in Beverly Hills.
Virginia Robinson Gardens, the first estate built in Beverly Hills and now a National, California and Beverly Hills Landmark, was built for Harry and Virginia Robinson, owners of Robinson’s Department Stores.
On Saturday, May 16, the house and gardens will be transformed for the 2015 “…into the garden Masterpiece” Garden Tour.
This annual fundraising event includes a self-guided tour of several private Westside gardens and the Robinson estate – with each room embellished by well-known florists and designers.
The ticket to this event also includes a luncheon by The Kitchen For Exploring Foods, a fashion show on the Great Lawn, and a boutique with many unique and chic vendors. The Grand Marshal is actress and author Victoria Tennant.
The Annual Garden Tour has been called “the most glamorous (event) of its kind in Southern California.”
The property was gifted to the County of Los Angeles by Virginia Robinson in 1977 and is open to the public for scheduled tours Monday through Saturday. Tours are free to schools and transportation is available for Title 1 schools. The estate is also available for daily rentals.
The site includes Italianate buildings and a variety of beautiful gardens and was originally chosen for its views of the sea and mountains.
The Main Residence – a graceful Beaux Arts style design – was completed in 1911.
The five gardens include the Great Lawn with its perennial flower borders, the Italian Terrace Garden, the Kitchen Garden and Orchid Greenhouse, the King Palm Forest – the largest in the northern hemisphere – and the Display Rose Gardens.
For tickets and information, visit www.robinsongardens.org or call 310.550.2068.
