Virginia Robinson Gardens

Of all the glorious old mansions in Beverly Hills there is only one open to the public.  The Virginia Robinson Estate. If the name Robinson is ringing a bell, you’re right.  The same Robinson as of Robinsons-May Department store fame. Virginia was known as the "First Lady of Beverly Hills" and famous for her parties which ran the gamut from star-filled card games to lavish galas.

It was architect Nathaniel Dryden, Virginia’s father, who, in 1911, designed the home in a combination of Beaux Arts and Renaissance Revival architecture. Somewhat modest by today’s Beverly Hills standards, the house is a beige colored split level home of 6,000 square feet (557.4 sq.m) with five main rooms. The original furnishings and art work are all there. 

While visitors are only permitted access to the entry parlor the other rooms are easily seen. Take note of the spectacular silver fireplace in the sunlit dining room.  There’s an impressive chandelier and a beautiful grand piano in the living or sitting room and a library that will make any reader jealous. Story has it that Virginia’s butler stopped the grandfather clock in the entry parlor at the moment of her death as a forever tribute to her.

Upon arriving at the estate visitors are met with a huge emerald green lawn flanked by towering cypress trees. The home sits at one end; at the other end is the blue tiled Renaissance Revival Pool built in 1924 and modeled after Villa Pisani in the Tuscan region of Italy.

It was Virginia Robinson who created the amazing gardens. Spread over six and a half acres the grounds include five individual and different gardens replete with rare plants, fountains, pools, sun-flooded patios, sculptures and benches. There is the Formal Mall Garden; an Italian Renaissance Terrace Garden; an English Rose Garden, a Tropical Palm Garden, and a Kitchen Garden dedicated to a profusion of herbs and vegetables.

One of the first homes In Beverly Hills, the Virginia Robinson Estate was lived in and enjoyed to the fullest. Virginia remained the most enviable hostess in town until she passed away in 1977 at the age of 99 … while planning her 100th birthday bash.  Loved and always gracious in life, she retained those attributes after her death. Her estate was willed to the County of Los Angeles for the public’s enjoyment and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Robinson estate is located just a short drive up the hill behind the Beverly Hills Hotel. Using Rodeo Drive and Sunset Boulevard as a starting point turn east on Sunset. Go one block east on Sunset, past the Beverly Hills Hotel. Turn north (mountain side) up Crescent Drive. Drive north two blocks on Crescent Drive (past Lexington) to Elden Way. Turn north on Elden Way which is a cul-de-sac. The estate is the last home at the very end of Elden Way. A guard at the gate will confirm your reservation and collect the admission fees. Then you will be asked to drive through a low arched gate, and up a narrow, winding driveway to their small parking lot.

The docents who conduct the tours are knowledgeable and welcome questions. Tours must be arranged in advance and walk-ins not allowed.

For reservations please email: visit@robinsongardens.org

Park Hours: Monday-Saturday (with docent led tours): 9:30am through 4pm (16.00)

Vehicle Entrance Fees: Free with advanced parking reservations. No street parking is permitted.

Admission: Adults $11; Students (with ID) $6; Seniors (62+) $6; Children (5-12 years) $4