Working with the architects Carrère & Hastings and the landscape architects Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot, Mrs. Gertrude Pitcairn oversaw the vision and details of Cairnwood Estate. During this focused exterior and interior tour, we will explore the architecture and intention of the historic landscape plans while wandering the garden paths and terraces, and the grand rooms for entertaining on the first floor including the Great Hall, Living Room, Library, Music Room, and Dining Room all of which were planned with sweeping views and access to the outdoors. The tour begins in the Garden House and ends in the Carriage House, weather permitting. Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Learn the Personal History of this Grand Beaux Arts Country House!

Guided tours of Cairnwood Estate reveal the personal history of this grand Beaux Arts country house. Tour participants discover the private side of the family and its integral role in founding the Bryn Athyn community. Tours begin with an orientation video in the Garden House and includes three floors of the Main House, the Chapel in the tower, the Cairnwood Family Gallery, Servant’s Quarters, and the Carriage House collections of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs and a 1927 Packard. Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

SPRING SELECTION

by Stephen E. Ambrose

In this New York Times bestseller, Stephen Ambrose brings to life the story of an unprecedented feat of engineering, vision, and courage. It is the story of the men who built the transcontinental railroad—the investors who risked their businesses and money; the enlightened politicians who understood its importance; the engineers and surveyors who risked, and sometimes lost, their lives; and the Irish and Chinese immigrants, the defeated Confederate soldiers, and the other laborers who did the backbreaking and dangerous work on the tracks.

An annual summer tradition, the Summer Wine Tasting features live music, samplings of premium wines from around the world, and savory bites compliments of Karen’s Catering. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an evening out with friends while soaking in the stunning views from the Cairnwood terrace! Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Taste the finest local micro-beers paired with savory & sweet small plates created by Sage Catering. The Estate is transformed into an indoor/outdoor biergarten, complete with live music, fire pit, and “lawn” games. This is a great event to enjoy to fall weather with friends! Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Celebrate the season and join us for tea and tours during our most sparkling time of year! Package includes a traditional holiday tea, self-guided tours of the decorated estate, and access to our seasonal vintage gown exhibition throughout the second and third floors. Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Menu includes premium teas by master blender Harney & Sons, traditional tea sandwiches, soup du jour and seasonal salad, family style petit fours, holiday cookies, and scones with clotted cream and jams provided by Karen’s Catering.

Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends at Cairnwood Estate. Guided Holiday Tours begin in the Garden House with and orientation video and include three floors decorated for the season by professional florists. Guests are greeted upon entering the Great Hall by our dazzling two-story Christmas tree—located in the same spot it once stood at the turn of the century. Tour participants discover the private side of the Pitcairn family and its integral role in founding the Bryn Athyn community while exploring this grand Beaux Arts country house and the exhibition of period fashions, Vintage Outerwear Revisited. A visit to the Estate during the holidays will be a special treat for the ones you love! Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

It is during this festive season that the Cairnwood Critters venture out of their secret homes in the walls to celebrate! Families will make their way through the glittering grand rooms of the Estate while on a quest to find the hiding (and cute) little critters. This is a wonderful after-school opportunity to build family memories while learning about the history of Cairnwood. Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Explore at your own pace the elegant rooms of the Estate with eight professionally decorated Christmas trees, twinkling balustrades, festive mantels over nine 1895 fireplaces, and the exhibition of period fashions worn by the ladies of Cairnwood ca. 1880s-1970. Learn the personal history of this grand Beaux Arts country house; Cairnwood docents throughout the mansion will enhance your experience. For a family experience you may include children by adding Cairnwood Critter Quest tickets (sold separately). Don’t forget your camera! Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.