History

The Ladew Gardens estate is a living testament to the vision and creativity of Harvey S. Ladew. Born into wealth in 1886, Ladew was an avid fox hunter whose love for the sport and the Maryland countryside led him to purchase the Pleasant Valley Farm in 1929. The farm, which eventually became Ladew Gardens, provided the ideal canvas for blending his passion for gardens and architecture, transforming it into a historical landmark of natural beauty and cultivated elegance. Ladew was a recipient of several awards throughout his lifetime. He was the Master of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt for several years, and he received the Distinguished Service Medal of the Garden Club of America for his "great interest in developing and maintaining the most outstanding topiary in America, without professional help."

A lifelong bachelor, Ladew died on July 28, 1976, in Monkton, Maryland, at 89.

About Harvey S. Ladew

The Gardens

The Gardens, covering 22 acres, reflect Ladew’s travels in England and Italy. They feature a design centered around two cross-axes, which converge at the oval swimming pool in the Great Bowl. This layout creates vistas leading to distinct "garden rooms," each showcasing unique themes, colors, or plants inspired by formal English gardens. Notable rooms include the Rose Garden, Pink Garden, and Yellow Garden, each dedicated to specific plant varieties or color schemes.

Ladew was captivated by the beauty of topiary during a fox hunting trip in England, where he was inspired by a grand estate garden's sculpted figures. Resolving to replicate them in his garden, this passion led him to create over 100 living sculptures, including the iconic fox and hound Hunt Scene.

In 1971, the Manor House, Gardens, and grounds were opened to the public. The Garden Club of America recognized Ladew’s accomplishments, awarding him the Distinguished Achievement Award for creating one of the most outstanding topiary gardens in the country without professional help. Today, visitors can wander through these unique garden rooms and enjoy the serenity, sophistication, and wit that Ladew infused into every corner of his property.

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Adam and Eve in the Azaleas

The Manor House is warm, cozy, alive, and full of history to share.

Harvey Ladew’s vision for the Manor House, which he purchased in 1929, was to create a space that reflected his love for fine design, fox hunting, and the simple pleasures of English countryside living. Originally a 200+ acre property with a farmhouse dating back to the 1700s and 1800s, the house featured no modern amenities like plumbing and electricity. Ladew transformed the home with the help of renowned architect James W. O’Connor and notable interior decorators Billy Baldwin, Jean Levy, and Ruby Ross Wood.

The Manor House is an interior designer, history buff, or antique enthusiast's dream, featuring exquisite details that combine elements from different historical periods. The Elizabethan Room derives its name from the plaster ceiling molded in a 16th-century Tudor Rose Pattern and features leaded windows that reflect the costumes of the 17th century. Architectural details of the Drawing Room draw influence from the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis. The Oval Library boasts a rich history with an elegant 18th-century oval partners' desk—a masterpiece of Georgian craftsmanship imported from England—and an impressive collection of over 2,500 books.

Included in Helen Comstock’s book One Hundred Most Beautiful Rooms in America, the Oval Library is a favorite among visitors. The Manor House remains a fitting tribute to Ladew's charm, sophistication, and wit, with docent-led tours providing insight into the life of the man who created this remarkable estate. With a curated collection of antiques from around the world, the Manor House is warm, cozy, alive, and full of history to share.

The Manor House and Gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.