Terms of the purchase were not disclosed, but the statement noted that the agreement includes all land and buildings on the property and was based on a plan that was worked on over several years.
“Our Gardens began with Pierre S. du Pont’s act of preservation to save a 202-acre arboretum that was important to the region and community,” Redman said. “Today, we are honoring the legacy of Longwood through an act of conservation to protect another landscape and add another open space that is important to our region and community.”
The statement notes that Longwood Gardens and The Conservation Fund began discussions to purchase the 1923 estate and land with the Granogue Reserve, LTD, LLC - who own of the property - back in 2016. A a study and master plan, the statement claims, was developed in several years ago with a commitment for Granogue to remain"a pastoral cultural landscape."
“We are proud to play a role in preserving this ecologically vital parcel of the Brandywine River Corridor and ensuring it remains a pastoral jewel for the Brandywine Valley region to enjoy,” said Blaine Phillips, senior vice president of The Conservation Fund.