The perfect afternoon, coupled with a wonderful movie. The gardens are lush and gorgeous, the whole property was so fitting for a premiere of Downton Abbey. They had lovely British tray passed appetizers and wonderful drinks. Everything was simply elegant, done at the perfect time, leading up to magic hour. By dusk it was time to retreat to the tennis court to watch the newest edition of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
The film was so perfectly executed, with the under toning of the matriarch Maggie Smith being played homage to throughout. All of the characters lead up to a sorrowful goodbye, with the last scene having flashbacks of all who came before. The Q & A had both actors Joanne Froggatt, and Allen Leech, who gave a great perspective on their characters and the making of this finale film.
It was all bittersweet and tied everything into a nice little bow, I just loved the film and this event.
About The Virginia Robinson Gardens:
The Virginia Robinson Gardens is a unique historic estate, a cultural jewel that transports the visitor back to the birthplace of Beverly Hills. Built in 1911, it was once the residence of retail giants Virginia and Harry Robinson of the J.W. Robinson Co. Department Store. It occupies an illustrious place in history as the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public by appointment. The beautiful six-acre property is located behind the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and has a breathtaking display garden, mansion, and pool pavilion. A favorite destination for both local and international visitors, the property attracts a varied audience, from those interested in the history of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to people who appreciate beautiful gardens and traditional design. In addition, it is a dynamic location for photo shoots with dramatic settings such as the awe-inspiring Australian King Palm Forest, the bucolic Rose Garden, and the tranquil Italian Terrace Garden.
The immediate beauty of the property is just one of the estate’s many fascinating attributes. The Robinson Gardens was once the site of lavish Hollywood parties. Mrs. Robinson was known as the first lady of Beverly Hills, and her triumphs as a hostess are legendary: her diverse guests included royalty such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Hollywood stars like Marlene Dietrich and Fred Astaire; her neighbors were Glenn Ford, Lillian Disney, and Elvis Presley. She sipped champagne cocktails with Sophia Loren and challenged Charlie Chaplin to a spirited game of tennis – all with her signature elegance and class.
She was equally renowned for her philanthropy. The Hollywood Bowl Patronesses Benefit was a favorite among the many benefits she hosted. Each year, after the opening of the Hollywood Bowl season, the orchestra would repeat their performance on the estate’s Great Lawn to the delight of her guests. Shortly before her death in 1977, Mrs. Robinson bequeathed her estate to Los Angeles County. The County and the not-for-profit organization The Friends of Robinson Gardens preserve the estate for future generations to enjoy.
The mission of The Virginia Robinson Gardens is to preserve and interpret the historically significant first estate of Beverly Hills, for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.
Virginia Robinson Gardens
1008 Elden Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Friends of Robinson Gardens: (310) 550-2087
- Some info was taken off of their website.
