The Montclair Foundation received this stunning Montclair estate from Howard Van Vleck’s heirs after his passing, and today it is free and open all year – no holiday closures required! A beautiful place to visit any time of day or night when its magically lit trees and large fountain come to life at nightfall.
This estate features lush grounds bursting with exotic flowers, plants and trees from all around the world. It features an amazing garden filled with Rhododendrons and Azaleas that have been hybridized together – truly making this garden one-of-a-kind and special.
At first glance, this property must have been an immense source of pride to the Van Vleck family. Set amidst classic U-shaped Italianate house built in 1916 and featuring exquisite gardens encompassing it – designed and developed over time by three generations of Van Vlecks passionate about gardening; Howard Van Vleck is widely credited with shaping it to its current state by establishing an abundance of evergreen (leafy evergreens) plants on this property.
No matter if you visit on your own or with friends, the gardens will leave an impressionable impression. There are benches and walkways to relax on while flowers and plants are labeled so you can learn what species are growing here depending on what time of year. It’s a wonderful spot for taking photographs or having picnics; also a nice way to relax after walking Upper Mountain Avenue streets for hours on end!
At first glance, this hidden gem may go unnoticed between QuickChek and your local pizza shop; once inside its gates though, a sense of tranquility sets in and you feel as if you have entered some secret oasis. Enjoy walking alone through its gates or simply sitting back with someone special while listening to birds sing and squirrels rustle through its trees – this special place shouldn’t remain hidden for too much longer!
