Yes Virginia, There Is a Public Garden In Beverly Hills – A Visit To the Virginia Robinson Garden

Whenever I drive through Beverly Hills I always see tourist vans circling the blocks pointing out the homes of the rich and famous. While I’ve never taken one of these tours I have driven through the neighborhoods of the haves and wishing I wasn’t so much of a have not. But I had never been inside one of these homes and honestly never thought I would ever be. Until I heard about the Virginia Robinson Gardens.

Virginia Robinson was the wife of Harry Robinson, founder of Robinson’s department store. Way back in 1911 the couple decided to build an estate out in the middle of nowhere in a hilly, desolate area called Beverly Hills. They were true pioneers building the first estate in this no man’s land. As the years went by the population grew and the Robinson estate was eventually surrounded by other properties. Virginia lived a very long life, passing away in 1977 a few weeks before her 100th birthday. Not wanting her lovely home and garden to be plowed over and replaced by the latest McMansion trend she bequeathed the property to Los Angeles County so that the estate could remain as is and be shared with the public. And to this day, it remains just that.

Because the home is in the middle of a neighborhood and nearby residents don’t want the pesky public gallivanting about all the time the estate has very limited hours. At this time, guided tours are only available Tuesday through Thursday and appointments are absolutely necessary.

But don’t let that dissuade you because the estate is a sight to see. It’s absolutely beautiful, taking up six acres of terraced gardens and two beautiful historic buildings. Just look at it –