Cairnwood hosting wine and cheese affair

Cairnwood Estate in Bryn Athyn will open its doors Aug. 16 for a romantic endof-the summer evening including a wine tasting, live jazz and a chance to explore the Beaux Arts-style mansion and its lush grounds.

sisitors are invited to experience the grandeur of the “GildedAge” from 8 to 11 p.m. at Cairnwood, 1005 Cathedral Road.

Co-hosting the event is Frank’s Union Wine Mart of Wilmington, Del., which will provide international wines. Imported and domestic cheeses will be among the fare offered by Jeffrey Miller Catering of Philadelphia, and Mark Furman and his jazz trio will perform throughout the evening. Allure West Studios, another sponsor, will photograph the event and the décor will be provided by Picture-Perfect Creations.

Proceeds will be used to continue restoration work at the estate and will support the Cairnwood Estate Dream Garden Landscape Plan which is based on the original 1895 plan for Cairnwood designed by Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot of New York City. Frederick Law Olmsted earlier had designed Central Park.

Steeped in history, Cairnwood — part of the BrynAthyn Historic District — was built during America’s “Gilded Age” by industrialist John Pitcairn and his wife, Gertrude. It was designed by Carrère and Hastings, one of the country’s leading architectural firms, as a large country estate, and consisted of the main house, an adjacent courtyard, a formal garden with a garden house, greenhouses, a pergola, stables near the entrance gate and a working farm across Huntingdon Pike.

The Pitcairns made Cairnwood a cultural and social center for the community, hosting everything from meetings to wedding receptions, plays and concerts. Located about 15 miles from Philadelphia and operated as a NRNSURfiW, LW NRw LV D YHNUH IRU wHGdings and other social events, tours and educational programs.

Admission to the Aug. 16 event is A15; one free admission is offered to members of Cairnwood Estate. No tickets are required, but reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 215-9472004 or by sending an e-mail to info@ cairnwood.org. Guests must be 21 years old or older.

For additional information about Cairnwood Estates or for directions, visit www. cairnwood.org.