Stoneleigh is growing
The 13-acre Oakwell property is saved, and Stoneleigh: a natural garden has grown from 42 acres to 52.
remarkable opportunity.
In the summer of 2026, Natural Lands closed on transactions that will preserve the entirety of the historic Oakwell property and expand Stoneleigh; a natural garden by nearly 25 percent. The two adjoining properties are now reunited, having been subdivided nearly 100 years ago.
Although the new acreage will require a period of preparation before opening to the public, its addition significantly advances Stoneleigh’s mission: to celebrate the beauty and importance of the natural world and inspire the cultivation of native plants for the benefit of all.
Said Natural Lands’ President Oliver Bass, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to preserve all of Oakwell and to grow Stoneleigh for the benefit of residents and visitors from the entire region free of charge. None of this would be possible without the exceptionally generous support of the Wyncote Foundation. Additional leadership support is being provided the William Penn Foundation.”
A new master plan for the expanded Stoneleigh outlines a vision for thoughtfully weaving Oakwell and Stoneleigh together while creating inspiring new garden spaces, expanding educational capacity, elevating guests’ experiences, and honoring the properties’ historical significance.
view the master planphoto gallery
Enjoy a preview of the new addition. There is much work to be done, but the beauty shines through.
FAQs about this exciting addition
No, not yet. At this time, the property lacks paths, signage, and other amenities and is not ready yet for public use.
It will likely take a few years for Natural Lands to ready the additional acreage for guests and opening may happen in phases. We will continue to share our progress and will let the public know our opening date as soon as we know it.
A team of staff members have been working with landscape architecture firm SALT and Voith & Mactavish Architects to develop a Master Plan for Stoneleigh that includes the expansion. However, these plans are not final and may change depending on permitting, budget, and other factors.
We are in the process of planning and designing the renovations that are called for in the Master Plan. Construction will begin after the design phase is complete, and we don’t yet know that exact date.
Natural Lands always endeavors to avoid the removal of healthy, mature trees. Trees that are in decline may be pruned or removed for safety. Sadly, some of the trees at Oakwell are beech species, which will likely succumb to beech leaf disease within the next several years and will have to be removed.
Natural Lands plans to restore thoughtfully the historical structures at Oakwell for adaptive reuse. These include a complex that once housed the greenhouses for the Stoneleigh estate, a former caretaker’s cottage, and a garden feature known as the Tea House. They will serve as spaces for educational programs and events. The pool house, which is a contemporary structure that does not align with the new vision for the property, will be removed.
At the same time that Natural Lands purchased the 10-acre addition to Stoneleigh, the Wyncote Foundation purchased an additional three acres adjacent to the property—including the Oakwell mansion. This private non-profit plans to restore and preserve the mansion.
The 10-acre addition significantly advances Stoneleigh’s mission: to celebrate the beauty and importance of the natural world and inspire the cultivation of native plants for the benefit of all. The Master Plan outlines a vision for thoughtfully weaving Oakwell and Stoneleigh together while creating inspiring new garden spaces, expanding educational capacity, elevating guests’ experiences, and honoring the properties’ historical significance. The Master Plan also calls for additional parking and a new Welcome Center to greet and orient guests year‑round.
We will endeavor to minimize the impact of construction on Stoneleigh guests. However, there will be times that portions of Stoneleigh will be closed, walking paths may be rerouted, and construction noise will be present. We appreciate everyone’s patience as these “growing pains” make possible all exciting new changes to come.
The expansion of Stoneleigh is made possible by the exceptionally generous leadership support of the Wyncote Foundation. Additional leadership support is being provided by the William Penn Foundation. We are benefitting from other dedicated gifts and grants, including from the Carroll A. Weinberg M.D. & Charlotte Cohen Weinberg Foundation.
want a sneak peek of Oakwell?
Starting later this year, we’ll offer exclusive tours of Oakwell—a behind-the-scenes look at a landscape in transformation. Because of limited group sizes and high interest, these early access experiences will be available exclusively to those who make Stoneleigh is Growing possible through their giving, including Natural Lands members.
Invitations for these offerings will be sent only to current supporters and members. If you’re not currently connected as a supporter or member, now is the time—so you don’t miss the opportunity to experience Oakwell in its earliest days.
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It will be an exciting few years as we incorporate the former Oakwell property into Stoneleigh, with new garden spaces and guest experiences.
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