Andalusia, Philadelphia

March 15, 2020

Give me a beautiful sunny day and I will tell you where I’d like to plop myself down for a peaceful rest…the front porch of the Andalusia mansion just north of Philadelphia on the Delaware River waterfront. My husband and I visited on a romantic getaway and it happened to be the most stunning day, azure sky, perfect temperature in late June, and I regret we did not allow ourselves more time to just sit in silence soaking in the awesome beauty. To this day, I keep thinking, how can I get myself back there again?

I can imagine many people that live close by may not even realize the treasure that sits there waiting to be explored. Within minutes of fighting Philly traffic, you are transported to a lush English garden with a magnificent Greek Revival house situated with a commanding view of the serene river. I’m not exaggerating when I say it is pin-drop silent except for the birds and the occasional motor boat chugging by.

Originally built in 1794, this intriguing home was significantly altered in 1834 by famed architect Thomas Ustick Walter (best known for his design of the domed Capitol building in Washington DC) to achieve the Greek Revival look we see today. The massive white-columned porch gives this mansion an ancient look, albeit a little out of place perhaps.

*Unique black and white checkered porch floor*

Home to the Craig and Biddle families for over 200 years, they continue to play an active part in running Andalusia. One interesting fact I learned about Nicholas Biddle was that he was friends with and helped shelter Aaron Burr after his infamous dual in which he killed Alexander Hamilton. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966, the home and gardens are open for tours, lectures, and private events, such as weddings.

Since the families used Andalusia as a summer home all those years, very little was changed in the way of interior decorating, rare in 18^th and 19^th century homes. The tour gave us a glimpse into the Biddle family history along with a chance to view early American decorative arts. I particularly loved seeing the elegant “yellow” parlor room and the unique library containing many period books in their original setting, including a signed copy of the 1814 Lewis and Clark Journals.

Be aware, only certain rooms are air-conditioned making it a little stuffy on a warm summer day. The tour takes you through most of the house, including bedrooms. One bedroom is set up like a museum displaying artifacts related to Commodore Biddle’s long distinguished naval career.

I have to say though, the highlight for me was strolling through the idyllic gardens and walking paths near the waterfront. The gardens are English-style often amongst the woods with more perennials than neatly planted annuals. Historic structures are incorporated into the landscape including two large masonry walls partially restored remaining from the estate’s attempt at commercial grape growing in the mid 1800’s.

Other architectural features include a cottage, a Gothic ruins, a Billiards room, and a Garden shed, which plays an educational video and contains a small museum.

We visited Andalusia on the second day of our romantic getaway having visited Bryn Athyn the first day. We also spent an evening in Bristol, PA eating dinner at the Historic King George II Inn on the quaint and newly renovated waterfront and community gathering spot. I was so delighted with every aspect of this trip, as it gave us a chance to slow down and learn about history in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

Did you know that Philadelphia is “America’s Garden Capitol” with 30+ public gardens within 30 miles of the city, Andalusia included. You don’t have to travel far to find exquisite beauty!