Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square has finalized its acquisition of a 505-acre Delaware estate once owned by the late Irénée du Pont on Jan. 11, writes Emma Dooling for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The popular Chester County attraction first announced it had entered into an agreement with Granogue Reserve to buy the property in February 2023. The Conservation Fund acted as the fiscal agent for the purchase.

Longwood Gardens did not disclose the terms of the deal.

The 100-year-old Granogue is located around seven miles from Longwood Gardens. It includes farmland, forest, pastures, and meadows and is home to 18 residences.

Longwood Gardens plans to use the newly acquired property to grow its ecological conservation and research practices. The tourist destination also plans to conduct a thorough assessment of the property to determine what it can do with the estate.

“We understand the important role this iconic landscape plays in our community, and we will work to ensure it is stewarded for future generations to enjoy,” said a Longwood Gardens representative.

The Longwood Foundation and the Mt. Cuba Center, a Delaware botanical garden, provided part of the funds for the acquisition.

Read more about Longwood Gardens finalizing the purchase of Granogue in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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