Esta Barrett

MANOR & GARDENS

A Remarkable Woman, A Remarkable Place

On the National Register
of Historic Places

Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens brings together the stories of a turn of the twentieth-century Chicago businessman, his remarkable wife – the namesake of the property, a renowned landscape architect, and passionate historic preservationists.

Learn about this gentleman’s farm and its evolution from Indian Hill Manor to Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens.

A Historic Landmark

Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens sits on 500 acres of land located along the Kishwaukee and Rock rivers southwest of Rockford, Illinois. The holdings include the 26-acre manor grounds that were laid out by O. C. Simonds, one of the leaders of the natural landscaping movement of the early 20th century, and a 160-acre historic farm.

Esta Barrett's signature
Artistic image of Esta Barrett
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Visit

Calling nature lovers and history buffs alike! A guided tour of Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens offers a glimpse into the life of our namesake, Esta Barrett, and her beautiful Rockford estate.

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What’s Happening

Join us for one of these upcoming events.

Looking for something new and different this season? Consider a tour of Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens.
This 90-minute, ¾ mile farm hike is part historical tour and part exercise!
The holidays are the perfect time to tour Esta Barrett Manor.

Support Historic Preservation

Help preserve and share the exceptional history of this distinguished property.

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Stay Connected with History

We want to be friends. Follow us and stay informed of programs, events, and efforts to restore the property to its full splendor.

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#estabarrett ... See MoreSee Less

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a vibrant native plant to grow in your pollinator garden. It will attract plenty of butterflies, and the deer should leave it alone. If you want a pop of color from June through August, the bright orange flowers will not disappoint. This specimen is growing in our conservation field. ... See MoreSee Less

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a vibrant native plant to grow in your pollinator garden. It will attract plenty of butterflies, and the deer should leave it alone. If you want a pop of color from June through August, the bright orange flowers will not disappoint.  This specimen is growing in our conservation field.

Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens sits on 500 acres of land located along the Kishwaukee and Rock rivers southwest of Rockford, Illinois. The holdings include the 26-acre manor grounds that were laid out by O. C. Simonds, one of the leaders of the natural landscaping movement of the early 20th century, and a 160-acre historic farm. Guided tours can be booked through Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/esta-barrett-manor-gardens-tour-tickets-574928204737?aff=oddtdtcreator ... See MoreSee Less

Esta Barrett Manor & Gardens sits on 500 acres of land located along the Kishwaukee and Rock rivers southwest of Rockford, Illinois. The holdings include the 26-acre manor grounds that were laid out by O. C. Simonds, one of the leaders of the natural landscaping movement of the early 20th century, and a 160-acre historic farm. Guided tours can be booked through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/esta-barrett-manor-gardens-tour-tickets-574928204737?aff=oddtdtcreator