I would like to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to experience the place that has captured my heart and imagination—my home, Islefield, also known as Almondbury. Situated at the intersection of Conestoga Road, Ithan Avenue, and Mill Road in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, Islefield has a storied history that stretches back over a century. Originally built in 1911 by renowned architect Horace Trumbauer for Herbert S. Darlington, the estate has passed through many hands, each adding their own chapter to its rich narrative. Today, it stands as a place of inspiration and growth for me, a place where history, architecture, and personal passion converge.
Islefield is more than just a home—it’s a sanctuary steeped in character and charm. When we first acquired the carriage house and barn in 2013, it was from a family who had faced profound loss, and yet their love for the space was palpable. That deep emotional connection to the land, the architecture, and the history has stayed with me. The barn, once used as a rehabilitation space by the previous owners, is where I have done much of my creative work. It’s a space that is deeply personal and meaningful to me, just a short walk from the main house under a veranda that overlooks the expansive fields.
One of the things that initially drew me to Islefield was Trumbauer’s brilliant use of space. The home is thoughtfully designed with substantial closet space, a sizable kitchen, and a stunning living room that was once a two-vintage car garage—complete with a fireplace to keep warm during the winter. The window seats, scattered throughout the home, provide cozy nooks where I often sit and reflect. From these small corners to the grand architecture, and the incredible perennial garden that blooms every year and inspires a fresh seasonal palate. Every part of Islefield speaks to me, offering both inspiration and comfort.
The property itself, originally named Islefield by the Darlington family, created a sort of island of green between Ithan, Conestoga, and Mill Roads. The estate’s landscaping, designed by Oglesby Paul, adds to its picturesque beauty, framing the home in a natural embrace. As someone who deeply appreciates the art of design and architecture, the home’s details—right down to the original silk curtains, a nod to the Darlington family’s involvement in the silk trade—resonate with me on a profound level.
Islefield’s history is filled with fascinating figures, from the Darlington family to George Brooke and Lucille Carter Polk, a Titanic survivor. The stories embedded in these walls make the home feel alive with memories of the past, yet it continues to be a place of new beginnings.
Islefield is where I’ve nurtured my love for architecture, where I’ve found inspiration in the quiet moments, and where I’ve connected to a deep sense of history and legacy. I believe that stepping into Islefield is like stepping into a different world—a world where the past and present exist in harmony, where every room holds a story, and every corner invites reflection.
I look forward to welcoming you to Islefield through the brand and our inviting products, and sharing with you the experience that has been a source of growth, creativity, and endless inspiration.
