Step back in time and experience Beverly Hills during the Classic Era at one of the most notable estates of the day, the home of Virginia and Harry Robinson of J.W. Robinson Department Store Company fame. Built in 1911, the Robinson home was the center of entertainment, welcoming guests such as Marlene Dietrich, Fred Astaire, Sophia Loren, Charlie Chaplin and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
Pillars of the business and social scene, the Robinsons were also car people who owned three Model J Duesenbergs (J-108, the first Murphy Convertible Coupe; J-114, a Derham Town Car; and J-171, a Derham Sedan), even more Model A Duesenbergs and a Cadillac Town Car.
Described as “Beverly Hills’ First Estate,” the Beaux Arts style home is enhanced with a pool, tennis courts and expansive gardens situated on the 6.2-acre property. We will tour a portion of the main house, the Pool Pavilion, the garages (with mechanic’s pit) and the lush, landscaped grounds. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978
Following our docent-led 90 minute tour, we will enjoy delicious boxed sandwich lunches from Clementine’s on the Rose Terrace near the tennis court.
TIME & PLACE:
The Virginia Robinson Gardens is located at 1008 Elden Way in Beverly Hills (90210).
Plan to arrive at 9:30 a.m. which will give you enough time to park your Classic (or if driving modern, walk up to the house). There will be preferred parking for Classic Cars on the grounds of the estate, available for early arrivals. There is no parking on Elden Way but you may park on Crescent Drive. Our tour begins promptly at 10 a.m. and last about 90 minutes. Boxed lunches will be served on the outside patio at around 11:45 a.m.
Be sure to wear comfortable attire and shoes as the majority of the tour focuses on the outdoor gardens. Our group will be limited to 40 attendees so register early.
COST & REGISTRATION:
The $75 cost per person covers access to the grounds, the docent-led tour and lunch.
Registration now closed.
The deadline to register was Monday, July 7, 2025. Questions? Contact Ron at (310) 922-3886 or e-mail: ronaldjverschoor@gmail.com.
Registration deadline: Monday, July 7, 2025 -CLOSED
PLEASE NOTE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE VIRGINIA ROBINSON GARDENS:
• Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
• We are not stroller friendly, if bringing smaller children, they must be held or walked.
• Cameras are allowed, however there is no photography inside the home, also while on the tour we ask that you exercise caution while using your camera.
• Guest are required to wear booties, or socked feet inside of the House/Museum.
• No pets are allowed.
• The tour is predominantly outside with several steps to navigate. Our gardens are not conducive to walkers, canes or strollers so they are not permitted on tours for safety reasons. Wheelchairs are not allowed in the garden spaces.
• Tours generally last 90 minutes long.
• Tours begin promptly at scheduled times. Guests that arrive later than 15 minutes after the start time will not be able to join the tour.
• Dress accordingly for the weather. We suggest bringing water and wearing a hat and/or bringing an umbrella on warm days, and a coat and scarf on cold days.
• Please do not park on Elden Way; that parking is for residents of the neighborhood only. You may park on Crescent Way.
TIME & PLACE:
The Virginia Robinson Gardens is located at 1008 Elden Way in Beverly Hills (90210). From points south: Take Sunset Blvd. to Beverly Drive (north). Turn left on Lexington Road, right on Crescent Drive and right on Elden Way.
From points north: Take Coldwater Canyon Drive (south) and turn right Lexington Road, right on Crescent Drive and right on Elden Way.
Plan to arrive at 9:30 a.m. which will give you enough time to park your Classic (or if driving modern, walk up to the house). There will be preferred parking for Classic Cars on the grounds of the estate, available for early arrivals. There is no parking on Elden Way but you may park on Crescent Drive. Our tour begins promptly at 10 a.m. and last about 90 minutes. Boxed lunches will be served on the outside patio at around 11:45 a.m.
Be sure to wear comfortable attire and shoes as the majority of the tour focuses on the outdoor gardens.
