Hopelands Gardens
To rent the gardens for events including weddings and receptions, please call (803) 642-7650.
Wrapped behind a serpentine brick wall and under a canopy of ancient oaks, deodar cedars and magnolias, is Hopelands Gardens. Bequeathed to the City of Aiken by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin, this 14 acre estate was opened in 1969 as a public garden. Radiating throughout the gardens is a network of paths shaded under 100 year old live oaks. I is believed that Mrs. Iselin planted the deodar cedars and live oaks which still grace Hopelands Gardens today. The lazy curves of the paths and garden borders lead visitors throughout a wonderful variety of experiences sure to please visitors of all ages.
The Dollhouse
Now known as “The Dollhouse,” enjoy your visit to the former playhouse and schoolhouse of the Iselin children. Take notice of the center portion of the structure, as it is one of the first types of modular homes of the early 1900’s, and was ordered by the Iselin’s from a Sears & Roebuck catalog. Constructed with nuts and bolts, it stands sturdy even today. The Dollhouse is now the home of the Aiken Garden Club Council and its reference library. It is open to the public every Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. At Christmas, the council decorates the house in holiday fare and hosts an open house as part of the award winning “Christmas in Hopelands” program.
The Fountains
Follow along the former driveway leading past the Hall of Fame to the fountains. At the steps to the former home, pause to view the two greyhounds that guarded the home. As you enter, the three magnificent fountains are placed in the foundation of the former Iselin home. You can just imagine life surrounded by this lush estate.
Located at Whiskey Road and Dupress Place, Hopelands Gardens is open Monday - Sunday, 10:00 A.M. until sunset. Admission is free.
Please respect private events being held in the Gardens.
Special Events
Hopelands Summer Concert Series
A picnic supper, a blanket, family and friends make for a perfect Monday evening during the months of May through August as local and regional artists perform at the
Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage. Concerts begin at 7:00 P.M. unless noted. Admission is free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
Christmas in Hopelands
Enjoy the many thousands of lights in Hopelands Gardens during the holiday season. Local groups including student choirs perform music of the season and visitors enjoy the view of lights decorating the paths and lawns of the estate. Refreshments are served at the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum. Admission is free. Dates and times vary.
Hopelands Gardens History
(as compiled by the Aiken Garden Club Council - 1979)
It is thought that prior to 1897, the property known as Hopelands was a farm or part of one. Aiken County Courthouse records show a deed recorded March 10, 1897 that conveyed approximately 15 acres to C. Oliver Iselin. The grantors were Frank L. Burckhalter and Elizabeth B. Bates. The purchase price was given as $ 1,650.
Mrs. Iselin's father, Colonel William Goodard, was a Chancellor of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The family spent winters in Aiken during the late 1800's bringing their daughter, Hope, with them. In fact, the Goodards rented "Rye Patch" which is the estate adjacent to Hopelands on Whiskey Road.
Mr. Iselin's parents settled in New Rochelle, New York and had interests in banking, textiles, railroads, and maining. Charles Oliver Islein was the sportsman son of the family. From the late 1800's through the turn of the century, he, with financial support from other members of his family, was closely involved in the design, building, equipping, and sailing of American entries in no less that six of the internationally known "America's Cup" yacht races.
Mrs. Hope Islein was known in the United States and England as "the great lady of racing" for her lifetime interest in thoroughbred horses. She maintained racing stables in the country and abroad into her 90's and annually made pilgramages to England fo the racing season there.
Oliver and Hope Islein built their winter home in Aiken around the turn of the century. Mrs. Iselin began developing the gardens shortly thereafter. Although the family spent only winters in Aiken, she put love and care into creating an atmosphere of tranquility and beauty. It is believed that Mrs. Islein planted the deodar cedars and live oaks that still grace Hopelands today.
After her death in 1970 at the age of 102, Hopelands was bequeathed to the City of Aiken. The garden is designed as a peaceful haven of beauty for the enjoyment of Aiken citizens and visitors.
If accommodations for those with disabilities are needed at any City of Aiken facility or event, please notify the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, & Tourism 72 hours in advance at 1-888-AikenSC or (803)642-7631.