IMAGE GALLERY: Springtime at Rolling Ridge

Larry Peacock moved five years ago from Malibu California to oversee the Rolling Ridge as the Executive Director. While walking through the property he pointed out the grounds were designed by renowned landscape architect Fletcher Steele. The property covers 38 acres on an isolated peninsula extending into the town resevoir, Lake Cochichewick.

The center offers a wide number of programs for individual retreats, spiritual groups and business meetings. The estate was a private home in the 1920s that belonged to Ethan Allen and the property is now owned by the United Methodist Church. The ministry offers a wide range of their own programs held at the center and features a new Wellness Center that offers massages and other body therapies by appointment.

The grounds feature a lakeside picnic area, two walking labyrynths and a bowling green that leads to a grand fountain that empties into smaller cascading fountains. The fountain was inspired by Fletcher Steele's trip to Italy prior to the design. The layout of the property and architectural features were one of Steele's very early works and holds substantial historical value.

The fountains and other features are in need of reconstruction due to the fact that poured concrete was a new building material when it was used. Techniques have since been learned to ensure greater longevity. Specialists brought in to assess and repair the fountain have found bed strings and sub-par rebar holding things together. When restored the fountain may again shoot thirty feet in the air as it once did.

Have a look at some photos from the tour of the estate and grounds at Rolling Ridge.