Oxbow Farm at Fiddler's Elbow Selected to Host Mansion in May 2027

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Fiddler's Elbow is proud to announce that Oxbow Farm, its historic countryside estate in Bedminster, New Jersey, has been selected as the site of the 22nd Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens, presented by the Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC). The celebrated fundraising event will take place May 1 through May 31, 2027, welcoming thousands of visitors to the property while raising critical funds for Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center.

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The selection of Oxbow Farm marks a significant milestone in the property's transformation into one of New Jersey's premier destinations for weddings, celebrations, retreats, and member experiences. Hosting Mansion in May offers the public a unique opportunity to experience the beauty, history, and future vision of this remarkable estate.

Set on 127 acres along the scenic Lamington River, Oxbow Farm is an historic estate deeply rooted in the region's agricultural and social heritage. Originally developed in the 1930s by Kenneth and Ellen Schley, the property is anchored by a magnificent 13,000-square-foot Georgian-style manor designed by architect John Walter Cross of the renowned New York architectural firm Cross & Cross. One of only five grand Somerset Hills estates designed by the firm, the stately 23-room residence features 13 bedrooms, eight bathrooms, five fireplaces, exquisite hand-carved plaster moldings, and a dramatic center hall extending from the front entrance to a two-level columned rear portico overlooking sweeping lawns and the river's signature Oxbow bend.

Known for many years as Lana Lobell Farm, the estate entered an exciting new chapter in July 2025 when it was acquired by Ken Donovan and family and MaryEllen Donovan-Stewart and family, trustees of the adjacent Fiddler's Elbow Country Club. Today, the property is being thoughtfully reimagined as Oxbow Farm, an elegant countryside destination that complements the Fiddler's Elbow experience while preserving the estate's rich architectural legacy.

As part of Mansion in May 2027, Oxbow Farm will be transformed by many of the region's most accomplished interior and landscape designers, showcasing approximately 48 beautifully curated interior and garden spaces that blend timeless architecture with fresh, inspired design.

"Hosting Mansion in May is a natural extension of all that we stand for at Fiddler's Elbow," said Mary Ellen Donovan-Stewart, Vice President of Oxbow Farm and Fiddler's Elbow. "Oxbow Farm was envisioned as a place where people come together to celebrate life's most meaningful moments. We are honored to share this extraordinary property with the community while supporting the outstanding work of Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Oxbow Farm's next chapter while helping advance an organization that has made an immeasurable impact on so many families throughout our region."

Barbara Ruane, President of the Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center, added, "We are thrilled to bring Mansion in May to Oxbow Farm. This extraordinary estate provides an inspiring canvas for our talented designers while furthering our longstanding mission of supporting exceptional patient care and groundbreaking programs at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center."

Since its inception in 1974, Mansion in May has become the signature fundraising event of the Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center, raising nearly $16 million in support of Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center. Attracting approximately 24,000 visitors during its month-long run, the event is held every two to three years and is recognized as one of the premier designer showhouses in the New Jersey and New York metropolitan area.

Tickets for Mansion in May 2027 will become available in late Fall 2026 through the Mansion in May website.

ABOUT FIDDLER'S ELBOW

Fiddler's Elbow is one of the nation's premier private clubs, located in Bedminster, New Jersey. The club features 54 holes of championship golf, world-class racquet sports, exceptional dining, wellness and fitness amenities, and a vibrant calendar of social events for members and their families. Guided by a commitment to creating extraordinary experiences, Fiddler's Elbow continues to expand its offerings through innovative initiatives such as Oxbow Farm, an adjacent historic estate being transformed into a refined destination for celebrations, overnight retreats, farm experiences, and special events.

ABOUT THE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION FOR MORRISTOWN MEDICAL CENTER

Established in 1893, the Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) is the volunteer fundraising arm of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center. Through fundraising initiatives including Mansion in May, WAMMC has contributed more than $35 million to support capital improvements, innovative clinical programs, groundbreaking research, and ongoing medical education at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center.

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