Mansion in May 2025 opens its doors on May 1 in Chester Township, highlighting interior design, landscape artistry, and local history at this highly anticipated spring event. Located approximately an hour’s drive from Bergen County, the event has long been a popular day-trip destination for residents seeking inspiration and fresh ideas for their homes and gardens. This year’s showcase at the historic Wildfair estate features top regional talent, including several prominent Bergen County designers. Mybergen.com returns as a media partner.
Mansion in May 2025: Designers Transform Historic Estate for Charitable Showcase
Organized by the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, Mansion in May has served as a key fundraising event since its inception in 1974. Held every two to three years, this event transforms an impressive country estate into a showcase featuring carefully curated spaces by talented interior designers and innovative garden displays by experienced landscape designers, including notable professionals from Bergen County. Visitors can expect to find fresh inspiration and creative ideas for their own homes and gardens.
At the present moment, teams of designers and their crews are transforming an elegant country estate into a home with spaces imagined by 38 visionary designers, and a team of 13 landscape designers will provide their landscaping, architectural and artistic expertise to create beautiful outdoor spaces for visitors to enjoy.
Introducing Wildfair: Historic Setting for Mansion in May 2025
Wildfair, the site of the 2025 Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens, has a rich history dating back over 220 years. Originally a working farm in Chester Township, the property housed a gristmill, sawmill, and millstone workshop as early as 1804. The Dorland family owned it for much of the 19th century before transitioning into a country estate in 1934.
That year, Elizabeth Wolcott Elkins, daughter of a prominent Philadelphia banker, and her husband, Harry Bowly Hollins III, a New York banker, acquired the property and enlisted the Philadelphia firm Willing, Sims & Talbutt to transform it. Retaining the original 18th-century stone farmhouse, they expanded it into an elegant Colonial-style retreat featuring fieldstone additions, small-pane casement windows, French doors, and bay windows overlooking the pond.
Elkins Hollins was a first cousin of famed interior designer Sister Parish, and the two likely collaborated on Wildfair’s interiors. The estate later changed hands, with notable owners including Elizabeth McEvers Cutting, a descendant of steamboat pioneer Robert Fulton, and her husband, Nevil Jay Booker. In the 1980s, Orin Robert Smith, former CEO of Engelhard Corporation, took ownership.
In the mid-1990s, Wildfair underwent significant renovations under architect Hiland Hall Turner and Eberle Builders, preserving its historic charm while expanding its grandeur. This storied estate provides a stunning setting for Mansion in May 2025.
Designing Wildfair: A Collaboration of Creativity and Vision
The Women’s Association received many proposals, ultimately selecting a total of 51 interior and landscape designers to create individual spaces around different themes.
Of the interior designers, many are repeat participants, all with the creativity, vision and inventiveness demanded by this sprawling project.
The landscape designers, many of them also repeat participants, have combined functionality with aestheticism as part of a comprehensive plan created by Tom Salaki, Principal of Square Acre Studio.
Bergen County Designers Featured at Mansion in May
Several of Bergen County’s most accomplished interior designers are contributing their talents to this year’s Mansion in May, including:
Diane Durocher, Ramsey
Designing Thoughtful Interiors Through Personal Connection and Attention to Detail
As an accomplished and well-respected designer for more than 25 years, Diane Durocher of Diane Durocher Interiors believes that the foundation of successful design is built on trust and confidence.
By forging deep personal connections with her clients, Durocher and her team create inspired spaces that truly reflect their personalities and lifestyles. Understanding that a well-designed home is more than just a beautiful setting—it shapes the way we live—Durocher brings each client’s vision to life with thoughtful, tailored design.
Collaborating with her husband/general contractor has given Durocher tremendous insight into all aspects of the design process. This unique perspective enables her to create beautiful interiors while personally acting as the project manager. From concept to final installation, she rises to the challenge of transforming a blank slate into a stunning reality. Her ultimate goal is to exceed her clients’ expectations.
This Ramsey, New Jersey professional is an award-winning designer whose talent has been recognized throughout her career. Durocher has received numerous Design of Excellence awards from the New Jersey Chapter of ASID. She has also been selected to showcase her work in many prominent designer showhouses in New Jersey and is often featured in prestigious design publications. Diane’s involvement in Mansion in May 2025 marks her sixth time contributing to this event, showcasing her continued dedication and design expertise.
Susan Farcy, Wyckoff
Blending Classic Architecture with Contemporary Comfort
Susan Farcy of Susan Farcy Interior Design is an accomplished and respected interior designer based in Wyckoff, New Jersey.
With commissions that range from the design and decoration of Manhattan apartments and new homes in northern New Jersey to the complete restoration of the grounds and mansion of a major historical Westchester estate, Farcy has gained a reputation as an individual who has successfully brought her diverse talents to the profession of home design.
Farcy worked in the world of high fashion for some notable New York couture designers before entering the world of fine jewelry. During her tenure with Verdura, Farcy attended the New York School of Interior Design and traveled throughout Europe studying classic architecture. Upon completion of her studies, she worked in the antique and art world before being offered the presidency of a major European fabric company.
After the birth of her first daughter, Farcy started accepting private commissions and established her Bergen County design studio.
Barbara Ostrom, Woodcliff Lake
Creating Interiors Defined by Architectural Detail and Timeless Style
Barbara Ostrom Associates is a nationally recognized, award-winning interior design firm with offices in New Jersey, New York City, and East Hampton. Barbara Ostrom Associates is known for creating both contemporary and traditional interiors with a unique and eclectic style for both residential and commercial design.
Barbara Ostrom, President and CEO, is celebrated for her timeless, sophisticated, and elegant interiors that incorporate bold colors, interesting objects, and meticulous architectural details. With expertise in classical moldings and architectural woodwork, she transforms homes with a focus on customization and attention to detail.
A respected figure in the design world, Barbara has been featured on Good Morning America, Martha Stewart, Antiques Roadshow, and The Real Housewives of New York City. She has also appeared on design panels, judged HGTV contests, and authored the best-selling book Curtain Up – Thirty Years of Spectacular Showhouse Rooms.
Barbara’s high-profile client list includes former President Richard Nixon, Senator Gerald Cardinale, Michael Strahan, Russell and Kimora Simmons, and Sunny Hostin of The View.
Virginia Toledo, Woodcliff Lake
Designing Warm, Functional Spaces Rooted in Craftsmanship
Virginia’s passion for design was sparked in childhood, spending countless hours learning from her father, a general contractor. This early exposure to construction instilled in her a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a natural ability to blend beauty with functionality—principles that define her work today.
As a partner at Toledo Geller, Virginia has cultivated a signature style that balances elegance, warmth, and individuality. Her projects, featured in House Beautiful and other leading publications, honor tradition while embracing bold creativity, resulting in inspiring and highly functional spaces.
At home, Virginia enjoys life in a charming Tudor Revival nestled in a peaceful northwestern New Jersey lake community, where she loves entertaining and creating welcoming spaces for family and friends. When the weather allows, she can be found on the lake with her husband, daughter, and two energetic pups.
A true believer in the transformative power of design, Virginia finds joy in the details—whether grand statements or subtle touches—that elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary
Mansion in May 2025: Supporting Innovative Cancer Care at Morristown Medical Center
The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC), now with over 500 members, has for over 130 years helped the hospital respond to the community’s changing healthcare needs. Morristown Medical Center consistently ranks among the top hospitals in New Jersey according to U.S. News & World Report. The Association hosts a number of fundraising events and has raised more than $32 million to date for the Medical Center, including $14 million from Mansion in May alone.
This year proceeds from Mansion will support the new Proton Therapy Center at Morristown Medical Center, changing the landscape for cancer care. Click here to find more information about the 2025 cause. For more information about WAMMC, visit www.wammc.org.
Tickets Now Available to Mansion in May 2025!
Mansion in May 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mansion in May 2025?
Mansion in May runs from May 1 through May 31, 2025.
Where is the event located?
The event will be held at Wildfair in Chester Township, NJ.
How far is Wildfair from Bergen County?
Wildfair is approximately a 50-60 minute drive from most locations in Bergen County.
What are the hours of operation?
The Mansion is open every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Last entry is at 3:00 pm.
How much do tickets cost?
General admission tickets are $55. Early-bird tickets purchased online by April 30 are available for $50.
Where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available for purchase online at mansioninmay.org.
What does my ticket include?
Your ticket grants you access to tour the Designer Showhouse, explore beautifully landscaped gardens, shop at boutique vendors, and enjoy refreshments or lunch available for purchase at the on-site café.
Can I schedule a private tour?
Yes, private tours can be scheduled through the ticketing section on the official Mansion in May website.
Where can I park, and is there a parking fee?
Complimentary shuttle service is provided from off-site parking area at
Are there accessibility accommodations?
Mansion is not handicap accessible.
Can children attend Mansion in May?
Children under the age of 10 (including infants) are not permitted in the mansion.
How many visitors are expected this year?
More than 20,000 visitors are anticipated to attend Mansion in May 2025.
For more information, visit the official event website: mansioninmay.org.
Make a Day of It: Enjoy Shopping and Dining in Historic Chester
If you’re heading to Chester Township from Bergen County for Mansion in May, it’s worth sticking around to explore the area’s charming downtown district. Chester is known for its quaint shops, unique boutiques, and antique stores, making it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon browsing or hunting for hidden gems. You’ll also find plenty of local eateries—from casual cafés perfect for a quick bite to welcoming restaurants offering diverse menus. Nearby Chester Borough also has pleasant spots for a stroll, rounding out a day trip that’s well worth the drive.
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