Allerton Garden: A Masterpiece of Landscape Art

Allerton Garden: A Masterpiece of Landscape Art

Allerton Garden is not just a collection of beautiful plants. It is a story, a sculpture, and a sanctuary. It is the physical manifestation of the shared vision of two remarkable men. They saw the Lāwaʻi Valley not just as land to be owned, but as a canvas on which to create a living work of art. To walk through Allerton is to walk through their lives, their travels, and their profound partnership.

The Story of Robert Allerton & John Gregg

Robert Allerton was the sole heir to a Chicago fortune built on livestock and banking. He was a man of immense wealth and privilege. After studying art in Europe, he declared himself a "failed artist" and returned to the U.S. He channeled his creative passions into collecting art and landscape architecture.

In the 1920s, he met John Gregg. John was a young and talented architectural student at the University of Illinois. The two formed an immediate and deep bond. They became lifelong companions. They traveled the world together, collecting art and inspiration for their grand estate in Illinois, known as "The Farms."

Their relationship was one that defied the conventions of their time. In an era where same-sex partnerships were not recognized, they created a family of their own. Robert Allerton eventually leveraged his influence to change Illinois law. This allowed him to legally adopt the adult John Gregg. It was a move that legitimized their union and secured their legacy together.

More than just a winter retreat, it became their personal refuge. A place where they could fully express their shared artistic vision away from the constraints of society. Here, they were known for hosting fabulous, imaginative parties. They maintained a guesthouse filled with costumes from their world travels. They invited famous guests like artist Georgia O'Keeffe, actor John Wayne, and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to dress up and wander through the moonlit gardens.

Exploring the "Garden Rooms"

The genius of Allerton and Gregg's design lies in the concept of outdoor "garden rooms." Using towering plants as walls and the sky as a ceiling, they crafted a series of intimate, distinct spaces. These unfold as you walk the winding paths. Each has its own character and mood. As your tour guide leads you through, you'll experience a journey through their imagination.

The Mermaid Room

This is one of the most magical spaces. A long, narrow fountain is flanked by elegant mermaid statues. But the real artistry is in the sound. The Allertons engineered the fountain so that the water pulses down its 100-foot length at a rate of 52 beats per minute. It's designed to mimic the rhythm of a human heart at rest.

I always tell people to stop here, close their eyes, and just listen. It's an incredibly calming and meditative experience. The sound creates an immediate sense of peace. You feel your own heartbeat synchronizing with the water's rhythm.

The Diana Room & Waterfall

Here, a life-sized statue of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, stands watch over a serene, mossy reflecting pool. The space is framed by a latticed pavilion. This creates a sense of classical European elegance deep within a tropical jungle. Just beyond lies the beautiful Diana Waterfall. It's a perfect spot for photos.

The contrast is striking. Ancient Roman mythology meets tropical paradise. The cool, shaded space provides relief from the warm Hawaiian sun. The sound of cascading water adds to the tranquil atmosphere.

The Golden Bamboo Grove

Stepping into this room feels like entering another world. Towering stalks of golden bamboo form a dense canopy overhead. When the trade winds blow, the canes knock against each other. They create a natural, hollow music that is utterly enchanting. A serene Buddha statue marks the entrance. This sets a contemplative tone for the space.

The light filtering through the bamboo creates patterns that shift throughout the day. Morning light has a different quality than afternoon light. Each visit offers a slightly different experience.

The Thanksgiving Room

This open-air "room" is perhaps the most personal and moving space in the entire garden. Our tour guide once shared a story with me that I've never forgotten. Robert Allerton didn't name this room for the American holiday. He named it because, at a point of deep despair earlier in his life, he had contemplated suicide. He was profoundly grateful that he had persevered to experience the joy of creating this garden and sharing it with the people he loved.

It's a powerful reminder that this garden was not just about aesthetics. It was a place of healing and profound personal meaning. The room overlooks the ocean, providing a sense of endless possibility and hope.