Our History
It all began with a young married couple in the early 1930s.
One Southern Woman’s
Dream Brought to Life
The Gardens at Madeley Manor is rich in history and rooted in good fortune. It all began with a young married couple both from early pioneer families of Montgomery County, Texas that emigrated from England. Daniel Madeley was a local cattleman specializing in production and marketing and his lovely wife, Ruth Madeley was mother to four young children.
While Mrs. Madeley happily attended to her family, she made a rather forward decision for her time period. She decided to complete her education and pursue a teaching career at Sam Houston State Teacher’s College, now known as Sam Houston State University. In the midst of her studies, she was given a project to design and build a home. This assignment ended up being more than just a grade for Mrs. Madeley, it inspired the beautiful home that is now nestled in The Gardens at Madeley Manor.
As time passed, oil exploration founded the Conroe Oil Field in the early 1930s. Mr. Madeley and his brother jointly owned over 800 acres of land located right in the center of the field. As luck would have it, a blow-out well ignited in flames resulting in a generous cash settlement and provided the capital needed to bring Mrs. Madeley’s dream to life.
Becoming the Epicenter of
Class and Sophistication
Soon after, the illustrious Mr. Blum E. Hester was retained as the Madeley’s architect and advisor. This famous gentleman firmly adhered to the classic architectural form and style of many prominent homes in the River Oaks area of Houston, Texas, and insisted on authenticity in every detail.
Faithful to her vision, Mrs. Madeley worked closely with the aficionado for nearly a year, reassessing and refining plans. When completed, the elegant, southern colonial-style home featured a colonnade of Corinthian columns, stretching a full 53 feet across the front of the main block of the home. After concluding his work on Madeley Manor, Mr. Hester went on to create other prominent homes as well as the now-historic Crighton Theatre.
The ever-gracious Madeley’s and their manor became an epicenter of sophistication for miles around. With a gift for entertaining, Mrs. Madeley hosted receptions honoring state and local dignitaries, music recitals, afternoon teas, family gatherings, holiday parties, and of course, weddings.
Continuing the Legacy of
The Madeley Family
How ironic that years later, another delightful woman would be compelled to turn this charming location into a one-of-a-kind event venue. Teamed with her husband, they hosted many special occasions and later passed the reigns to a lovely lady with a passion for delighting clients. Together with her family, they made countless reveries a reality.
The legacy continues with a new generation of caretakers who honor the robust heritage of The Gardens at Madeley Manor and uphold it as a place where special memories are made for years to come. Walk the halls, the gardens, or the grounds and experience the beauty and elegance this setting can provide for any occasion.
Discover Our Beautiful Venue
The elegant ambiance of The Gardens at Madeley Manor is beyond compare. Guests will be delighted by the natural beauty and serene atmosphere found in each room and outdoor space. Get an inside look by browsing through our individual galleries.
