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Our History

Once home to the Wharton’s (UPenn School of Business Founders) and the Drexel’s (Drexel University Founders), Pen Ryn Estate celebrates several decades of rich history.

It All Started In 1744

The Bickleys, notable British shipping merchants, migrated here during the Revolutionary War and set out to build their family estate. The Bickleys affectionately called the property Belle Voir, which is French for “beautiful view.”

1790
The Start
Built as a two-story home in 1744, the Bickley children added a third floor in 1790. Originally named Belle Voir, meaning 'beautiful view' in French, the Bickleys renamed the property Pen Ryn after their ancestral town in England. Having come to “America” to support the British, it makes sense why they settled along the Delaware River.

1790
1890
The American Family
Built as a two-story home in 1744, the Bickley children added a third floor in 1790. Having lost the war, the Bickley Family became very unpopular and eventually sold the estate to the Drexel Family, who then married into the Wharton Family.

1890
1914
The Drexel children add the Library Wing, removed the front porch and changed the mansion from Federal to Georgian style.

1914
1938
As noted in the book ‘Lights Along the Delaware’ Josephine Seton-Henry Drexel married J.B. Lippincott, of publishing fame, at Pen Ryn Estate, in a never-to-be-forgotten event. After the reception, the young couple sailed from the Pen Ryn riverfront on the Lippincott yacht.

1938
1948
The property becomes the Pen Ryn Elementary School.

1948
1988
By now, the school had moved. The property had been sold to a real estate developer who soon went bankrupt. The property was abandoned.

1988
1993
Ruins
The property was purchased by the current owner who undertook an extensive multi year renovation of the mansion and grounds. Our first weddings began in May 1995. In the late 80s the estate was the Pen Ryn School, located now in Fairless Hills, PA. After moving locations, the property was repossessed by the township and laid dormant for over 10 years. With no one caring for it, the estate soon became unrecognizable, with all its charm and character left to rot. However, in 1993 we made settlement and with a great deal of hope and faith, we began to bring this estate back to its original grandeur.

1993
1995
Our History Begins
After a painstaking two year renovation, we held our first wedding in July 1995. Pen Ryn Mansion was about to be filled once again with life and love!

1995
2003
Demand for events warrants renovating the carriage house, which is renamed ‘Belle Voir’ in honor of the estates ancestral name. Weddings fill the calendar immediately.

2003
2005
The Carriage House
Sitting on the estate was not just the Pen Ryn Mansion but also the carriage house. After growing in popularity for nearly a decade, we felt it was time to expand our business and now renovate the property’s existing carriage house. Belle Voir, meaning "beautiful view" in French, was historically what the property was referred to, which seems like a natural choice for a name. After about a year of renovations, Belle Voir held its first event in 2006.

2005
2020
The Third Sister
Covid shuts down large group gatherings in Pen Ryn Mansion and Belle Voir Manor. The River’s Edge Garden Pavillion was born. Fast forward nearly two decades later, with Pen Ryn Mansion and Belle Voir Manor at max capacity on bookings, we felt it was yet again time to add to the family. Having been able to acquire the land for a tented venue, we broke ground in March 2020 and held our first event in August 2020. River’s Edge is a unique and tranquil location as it rests just 100-yards from the Delaware River waterfront.

2020
Today
The Family
The Pen Ryn Estate is proud to host over 350 wedding per year, each with the privacy, exclusivity and uniqueness each venue has to offer. Pen Ryn Mansion, Belle Voir Manor and River’s Edge host over 350 weddings per year together. Distinctly different but alike in grandeur, each venue has something for everyone.

Today
1790
The Start
Originally built as home to the Bickley Family, who were wealth sipping merchants in Penryn, England (can we add a link to google maps of this town). Having come to “America” to support the british, it makes sense why they settled along the Delaware River
1790
1890
The American Family
Having lost the war, the Bickley Family became very unpopular and eventually sold the estate to the Drexel Family, who then married into the Wharton Family.
1890
1993
Ruins
In the late 80s the estate was the Pen Ryn School, located now in Fairless Hills, PA. After moving locations, the property was repossessed by the township and laid dormant for over 10 years. With no one caring for it, the estate soon became unrecognizable, with all its charm and character left to rot. However, in 1993 we made settlement and with a great deal of hope and faith, we began to bring this estate back to its original grandeur.
1993
1995
Our History Begins
After a painstaking two year renovation, we held our first wedding in July 1995. Pen Ryn Mansion was about to be filled once again with life and love!
1995
2005
The Carriage House
Sitting on the estate was not just the Pen Ryn Mansion but also the carriage house. After growing in popularity for nearly a decade, we felt it was time to expand our business and now renovate the property’s existing carriage house. Belle Voir, meaning beautiful view in French, was historically what the property was referred to, which seems like a natural choice for a name. After about a year of renovations, Belle Voir held its first event in 2006.
2005
2020
The Third Sister
Fast forward nearly two decades later, with Pen Ryn Mansion and Belle Voir Manor at max capacity on bookings, we felt it was yet again time to add to the family. Having been able to acquire the land for a tented venue, we broke ground in March 2020 and held our first event in August 2020. River’s Edge is an unique and tranquil location as it rests just 100-yards from the Delaware River waterfront.
2020
Today
The Family
Pen Ryn Mansion, Belle Voir Manor and River’s Edge host over 300 weddings per year together. Distinctly different but alike in grandeur, each venue has something for everyone
Today

Frequently Asked Questions

More questions? We have the answers. Get in touch today!

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Pen Ryn Mansion: 300 seated guests with a dance floor
River’s Edge Pavillion: 300 seated guests with a dance floor
Belle Voir Manor: 400 seated guests with a dance floor

All three venues (including our tented venue, River’s Edge) have a private and secure bridal suite.

As the exclusive in-house caterer, we do not permit outside caterers. If you are looking for something not included in our package, our culinary team would be happy to create something customized for you.

 

5 hours. Generally, we permit 1 hour for cocktail hour, and 4 hours for the reception. A ceremony is additional at 30 minutes total. However, we do custom timing, too! Contact us to learn more.

Yes! All three venues have their own separate entrances and parking lots. If you are interested in adding a Valet service, it is available for an additional cost.

All three venues are decorated with their unique styles in mind, from wall decor to food stations. However, you are more than welcome to bring decor that reflects your personal touch! We just ask that prior to purchasing or renting decor, it is pre-approved by Pen Ryn Estate to ensure it is safe for our venues.

Simply put: Make Dreams Come True! From the day you book to the moment you leave on your big day, the coordinator is right by your side, helping you pick your menu, build your timeline, execute your vision, and make sure all staff and vendors are conducting accordingly.

 

Yes! River’s Edge has patio paved flooring as well as fully temperature-controlled heating and air conditioning.

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Home to three stunning waterfront venues, the wedding of your dreams starts here.

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Address

  • 1601 State Rd
    Bensalem PA 19020

Pen Ryn Estate © 2024
All Rights Reserved

Amy Cannon

CEO & Organizer

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