- Informational Resource
The Japanese-Inspired Gardens at Swiss Pines
The garden property is now owned by Charlestown Township. This website will serve as an informational resource.
A Unique Property with Rich History
One trip down Charlestown Township road and you’ll see it. A massive grove of bamboo looming nearing the highway with ancient looking Japanese structures tucked closely behind. It’s tempting to glance through the reeds but you’re forced to move along so as not to disrupt traffic.
This place, known as Swiss Pines, was once a jewel of Chester County. Shoe Magnate Arnold Bartschi brought it to life and delighted both local and international visitors.
The property is now owned by Charlestown Township. Refer to their website for relevant updates on restoration progress. Sanrin LLC is not legally associated with or endorsed by Charlestown Township.
What is Swiss Pines?
This property inspires a lot of questions and the story behind it is even more interesting than you might imagine. Meet the unique characters and circumstances that have gotten us to where we are today.
- Help Create Something Special
Get Involved in This Historic Recovery
Donate
The success of this program is dependent on people like you. This is a grassroots effort, backed by the non-profit Bartschi Foundation. Find out where your donation money will be going and what perks we are providing to generous supporters.
Become a Member
While donations help us kickstart our efforts, on-going memberships will be the key to sustainable success. Find out what privileges and benefits come with your membership and how it helps us create a stable foundation for recovery.
Volunteer
There’s plenty of work to be done and we have opportunities for people of all ages and ability levels. Find out more about our volunteer programs and how you can make a real difference in the success of this project and be a part of the gardens.
Membership
Benefits
- Unlimited Grounds Access (Once Available)
- Swiss Pines Welcome Gift
- Member-Only Newsletter
- Program Deals/Discounts
- Member-Only Discussion Group
- Access to Partner Offers
- Early Support Recognition
Future Volunteer
Possibilities
- Bamboo/Debris/Tree Clearing
- Path Re-Establishment
- General Cleaning and Maintenance
- Support (Refreshments, Errands, Etc.)
- Technical Expertise (Woodworking, Etc.)
- Bamboo Fence Construction
- Volunteer/Admin Management
- A Place for Culture, Art, and Education
Goal of the Sanrin Cultural Arts Center
Sanrin LLC is a local cultural arts and preservation initiative. Sanrin LLC is responsible for the creation and preservation of this informational website and will work with the township in any way suitable to provide cultural enrichment programs to the area. Sanrin LLC is not associated with ownership of the Swiss Pines property.
See below for a list of programs that Sanrin recommends for activation as part of the Swiss Pines redevelopment or offers independently.
Program Recommendations and Offerings
- Okinawa Kenpo Martial Arts
- Japanese Swordsmanship
- Yoga
- Painting/Photography/Sculpture
- Nature Education
- Tea Ceremony
- Taiko Drumming
The Restoration Plan
There’s a lot to do. Our goal isn’t just to regain what was lost, but to build on the original vision of Arnold Bartschi to make this a vibrant and valued part of the community. If you’re considering getting involved you’ll want to know what the plan looks like for recovery.