The Koi Pond Terrace is where most of Robert Allerton’s guests began their wanderings on the estate. Today, this area is commonly referred to as the Koi Pond, and many visitors enjoy feeding the koi which live in what would have been Robert Allerton’s swimming pool. It may be small by today’s standards, but at the time it was built, it was still unusual for even well-to-do people, especially in the North, to have a pool. It was a big event for Robert’s friends (mostly from the Chicago area) to come down on a weekend from their hot homes and offices. According to society reporters, everyone wanted an invitation to “Bobby” Allerton’s country house.
The two limestone Sphinxes, designed by Allerton’s friend and architect, John Borie, were placed facing the house rather than away from the house because Robert didn’t want to see their haunches from inside the house. Contrary to the way Robert moved some of his sculptures around the property, the Sphinxes stayed put. Some of the early photographs show that several of the statues then situated around the swimming pool are now at his Hawaii property, Lawai-Kai.
Text in-part courtesy of Maureen Holtz.
