The arden is a former forest and culturally defined area that, from antiquity through the 16th century, encompassed much of Warwickshire and parts of Shropshire and Staffordshire in England. The name was later shortened to simply Arden when the land became largely enclosed and deforested. The site of Temple Balsall was once part of the Arden Preceptory of the Knights Templar, and after their suppression in 1312 passed to the Knights Hospitaller, who held it until the Reformation in the 15th century.
Arden House
Completed in 1909 for Ned and Mary Williamson Averell Harriman, this 97,188-square-foot mansion was unique among Gilded Age estates as an expression of American excellence. The Harrimans designed and decorated their home with art by leading contemporary artists, including murals by Francis Barrett Faulkner (1881-1966); a bas-relief of W. Averell Harriman by James Earle Fraser (1876-1953); and corbel carvings of bighorn sheep in the music room.
Village government
The Town Assembly has created a special task force to review the governing documents, ordinances and policies of our community. You can learn more by visiting this page on the website that the task force has set up for its work. The Arden page has meeting announcements and updates on new ordinances that are under consideration. It is important that you become familiar with your responsibilities and obligations as a leaseholder of the Village.