Lower Merion Board of Commissioners has given the green light to a tentative sketch plan that would divide one of Lower Merion’s last estate properties into five plots, writes Richard Ilgenfritz for the Daily Times.

Linden Hill, as the Gladwyne estate has been called by its current owner Robert Burch in recent years, was previously owned for more than 50 years by the Dorrance family of Campbell’s Soup Company. Linden Hill’s very secluded grounds on the Main Line and well-manicured grounds and stone outbuildings bring to mind secluded and quaint French villages.

“What we have tonight is really the last of those great estates in the township,” said Chris Leswing, director of building and planning for Lower Merion.

The plans to divide the estate were presented over the past two weeks to the township’s building and planning committee.

After the tentative sketch was reviewed, the board of commissioners approved it at its recent meeting.

The owner is hoping that dividing the estate into five plots will help him sell the property, which has been on the market for the last five years.

“It’s my understanding he’s had not one single offer to purchase this large estate,” said George Broseman, attorney for Burch.

Read more about Linden Hill in the Daily Times.