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Castle Eden (The White House) Demolition
Mayor Marchese and the city council expressed their sadness over the Carmelites' decision to demolish Castle Eden, commonly called the White House. This is located on the grounds of the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien.
The decision to demolish the White House is one made solely by the Carmelites.
The Society of Mt. Carmel has received a demolition permit from the city. The city was legally obligated to issue the demolition permit based on the property rights of the Carmelites. Anybody with questions should contact the Society of Mount Carmel at 630-971-0050 or email Karen Dempsey at kdempsey@carmelites.net.
The Society of Mount Carmel issued this public statement yesterday regarding the Future of the “White House” on the Carmelite Property:
For decades, the building known as the “White House” has stood as a familiar presence on our Carmelite grounds, quietly witnessing the growth and evolution of both our local community and our ministries. We are aware of the structure’s significance and the many fond memories it holds for the surrounding community.
In 1959, the Carmelites purchased the building, along with the surrounding ten acres, to become part of the Aylesford Retreat Center of the Carmelite Fathers. The building is now the St. Simon Stock Priory and serves as the home of Carmelite Friars, both active and retired.
For the past eight years, the Society of Mount Carmel has undertaken exhaustive assessments and inspections of this century-old building to address necessary structural repairs. After careful and informed deliberation, we came to the difficult decision to proceed with the demolition of the building.
This conclusion was not reached lightly. Over time, the structure has suffered significant, compounding deterioration. Comprehensive evaluations by facility professionals have revealed that the building requires extensive, systemic repairs to meet basic safety codes and modern operational standards. The scope of these necessary interventions is vast.
As stewards of the resources entrusted to us, we have a profound responsibility to ensure our facilities sustainably serve our mission and the broader community. Unfortunately, the financial reality is that the cost to rehabilitate the “White House” far exceeds what is economically feasible.
Demolition is the most prudent and responsible path forward. It ensures the immediate safety of our grounds and allows us to redirect our focus and resources toward a sustainable future. Although this physical structure will be respectfully removed, the landscape it occupies—including the 400-year-old oak trees—will be preserved and will continue to support the Carmelite mission of prayer, contemplation, and community presence.
The Society of Mount Carmel is currently planning for the site’s future use following the completion of the demolition. Prior to the demolition, we are committed to safely removing and preserving key architectural elements. Important historical artifacts—including the Castle Eden entrance gates, stained-glass windows, dining-room wood paneling, and period chandeliers—will be salvaged and integrated into our future plans for the property. A commemorative plaque will be installed at the site to share its rich history.
We appreciate the community’s understanding, prayers, and continued support as we undertake this necessary transition.
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