With 35 acres of winding trails, restful benches and stunning views—our grounds provide countless invitations toward prayer and discovery.

This 130-acre property was developed around 1920 as a prestigious southern estate called "Amony Marsh". In 1948, upon selling her Philadelphia mansion, widowed multimillionaire Allethiare Rotan purchased Amony Marsh from the Jewish family of Samuel E. Wolff and changed its name to "Folly Marsh". Under a spread of Live Oaks and tall Georgia pines, one would find manicured garden paths surrounded by one of the largest camellia collections in the Southeast. The property included a main house, several guest and servants cottages, a stable, poultry house, greenhouse, vineyard and produce gardens.

In 1962, Wesley Monumental UMC was graciously offered the property by Mrs. Rotan. Folly Marsh was renamed “Wesley Gardens”. By the late 1980's, despite the congregation's best efforts, a lack of funding led the property to a point of disrepair. Beginning with a significant renovation to the Main House in 1994, the property has seen continued improvement since. In 2013, the name was expanded to "Wesley Gardens Retreat,” broadening our vision to any seeking spiritual formation and rest.