Arden is a Single Tax community founded in 1900 based on the economic philosophy of Henry George and the Arts and Crafts movement of William Morris. Half of our Village is woods and greens, which are not taxed, making it a truly unique place in America. The Village is noted for its arts, crafts, music and theater. It is also a place to get outdoors: we have 3 golf courses, 4 swimming pools, 6 tennis courts, a riding stable, and hiking trails that wind through our woodlands.
The aristocratic Harriman family carefully oversaw every detail of design and decoration: murals by (Barry) Francis Barrett Faulkner (1881-1966) lined the corridors; a marble bas-relief of Harriman by James Earle Fraser (1876-1953) stood over one of the fireplaces; corbel carvings of bighorn sheep adorned the music room.
In 1966, the arden was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It remains today a cherished cultural, historical and environmental treasure surrounded by protected woods and open space.
Located near the geographic center of England, the forest was thickly forested and was referred to by locals as the Forest of Arden. Its natural beauty and abundant wildlife inspired writers such as Shakespeare and artists like the Pre-Raphaelite John Collier. No Roman road penetrated the forest, though the Icknield Street, Watling Street, Fosse Way and a prehistoric salt track went around it.
A resident can join the Arden Club Swim team for an additional fee, which is less than what it costs to join a private swim club. Residents are encouraged to maintain the public right-of-way by removing shrubs, and trimming leaves that can clog storm sewers. Those who wish to park on the street must obtain an off-street parking permit from the Safety Committee.