Nardini Manor, known as the “jewel of the West,” has reopened for weddings and events after a decade-long closure.
The picturesque, white two-story home is visible driving south of Jackrabbit Road off the I-10 just before Hickman’s Egg Co. on the east side of the road.
The venue welcomed the return of guests this year and has 25 events booked for 2022.
“It would just be so sad if there was never a wedding here again,” said Christa Esquibel, Nardini Manor events manager.
“This place is totally built for weddings. It’s made for those magical days. It’s magical. Sometimes you feel like you’re not even in Buckeye, let alone Arizona. This place really has that ability.”
Nardini Manor, located at 5601 S. Jackrabbit Trail, was established by the Rev. Ralph H. and Edna Fields in 1910, the same year the nearby Arizona Eastern Railway tracks were being laid. The home took two years to construct and was finalized the same year Arizona became a state, 1912.
Thomas and Kay Nardini restored the home in 1975, adding the north and south wings of the house, manicured hedges — including a maze — gardens, fountains, sculptures and other elements throughout the property.
In 1990, a fire severely damaged the interior. After losing his wife, Thomas sold the property in 1991 to a local couple, Rodger and Tana Wrublik.
After an 11-month restoration, Nardini Manor was reborn. Esquibel said they tried to incorporate authentic period elements, including the 1910 wood flooring that was salvaged from the nearby Liberty School building.
The manor closed to the public for 10 years so the couple could focus on their family. The Wrubliks then decided to bring on Esquibel in hopes of hosting a farmers market. However, Esquibel said she had bigger plans for the venue.
“They approached me to do a farmers market here and I asked them if I could go ahead and bring weddings back and they were pretty excited to see that happen,” she said.
“It’s been a really great response so far. I think people are really excited not only because it’s a private and lush wedding venue, it’s also very green and gardenesque. People are excited about that, but also because it’s in the West Valley and there really are not as many venues in the West Valley.”
Esquibel added that she looks forward to the venue’s future, especially as the city continues to grow and more people are attracted farther west.
“Now that Buckeye is one of the biggest and fastest-growing cities in Arizona, or even the country, it’s just pretty awesome to be able to bring it back now that there’s been so much growth around and it’s a lot closer for people now,” she said.
Nardini Manor has a Disneyland or “Alice in Wonderland” vibe. Esquibel said there’s one element that sets the venue apart.
“I love it all but the maze is probably the most unique part,” she said.
“You’re not really going to find a maze that’s not made out of corn in a lot of other places. So it’s really cool that it stays green year round and it’s just a fun element that just makes your wedding unique. I came to an event here, a wedding, when I was in seventh grade, and I’ve remembered it my whole life because I don’t think you can go to a wedding with a maze and not remember that.”
Looking toward the new year and the future of the Nardini Manor, Esquibel said she wants to bring her farm animals to the venue. Above all, she said she’s excited to be part of its growth and further success.
“I just want to keep having weddings and events and corporate parties and proms and things like that here because I’ve always loved doing events and unique things, holiday events and stuff like that. I hope we are booked out every weekend from now until when I want to retire,” she said.
The Nardini Manor’s tours are by appointment only. For more information, visit nardinimanorevents.com, or call 602-703-7154.
