[4] In the 19th century, the estate fell upon ill fortune and was divided into two smaller dwellings, until the farm was acquired by Lady Maud Bowes-Lyon.

Bowes-Lyon hired architect A. N. Prentice to restore the residence, expand the home, and design an English garden around the property.

[4] Thomas E. Wells purchased the farm in 1904 and hired artist Alfred Parsons to redesign the gardens.

In 1910, Wells died at the estate; the funeral was held at the home, conducted by Francis Xavier Morgan, and attended by then 18-year-old J. R. R.

[5] Orchard Farm remained in the Wells family until 1953, when Professor and Mrs. Goiten purchased the estate.