Danada House

06/08/2026

Most folks around Wheaton already know Danada House, but we’re always grateful for the chance to share this place with more people.

05/25/2026

This was a beautiful wedding Friday, filled with color, joy, and meaningful tradition at Danada House. We were honored to host this stunning South Asian wedding celebration, surrounded by vibrant florals, loved ones, and the peaceful beauty of our gardens. Congratulations to the happy couple!

05/25/2026

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, may we also take time to remember and honor the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful today and always.

05/19/2026

Danada House has that rare kind of charm you can feel through the screen. Historic beauty, bright Atrium views, peaceful grounds, and the kind of setting that makes every moment look like it was meant to happen here.

05/14/2026

The Danada grounds are “starting” to get real pretty, this time of year. Some of the best flowers have yet to bloom but we will keep you posted!

05/10/2026

Happy Mothers Day from all of us at Danada House!

05/08/2026

Danada House is a beautiful setting for baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, and special celebrations.

With historic charm, indoor and outdoor spaces, and the natural beauty of Danada Forest Preserve, it’s a place that makes the day feel a little more meaningful.

Learn more: https://DanadaHouse.org/private-events

From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, enjoy your private events with exceptional service, and an experience tailored to your vision.

05/03/2026

Yesterday’s Derby crowned a new winner, but Danada has had roses in its story since 1965.

Lucky Debonair, owned by Dan and Ada Rice of Wheaton, won the 1965 Kentucky Derby with legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker aboard.

Lucky Debonair was bred by the Rices at their Danada Farm satellite operation near Lexington, Kentucky. He was sired by Vertex out of Fresh as Fresh, a mare descended from Count Fleet, the 1943 Triple Crown winner.

Trained by Frank Catrone, Lucky Debonair rose quickly as a three-year-old. He won the Santa Anita Derby, setting a stakes record of 1:47.00, then won the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland before heading to Churchill Downs.

On Derby Day in 1965, Lucky Debonair defeated a strong field that included Dapper Dan, Tom Rolfe, Hail To All, and favorite Bold Lad.

He later returned to racing in 1966 and won the Santa Anita Handicap, defeating Native Diver.

Lucky Debonair was retired to stud at the Rices’ Kentucky farm and went on to sire fifteen stakes winners, including Irish Derby winner Malacate.

He died in 1987 at age twenty-five. In 2002, the City of Wheaton honored him with a plaque and memorial rock at the Danada Equestrian Center.

Danada’s Derby story is not just history from somewhere else. It is part of the land, the people, and the legacy still remembered here today.

Danada has a fascinating history and won many races to solidly their legacy in horse racing. Here are some of the trophy’s on display at Danada House. There is so much great information on danadahistory.org so to learn more about Lucky’s journey and the history of Danada:

https://danadahistory.org/notable-horses/lucky-debonair/

04/28/2026

Beautiful setting and delicious, gourmet My Chef Catering!

04/28/2026

This was a beautiful October wedding at Danada House! Thanks for gorgeous garden photos, the first dance and cake cutting inside the Atrium. Congratulations to this beautiful couple! Thank you for letting Danada House be part of your story.

Photos by TWA Photographic Artists