Built between 1890 and 1892, this historic residence is a three-story, twenty-four-room,
Châteauesque-style dwelling that was designed by noted Philadelphia architect
Theophilus Parsons Chandler Jr. (1845–1928). Created for industrialist
James Hervey Sternbergh (1834–1913), the owner of the American Steel & Iron Manufacturing Company, and his second wife, it was named after Stirling Castle in Scotland and was built using squared
granite ashlar. Located at 1120 Centre Avenue in Reading, Pennsylvania, it features a number of eclectic decorative elements including tall chimneys with decorated caps, a
balustraded verandah, steeply pitched gable roofs, and roof dormers. During the 1930s, Stirling served as the setting for high teas, salons and other society events that were hosted by James Sternbergh's widow. Following the death of James H. Sternbergh, ownership of the mansion and a significant portion of his wealth were transferred to his widow; following her death, the mansion and much of the family's remaining fortune were inherited by their youngest daughter,
Gertrude Sternbergh (1899–1996). A classically trained concert pianist and graduate of the
Juilliard School of Music, Gertrude Sternbergh also became one of the first women in
Berks County, Pennsylvania to become a licensed airplane pilot and was a well-known patron of artists, authors and musicians across and beyond the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Among her beneficiaries and friends were American pianist
Andre Watts and
Metropolitan Opera star
Jerome Hines. A soloist with the
Reading Symphony Orchestra between 1924 and 1971, she frequently held fundraisers for the ensemble on the grounds of the estate. Through her support and the support of her friends, the ensemble was able to recruit a significant number of
Philadelphia Orchestra members during the early phases of their careers to serve as the RSO's principal section chairs during the twentieth century, enabling the RSO to achieve prominence as an ensemble that was respected in its own right. ==Present day==