Robert Treat Paine Estate facts for kids
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Robert Treat Paine Jr. House
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Waltham, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 113 acres (46 ha) |
| Built | 1866, 1883–1886 |
| Architect | Henry Hobson Richardson; Frederick Law Olmsted |
| Architectural style | Shingle Style |
| Website | Stonehurst |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000291 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 7, 1975 |
| Designated NHL | October 7, 1975 |
The Robert Treat Paine Estate, also known as Stonehurst, is a large country house in Waltham, Massachusetts. It sits on a huge piece of land, about 109 acres! This amazing home was built for a kind person named Robert Treat Paine (1835-1910).
Two very famous designers worked together on it: Henry Hobson Richardson (an architect) and Frederick Law Olmsted (who designed the gardens and outdoor spaces). You can find Stonehurst at 100 Robert Treat Paine Drive. Since 1974, the city of Waltham has owned the estate. Its beautiful grounds are now a public park for everyone to enjoy. It's thought to be the only house designed by both Richardson and Olmsted that you can visit!
Contents
The Story of Stonehurst: How It Was Built
In 1866, a lawyer from Boston named Robert Treat Paine Jr. and his wife Lydia wanted a summer house in Waltham. They asked an architect named Gridley James Fox Bryant to build them a house in the Second Empire style. This first house was paid for by Lydia's father, George Lyman, who lived next door.
Why a New Design Was Needed
The Paine family had seven children, and their first summer house soon felt too small. So, in October 1883, they invited Richardson and Olmsted to visit the property. They wanted to talk about moving the house and making it bigger.
Designing the New Stonehurst Estate
By July 1884, Olmsted and Richardson had created new plans. They suggested building the house on top of a rocky ridge. This spot offered amazing views of the area. In the spring of 1885, construction began. The Paine family was traveling in Europe at the time.
Completing the Grand House
Sadly, Richardson passed away in April 1886 at the age of 47. However, the house was almost finished. Over that summer, the outdoor terrace and some of the inside details were completed.
Who Lived at Stonehurst?
Robert Treat Paine Jr. died in 1910. His family continued to live in the house for many years, until the mid-1960s. In 1974, Theodore Lyman Storer gave the entire 113-acre property to the city of Waltham. This made it possible for Stonehurst to become a public park for everyone.
Stonehurst on TV
The estate was even featured on a TV show! Episode #2104 of This Old House included a tour of Stonehurst, showing off its unique design and history.
Images for kids
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A cozy sitting area inside Stonehurst
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A close-up of a sundial detail on the house
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A beautiful view from the patio of the house
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A peaceful forest trail on the estate grounds
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