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 historic country house on a 109 acres (44 ha) piece of land in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was designed for Robert Treat Paine, a philanthropist who used his wealth to help others.
The house was a team project between two famous designers. The architect was Henry Hobson Richardson, and the landscape architect was Frederick Law Olmsted. Today, the estate is owned by the city of Waltham. Its grounds are a public park, making it a rare example of a Richardson and Olmsted home that everyone can visit.
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History of Stonehurst
A Summer Home Gets an Upgrade
In 1866, a Boston lawyer named Robert Treat Paine Jr. and his wife, Lydia, decided to build a summer house. They hired architect Gridley James Fox Bryant for the job. The first house was built in the Second Empire style, which often features a special kind of roof called a mansard.
However, the Paines had seven children, and the house soon felt too small. In October 1883, they decided it was time for a big change.
A Dream Team of Designers
To expand their home, the Paines hired two of the best designers of their time: Henry Hobson Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted. Richardson was famous for his unique buildings, and Olmsted was known for creating beautiful parks and landscapes, like Central Park in New York City.
In 1884, Richardson and Olmsted suggested moving the house to a new spot on the property. They chose a rocky hill with amazing views. Construction on the new and improved house began in the spring of 1885.
Sadly, Richardson died in April 1886 before the project was completely finished. The final touches, like the outdoor terrace and some interior details, were completed over the summer.
From a Private Home to a Public Park
Robert Treat Paine Jr. passed away in 1910, but his family continued to live at Stonehurst for many more years. They finally moved out in the mid-1960s.
In 1974, a relative of the family donated the entire 113-acre (46 ha) property to the city of Waltham. Thanks to this generous gift, the beautiful grounds of Stonehurst are now a public park for everyone to enjoy.
The estate was even featured on an episode of the TV show This Old House.
Gallery
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A cozy sitting area inside the house.
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A sundial on the grounds, which tells time using the sun.
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A view of the house from the northeast.
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The Great Hall inside Stonehurst.
See also
