Project Details Page

synopsis

"Stonehurst" is one of the most notable collaborations between Frederick Law Olmsted and architect Henry Hobson Richardson. They were neighbors in nearby Brookline and good friends and colleagues over many years. In this collaboration, Frederick Law Olmsted designed the estate of R.T. Paine with the intent of creating a mountainous summer escape.

"Stonehurst" is one of the most notable collaborations between Frederick Law Olmsted and architect Henry Hobson Richardson. They were neighbors in nearby Brookline and good friends and colleagues over many years. In this collaboration, Frederick Law Olmsted designed the estate of R.T. Paine with the intent of creating a mountainous summer escape. A second home for the Paine family, Olmsted completed most of his work on the project between 1884 - 1886. Similar to many works of the firm during this period, the 109-acre property featured a long and winding approach from the road to the family mansion. Plans show the drawings for the proposed kitchen yard, porte cochere, and southern facing terrace. A stunning feature of the shingle and fieldstone house, the terrace spanned 200 feet long and allowed for an indoor/outdoor living concept. Raised five feet above the lawn, it provided unobstructed views of the property. The grounds were designed to complement the existing scenery and followed the principles of forestry and preservation. The house and land were gifted by the family to the city in 1974. Today the site is a National Historic Landmark.

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