In 1907, Alice Cheney-Baltzell, the last individual to live on this property, hired Carrere and Hastings—the firm that designed the NY Public Library—to design the house and the Olmsted Brothers to design the gardens. The 3-story, 40-room house was constructed in neo-Georgian style, sporting Italian marble entrances and steps and Ionic columns. It was built at the same time as the Hunnewell Building, which functioned as the carriage house.

About the Stabilization

In May 2022, MHS, with Green Environmental, completed a hazardous materials assessment of the Manor House. This comprehensive assessment documented many of the known substances, namely lead and asbestos, that will need to be addressed in stabilizing and later refurbishing the Manor House. This remarkable and elegant historic building has unfortunately been in a state of neglect and disrepair since the 1980’s (prior to MHS’s occupation of the Garden) and its restoration to use would be a $25 million plus project. Over the past year MHS has worked hard to build political and local interest in this Commonwealth-owned asset. We are delighted that with the support of our local Senators, the State awarded $600,000 for a 2023 project to halt the building’s rapid deterioration. Our short term aim is to remove hazardous materials that prevent critical maintenance from being carried out. Our ability to actually restore the building, given its scale, will depend entirely upon the strength of community feeling regarding the historic house, ultimately expressed in our ability to fundraise.

With the news of this funding and the celebration of Boston Design Week’s 10th anniversary, MHS hosted a kickoff event for the stabilization of the Manor House on Friday, April 28, 2023. For the first time in more than 5 years, we opened up the French doors on the terrace, giving guests the chance to look at three of the rooms. 

MHS commissioned a custom painting of the Manor House from Matthew Dickey, who also spoke at the event. This painting illustrates a combination of nostalgic elements (such as the fully opened balcony, which is now covered by a protective roof) and modern elements (such as the French doors and absence of shutters--as well as the current landscaping of the Italianate Garden).

HERE'S WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON:

• Received a state-awarded grant of $600,000 to halt the building’s rapid deterioration
• Performing asbestos abatement on basement and affected areas - Green Environmental with the assistance of Hub Testing Laboratory, Inc.
• Reglazing and repainting windows and woodwork - Arthur Cole Painting Corp.
• Rebuilding windows on the South Façade with Student Conservation Association’s historic carpentry team

WHAT'S TO COME?

• Repairing slate roof
• Controlling pests
• Upgrading security
• Drying out basement

The success of this project relies on community support! You can help by sharing this project with neighbors and colleagues and by becoming a MHS Member today.