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Ten Chimneys
Entrance to the Main House
Ten Chimneys is located in Wisconsin
Ten Chimneys
Ten Chimneys is located in the United States
Ten Chimneys
LocationS42 W31610 Depot Rd., Genesee, Wisconsin
Coordinates42°57′51″N 88°22′38″W / 42.96417°N 88.37722°W / 42.96417; -88.37722
Area60 acres (24 ha)
Built1915
ArchitectCharles Dornbusch
Architectural styleLate 19th And 20th Century Revivals
NRHP reference No.98000076
Significant dates
Added to NRHPFebruary 23, 1998[1]
Designated NHLJuly 31, 2003[2]

Ten Chimneys was the summer home and gentleman's farm of Broadway actors Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt, and a social center for American theater. The property is located in Genesee Depot in the Town of Genesee in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States.[3]

Ten Chimneys was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2003, for the significance of its owners to the history of performing arts, and for its distinctive architecture and decoration.[2][4]

History

[edit]

Lynn Fontanne was born in 1887 in England. From childhood she wanted to be an actress, starting as a chorus girl in Cinderella in 1905. In 1916 she came to the U.S., and hit real success playing in Dulcy in 1921.[5]

Alfred Lunt, Jr. was born in 1892 in Milwaukee, the son of a Wisconsin lumberman. He was interested in the theater from the age of three, and enjoyed summers working on his aunt's farm in Neenah.[5] In 1906 Alfred's Swedish-born stepfather moved the family out to the village of Genesee Depot, where he practiced as a physician. But within a few years financial problems forced the family to move to Finland, then a Russian possession, to live with the step-father's family. Alfred spent summers in Finland, learning a fondness for the culture.[6] During the school year he attended Carroll College Academy back in Waukesha, then started at Carroll College, where he majored in oratory, appeared in college plays, and designed, built, and painted scenery. In 1912 he left Carroll and headed east to join a theater company in Boston, where he eventually became a successful stage actor, achieving acclaim in Booth Tarkington's play Clarence in 1919.[5]

Despite his successful, cosmopolitan career, Alfred remained fond of his childhood home in Wisconsin. In 1913 he bought three acres near Genesee Depot that would become Ten Chimneys. In 1915 he had the first section of the house built, described by a visitor as "one enormous room with staircases leading up to a gallery which had doors leading to bedrooms."[5] Alfred's mother Hattie and his half-siblings lived there year-round, and he joined them in the summers.[7]

The Cottage, expanded from a chicken coop.

Lunt and Fontanne fell in love in 1919 when they met backstage at a rehearsal in New York, and they married in 1922.[8] The couple's first summer at home with Alfred's mother was strained and in 1924 they set about expanding the chicken coop into a cottage for themselves to live in. The resulting cottage has many details drawn from traditional Swedish farmhouses: corner brick and stucco fireplaces with sloping chimney wings, folk paintings (some painted by Lunt himself), and inscriptions in Swedish throughout the cottage. The exception is Lynn Fontanne's room upstairs, which is white on white, with a carpet of stitched sheepskins.[5][9]

In 1923 Lunt and Fontanne appeared in their first play together, Sweet Nell of Old Drury. The following year they appeared together in the play The Guardsman, which was highly acclaimed and which they later made into a movie. Over the years they starred together in over 140 Broadway plays, and were considered the first family of American theater.[5]

In 1932 Lunt and Fontanne swapped houses with his mother and sister, with Lunt and Fontanne moving into the main house and his mother and sister moving to the Cottage. With that, Lunt renamed the Cottage the "hen house."[10]

The greenhouse and new chicken coop.

Over the years Lunt and Fontanne continued building and developing at Ten Chimneys. In 1936 they added the L-shaped swimming pool[11] and the cabana.[12] In 1938 they began remodeling and expanding the house, adding quarters for the cook and housekeeper and extra living space. The design was a collaboration between Lunt and architect Charles Dornbusch of Loebl, Schlossman and Demuth of Chicago, who helped with most of the structures on the estate, including the cottage fourteen years before. In 1939 they added the metal gate around the auto court. In 1947 they completed the new chicken coop (designed with advice from a specialist at the UW Ag Department) and greenhouse,[13] and the gatehouse.[14] Also in 1947 they reconstructed the Studio, a traditional hewn-log building that was taken apart in Sweden, shipped to America, and reassembled for use as a rehearsal space.[15] Flagstone paths and retaining walls were added later to tie the estate together.[5]

The Studio

In his NRHP nomination, Jim Draeger states "the crowning jewel of Ten Chimneys is the finely decorated and furnished interior of the main house." The entry hall features marble tile, hand-painted murals on the walls, a porcelain Swedish stove, and a dramatic spiral staircase that leads to the second level. On that level are the kitchen and what the Lunts called the Flirtation Room, which leads to other parts of the house, including the Music Room, with a fireplace and hand-painted murals depicting Biblical scenes like baby Moses among the bullrushes. The murals were painted by artist Claggett Wilson starting in 1938, when the house was expanded. The library has a secret passage through a bookshelf. The upper level contains bedrooms, with murals showing peasants farming and wildlife. Lynn's bedroom is again colored light, with a Swedish fireplace. Alfred's bedroom is simpler, also with its own Swedish corner fireplace.[5] The many fireplaces require the ten chimneys which give the estate its name.[10]

Ten Chimneys was also a farm, though that may seem hard to reconcile with a Flirtation Room. As a child Lunt enjoyed working in the fields and that continued as an adult. Once while visiting the Oliviers in England, he wrote home: "...I had a high old time as their garden was full of weeds & did I go to it..." From the initial three acres, the farm at Ten Chimneys grew to over 100. Lunt was absent much of the year, so in 1929 he hired Ben Perkins of Mukwonago as overseer. While Lunt was away, he and Perkins exchanged letters about matters like the used silo filler they bought for $65. (Lunt was cost-conscious.) They started a large vegetable garden in 1939 and an orchard later. In 1941, Alfred and Lynn bought each other cows as Christmas gifts - the first two cows on the farm. In 1942 the farm included four cows, some pigs and up to 200 chickens. To support the animals, they grew 6 acres of corn, 7 acres of oats, four of alfalfa, one of clover and 3/4 acres of wheat. The milk from the cows was made into butter, with some eaten on the farm and some sold locally. Some butter, meat and vegetables were shipped to the Lunts in New York and even in Europe during WWII, when rationing made them hard to obtain otherwise. Alfred recalled in 1956:

I'm just a country boy who happens to be an actor. But fashionable parties and clever talk - all that sort of thing - well, y'know, it bores me stiff. I'd rather listen to my chickens clucking any time.[6]

During their careers, Fontanne and Lunt retreated to Ten Chimneys every summer for personal and artistic rejuvenation. A host of stage and screen luminaries made pilgrimages to Genesee Depot as guests of the Lunts, including Noël Coward, Helen Hayes, Orson Welles, Laurence Olivier, and Vivien Leigh. Carol Channing said, "If you get to go to Ten Chimneys, you must have done something right."[16]

Upon retirement, the Lunts returned to Ten Chimneys and spent the rest of their lives at their beloved home in Genesee Depot,[17] with Alfred dying in 1977 and Lynn in 1983.[5]

Opening to the public

[edit]

In 1996 arts advocate Joseph W. Garton, a restaurateur in Madison, Wisconsin, purchased Ten Chimneys, and Ten Chimneys Foundation was established to preserve and share the estate. The foundation then purchased the property from Garton in 1998.[18]

As a historic property, the estate was exceptionally well preserved, since the Lunts' original furniture, decorations, and personal items were barely disturbed between Lynn Fontanne's death in 1983 and the beginning of preservation efforts by Ten Chimneys Foundation in 1998.[19]

Ten Chimneys Foundation opened the estate to the public for the first time on May 26, 2003, which would have been the Lunts' 81st wedding anniversary.[18] The estate remains open for public tours from May through November. Ten Chimneys Foundation also continues to fulfill the estate's original role as a home for the arts by providing programming and resources for theater professionals.[citation needed]

[edit]
  • The Visitor Center
    The Visitor Center
  • The Main House
    The Main House
  • The Main House, Rear
    The Main House, Rear
  • The Main House, Rear
    The Main House, Rear
  • The poolhouse
    The poolhouse
  • Outbuildings
    Outbuildings
  • The Cottage
    The Cottage
  • The Cottage
    The Cottage
  • The greenhouse
    The greenhouse

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ten Chimneys

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ten Chimneys is a historic estate in Genesee Depot, , built as the summer home and gentleman's farm of the acclaimed Broadway acting duo and , who owned and shaped it from the 1910s until their deaths in the 1970s and 1980s, respectively. The property, spanning about 60 acres, features a main house with six chimneys, a converted chicken coop known as the Cottage with three chimneys, and a Swedish-style studio with one chimney—collectively giving the estate its name—along with outbuildings such as barns, stables, a greenhouse, creamery, and swimming pool. , a native, purchased the land in 1913 using inheritance and initially developed it as a retreat for his family, beginning construction in 1914; after marrying in 1922, the couple extensively remodeled and expanded it through the 1930s, infusing the interiors with theatrical flair through murals by set designer Claggett Wilson and eclectic collections of art, books, china, and mementos from their travels and friends. As a vibrant social and artistic hub for American theater, Ten Chimneys hosted luminaries including , , , , , and even royalty like the Queen Mother, serving as a space for collaboration, relaxation, and inspiration during the Lunts' summers off from Broadway seasons starting in 1924. The estate's whimsical, stage-like design reflected the couple's professional ethos, with preserved furnishings, personal artifacts, and gifts—such as birch trees planted by critic and a copper mermaid sculpture by —offering an intimate glimpse into their lives and the of theater. Designated a on July 31, 2003, after earlier listing on the in 1998, Ten Chimneys was rescued from potential development in 1996 by preservationists and is now managed by the nonprofit Ten Chimneys Foundation as a house museum, providing guided tours, educational programs like the Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship for emerging actors, and events that honor the Lunts' legacy in the .

Estate Description

Location and Grounds

Ten Chimneys is situated at S43 W31575 Depot Road in the unincorporated community of Genesee Depot, , within the scenic Kettle Moraine region of southeastern , with geographic coordinates of 42°57′51″N 88°22′38″W. The preserved estate encompasses 60 acres (24 ha) of gently rolling terrain, though historically expanded by its owners to over 100 acres within the 102-acre National Register boundary to support farming activities. The grounds include a variety of bucolic outbuildings and features that reflect the estate's rural character, such as several barns and stables, a for dairy processing, and a for cultivating plants. An L-shaped and adjacent pool house, constructed in 1936, provide a recreational focal point amid the . Original farm elements, including a chicken coop built in 1947 with input from agricultural experts, further enhance the site's functional and quality. Nestled in a rural agricultural service area immediately outside the village of Genesee Depot, the estate is surrounded by open farmland and wooded hills, offering profound seclusion and natural beauty that and selected for its privacy and inspirational setting.

Architecture and Interior

The main house at Ten Chimneys, constructed beginning in 1914 and spanning expansions through 1947, exemplifies Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Century Revivals architecture with strong Scandinavian influences, particularly modeled on Swedish farmhouses. Designed initially by himself, the L-shaped, three-story structure features and board-and-batten siding over a stone foundation, a standing-seam , and multi-light casement windows, culminating in 8,375 square feet and 35 rooms. Six of the estate's ten chimneys rise from this building, each equipped with distinctive Swedish tiled stoves that serve as both functional hearths and decorative focal points. A notable 1938 addition by architect Dornbusch extended the rear wing, enhancing the home's functionality while preserving its folk-inspired aesthetic, including a six-pointed Scandinavian star motif on the ends. Key expansions to the estate included the Cottage, converted in the from an existing chicken coop into a clapboarded, L-shaped five-room structure with three chimneys, initially serving as a temporary residence for the Lunts during the main house remodel and later occupied by Lunt's mother after 1932, with flatboard ceilings adorned in murals painted by Lunt. The Studio, a one-and-a-half-story hewn-log cabin imported from and erected in 1932, contributes the estate's tenth chimney and embodies a traditional Scandinavian loft house with squared double-notched joints secured by wooden pegs, later expanded with a side-gabled wing. These additions, along with a 1922–1923 remodel of the main house and final touches in 1940, transformed the property into a cohesive ensemble reflecting the owners' affinity for Nordic simplicity and craftsmanship. The interiors, personally curated by Lunt and Fontanne over decades, showcase an eclectic blend of antiques, theatrical memorabilia, and custom elements that evoke their worldly travels and artistic sensibilities. Murals by artist Claggett Wilson grace key spaces, such as the reception room depicting at a feast, the music room with biblical scenes and cherubs, and the hall illustrating rural pursuits, all executed in a whimsical, faux-finish style. Standout rooms include the oak-paneled with its staircase and concealed passageway, the floral-wallpapered featuring a hand-painted , and themed chambers like the Flirtation Room and Bedroom, furnished with rare prints, china, Staffordshire figures, and period pieces sourced from and . Swedish porcelain stoves, ornate metalwork, and subtle theatrical motifs—such as stage-inspired lighting—infuse the spaces with a sense of playful drama, underscoring the couple's professional tastes without overt replication of stage sets. Outbuildings complement the main structures with functional yet artistically integrated designs, emphasizing the estate's self-sufficient, agrarian charm. The 1935 Pool House, a board-and-batten cabana with a bell-cast tower, overlooks the and incorporates a sculpture by . A 1947–1948 and chicken coop, built in stone, doubles as a and reflects practical Nordic utility, while the 1946–1947 garage—a large, rectilinear stone edifice—provides understated support alongside earlier log barns and stables from 1932 and 1942, all unified by the pervasive Scandinavian vernacular. Landscaping by the firm Root and Hollister, added in 1939, frames these elements with paths, a central , and wrought-iron gates also designed by Dornbusch, creating a harmonious .

History

Early Acquisition and Construction

In 1913, , born in , , in 1892, purchased three acres of land near Genesee Depot using a small , drawn by his deep connection to the region's rural landscapes reminiscent of his Midwestern upbringing. The site, in the Town of Genesee, Waukesha County, was envisioned as a gentleman's farm, reflecting Lunt's desire for a personal retreat amid his burgeoning acting career. Construction of the initial two-story wood-frame house began in 1914, with completion in 1915, incorporating basic farm structures such as barns and outbuildings to support small-scale agricultural activities. Lunt oversaw the design, blending practical farmhouse elements with early aesthetic touches influenced by his theatrical background, though major expansions would come later. Prior to his marriage to in 1922, the property served primarily as Lunt's summer , where he engaged in modest farming operations, including and crop tending, to maintain the gentleman's ideal while escaping New York City's demands. This period established Ten Chimneys as a private haven for relaxation and light labor, free from the social gatherings that would define it in subsequent decades.

Development and Daily Life

Following their initial establishment of the estate, and undertook several major expansions to enhance Ten Chimneys' functionality and comfort during the 1930s and . In 1936, proceeds from their successful Broadway production Idiot's Delight funded the construction of a and adjacent cabana, providing a recreational space amid the estate's rural setting. Two years later, in 1938, they initiated a comprehensive remodel of the main house, incorporating additional rooms and stylistic elements that reflected their eclectic tastes. By the late , further additions included a new chicken coop and in 1947, supporting agricultural activities, as well as the reconstruction of the Studio—a traditional Swedish imported and reassembled that same year to serve as a creative workspace. Initially comprising 3 acres, the estate expanded over the years, with farm operations encompassing over 100 acres by , incorporating cultivated fields, pastures, and woodlands. A constructed in housed farm machinery and , including four cows, several pigs, and up to 200 chickens, while crop production encompassed 6 acres of corn, 7 acres of oats, 4 acres of , 1 acre of , and 0.75 acres of , alongside orchards and dedicated and cut-flower gardens spanning about 29 acres in total cultivation. These elements emphasized self-sufficiency, with the Lunts actively overseeing operations such as purchasing and planting strawberries to supply fresh produce for the household. Daily life at Ten Chimneys during the Lunts' active years revolved around seasonal summer stays from the 1920s through the 1950s, when the couple retreated to the estate for relaxation and creative pursuits after the Broadway season. They engaged hands-on in farming tasks, such as tending vegetable gardens—evidenced by photographs of the Lunts harvesting crops in 1935—while integrating rural tranquility with their theatrical work by using the grounds for playwriting, revisions, and informal rehearsals. Informal gatherings with close theater associates complemented this routine, fostering a blend of leisure and inspiration that refreshed them for urban performances. This farm life provided a vital counterbalance to their demanding schedules, allowing restorative downtime amid nature. Maintaining the estate's eclectic interiors and expansive grounds presented notable challenges, particularly during the era. Material shortages and rationing enforced by the Civilian Production Administration postponed non-essential constructions, such as the 1947 chicken coop and greenhouse, until after the war's end, straining ongoing farm and property upkeep. Despite these constraints, the Lunts persisted in managing the self-sustaining operations, adapting to limited resources while preserving the estate's role as a personal haven.

Retirement and Post-Lunt Ownership

Following their retirement from the stage in 1960 after the production of The Visit, and resided full-time at Ten Chimneys, transforming the estate into their primary home for the remainder of their lives. They maintained the property during this period, with farm operations scaled back as they aged and shifted focus to quieter pursuits, while carefully preserving the interiors filled with their personal collections of art, furnishings, and mementos from their careers, effectively creating a museum-like reflection of their partnership. passed away on August 3, 1977, at the age of 84, in , and continued living there alone until her death on July 30, 1983, at age 95. After Fontanne's death, the estate passed to family members, who allowed it to fall into a state of neglect, raising early concerns about deterioration and the risk of irreversible damage to its historic structures and contents. By the mid-1990s, the heirs decided to sell the property, initially to a developer who planned to subdivide the land for residential use, threatening of key buildings. In 1996, Madison-area restaurateur and theater enthusiast Joseph W. Garton purchased Ten Chimneys for $1 million, recognizing its profound cultural value as the preserved home of America's preeminent acting duo and intervening to prevent its destruction. Garton's acquisition marked the transition from private family ownership to dedicated stewardship, averting immediate threats while highlighting the urgent need for professional preservation efforts amid ongoing risks of decay.

Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne

Early Lives and Partnership

Alfred Lunt was born on August 19, 1892, in , , to Alfred Lunt Sr., a lumber businessman, and Harriet Washburn Briggs Lunt. His early interest in theater developed through local productions in , where he participated in amateur performances before pursuing formal training. Lunt briefly attended in , in 1911, then transferred to Emerson College of Oratory in but left after just two days to focus on . He made his debut on October 7, 1912, portraying Sheriff Joe Hurley in The Aviator at 's Castle Square Theatre, followed by touring roles with actress Margaret Anglin from 1915 to 1917 and his Broadway debut in October 1917 as the Second Thief in Romance and Arabella. Lynn Fontanne, born Lillie Louise Fontanne on December 6, 1887, in Woodford, Essex, England, was the youngest of five children of Jules Pierre Antoine Fontanne, a French-born brass type founder, and Ellen Thornley, an Irish seamstress. Inspired by theater at age 10 after seeing a local production, she began training under renowned actress at age 15 in 1902 and made her stage debut in 1905 touring with Terry in Alice Sit by the Fire. Fontanne's early career included her official debut on December 26, 1909, as a chorus member in the Cinderella at Theatre. She immigrated to the around 1910, debuting on Broadway that year as Harriet Budgeon in Mr. Preedy and the Countess at Nazimova's 39th Street Theatre, and continued in repertory roles in New York, including minor parts in productions like The Great Name (1911) and The Tyranny of Tears (1915). Lunt and Fontanne met in May 1919 backstage at New York's New Amsterdam Theatre during preparations for the Booth Tarkington comedy Clarence, where Fontanne, already an established performer, was drawn to Lunt's voice during a script reading. Their professional collaboration began that year in the short-lived play Made of Money, sparking a romance that led to their marriage on May 26, 1922, in a simple civil ceremony at New York City's Little Church Around the Corner, with no children from their union. Lunt's deep-rooted ties to Wisconsin, stemming from his Milwaukee upbringing and family traditions of picnicking in the countryside, complemented Fontanne's sophisticated European sensibilities, evident in her preferences for elegant, continental-inspired aesthetics; together, these influences shaped their decision to establish Ten Chimneys as a shared rural retreat near Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, shortly after their marriage.

Theatrical Careers and Legacy

Alfred and rose to prominence in the mid-1920s as the highest-paid and most acclaimed actors on the American stage, captivating audiences with their innovative naturalism and seamless partnership. Their breakthrough came with the 1924 Broadway production of The Guardsman by Ferenc Molnár, directed by the Theatre Guild, which ran for 248 performances and established them as a formidable duo capable of blending comedy and dramatic tension through overlapping dialogue and physical interplay. This success propelled them into key collaborations with playwright Noël Coward, including the 1933 hit Design for Living, a sophisticated comedy of romantic entanglements that showcased their witty chemistry and ran for 193 performances, solidifying their status as interpreters of modern, urbane theater. Over their careers, Lunt and Fontanne appeared together in more than 20 Broadway productions from 1928 to 1960 and did not perform separately after 1928, with highlights including revivals of S.N. Behrman's The Second Man (1927, revived 1950 as I Know My Love), Robert E. Sherwood's Idiot's Delight (1936), and their final stage outing in Friedrich Dürrenmatt's The Visit (1958), which earned them critical praise for portraying a vengeful millionairess and her former lover in a dark on justice and greed. They ventured into film only once, adapting The Guardsman in 1931 under , where Lunt and Fontanne earned Academy Award nominations for and , respectively, but they largely eschewed Hollywood to prioritize live theater's immediacy. Their earnings from these triumphs enabled the expansion and maintenance of Ten Chimneys as a private retreat. The couple retired from the stage in 1960 following a television adaptation of The Visit, though they occasionally appeared in TV specials thereafter. Lunt and Fontanne's legacy endures as the preeminent acting couple in theater history, renowned for elevating ensemble dynamics, refining naturalistic techniques, and embodying star power in "legitimate" drama during an era dominated by and early cinema. Their influence extended to mentoring younger performers and insisting on artistic control, which set standards for actor-driven productions. In recognition of their contributions, they received Special in 1970 for lifetime achievement in the theatre. was honored with the in 1980, celebrating the couple's profound impact on American performing arts, as Lunt had passed away in 1977.

Cultural Significance

Role as a Theater Social Hub

Ten Chimneys served as the summer home and creative retreat for and from the 1920s through the 1960s, functioning as a vital for the American theater community during an era when Broadway shifted toward star-driven productions emphasizing ensemble dynamics and naturalistic performances. This period aligned with the Lunts' Theatre Guild contract, which prohibited summer acting, allowing the estate to become a dedicated space for rejuvenation and professional networking away from New York City's intense pressures. The property reflected the vibrant cultural landscape of American drama, where leading artists gathered to escape the rigors of the stage and foster connections that influenced the evolving theater scene. The atmosphere at Ten Chimneys was intentionally informal and collaborative, promoting relaxation through leisurely pursuits while encouraging spontaneous idea-sharing among theater professionals. Guests and residents alike engaged in script readings, discussions of new works, and informal rehearsals in dedicated spaces like the estate's studio, creating an environment that blended respite with creative stimulation. This setup provided a "creative and quiet refuge" from the demands of production, where the Lunts hosted industry peers to unwind and exchange insights, enhancing the estate's reputation as a metaphorical home for . Integrated deeply into the Lunts' careers, Ten Chimneys supported their prolific output of over 40 plays by serving as a ground and networking center that solidified their influence as theater pioneers. Here, emerging scripts were reworked and tested in a low-stakes setting, allowing the couple to refine their innovative approaches, such as overlapping dialogue, before Broadway premieres. By convening directors, writers, and , the estate facilitated collaborations that extended the Lunts' professional partnerships and contributed to the era's emphasis on ensemble-driven storytelling.

Notable Guests and Events

Ten Chimneys served as a renowned gathering place for leading figures in the theater world during the ownership of and , attracting a constellation of Broadway and Hollywood luminaries who contributed to its reputation as a creative retreat. Among the most frequent and influential visitors was , the celebrated playwright and performer who was a close collaborator and friend of the Lunts; he penned the 1932 play specifically for the trio to star in together and made extended stays at the estate, where he often entertained guests on the drawing room's white Steinway piano adorned with climbing vines. Other prominent guests included , who regarded the Lunts as her idols and mentors after appearing with in the 1919 production Clarence; and , the British acting power couple who admired the Lunts since Olivier's early career in 1929 and visited as a pair; , whose debut in the Lunts' 1938 Broadway revival of was profoundly shaped by their guidance; and additional theater notables such as , who described the estate as a "daze of wonder," , , , and . The estate hosted a variety of informal events that fostered artistic exchange and relaxation, underscoring its role beyond mere respite. Script workshops and early readings took place in the dedicated Swedish-style log cabin Studio, built in 1932, where the Lunts and guests like Coward refined works such as Design for Living through collaborative discussions and rehearsals. Casual parties animated the drawing room and grounds, with Coward often leading musical performances, while lighter moments included mock rehearsals triggered by unexpected incidents, such as when Carol Channing accidentally set off the burglar alarm during a visit, prompting the household staff to improvise roles in a impromptu scene. These gatherings extended to the estate's gentleman's farm elements, where guests appreciated the rustic setting amid the Lunts' collection of outbuildings, including a former chicken coop converted into the Cottage. Anecdotes from these visits highlight the intimate, influential dynamics at Ten Chimneys, such as Clift absorbing lessons in subtle from Lunt during his time there, or Coward's effusive praise for the Lunts' hospitality after one of his sojourns: "The week with Lynn and Alfred was, as expected, perfect. I was cosseted and adored and stuffed with delicious food." Such interactions not only strengthened personal bonds but also shaped mid-20th-century American drama, as the estate became a "theater " where ideas for productions germinated and lifelong professional relationships formed among peers.

Preservation and Public Access

Foundation Establishment and Restoration

In 1996, Joseph W. Garton, a Madison, Wisconsin-based restaurateur, theater historian, and arts advocate, purchased the Ten Chimneys estate for $1 million to avert its threatened commercial development by a suburban builder. That same year, the Ten Chimneys Foundation was incorporated as a dedicated to the estate's preservation and restoration, motivated by the enduring legacy of its original owners, and . In January 1998, the foundation repurchased the property from Garton at the original price, providing the resources to commence immediate stabilization efforts. The restoration process launched in late 1998 following an in-depth analysis and master plan developed by a team of national preservation experts, with historian and architectural consultant William Seale serving as the lead advisor to guide conservation strategies. Focus areas included repairing and conserving the main house's whimsical interiors—featuring original murals, furnishings, and —along with the grounds, pool house, creamery, greenhouse, and other outbuildings, all while maintaining the site's authentic character. The multi-phase project addressed extensive deterioration from decades of post-Lunt private rental and use, such as structural weaknesses in the aging and fabric degradation in textiles and wallpapers, completed on May 26, 2003, at a cost of $12.5 million—$500,000 under budget—through meticulous, reversible techniques that preserved over 90 percent of the original collections . Ten Chimneys achieved formal historic recognition early in the preservation campaign: it was listed on the on February 23, 1998, under reference number 98000076, acknowledging its architectural and cultural significance. The estate was elevated to status on July 31, 2003, honoring the profound influence of Lunt and Fontanne on American theater and the estate's role as a preserved testament to their lives. Restoration funding was primarily sourced through "The Campaign for Ten Chimneys," a capital drive from 2000 to 2003 that exceeded its $12.5 million goal by raising $12.8 million via private donations, foundation grants, and corporate contributions. Key support included designation as an official project of the Save America's Treasures initiative in 1999, which provided federal matching grants for urgent conservation work. Major challenges encompassed the estate's advanced physical decay—requiring immediate interventions to prevent further loss of irreplaceable elements like hand-painted paneling—and balancing authenticity with practical accessibility, all while relying on volunteer-led fundraising amid limited initial resources.

Tours, Programs, and Current Operations

Ten Chimneys, managed by the Ten Chimneys Foundation, operates as a house and national resource for theater arts, offering public access to the estate while supporting educational and artistic initiatives. The foundation oversees seasonal tours and year-round programming to honor the legacy of and , emphasizing immersive experiences that preserve the original ambiance of their home. The estate opened to the public for guided tours on May 26, 2003, marking the Lunts' and the start of its role as a visitor destination. Tours operate seasonally from May through early December, with the 2025 season running from May 11 to December 7; they are available Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Sundays at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Guided tours, limited to small groups of about 10 people, explore the main , studio, , gardens, and grounds via docent-led walks and shuttle service, providing an intimate "" experience that highlights intact 1930s-1960s decor, memorabilia, and personal stories of the Lunts. Full estate tours last two hours and cost $35 per person, while main -only options run 90 minutes for $28; group tours for 20 or more are available by advance reservation, along with special events tailored for schools and organizations. Visitors often describe the tours as engaging and theatrical, allowing them to follow in the footsteps of Broadway legends amid preserved gardens and a 38-acre preserve. The foundation's programs focus on advancing theater education and artist development, including the flagship Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship, an annual national initiative for 8-10 accomplished regional actors. Launched to renew artistic passion and build community, the fellowship offers an 8-day retreat and master class at the estate, led by renowned teachers such as (2019, 2022) and (2023), culminating in enhanced mentorship and leadership skills for participants. In July 2025, the program welcomed its latest cohort for intensive sessions on July 20. Additional offerings include permanent exhibitions in the Lunt-Fontanne Program Center lobby showcasing Lunt and Fontanne artifacts, play readings and workshops on theater history, and the "Conversations at Ten Chimneys" lecture series featuring luminaries like and . Theater resource programs provide retreats and strategic planning for organizations, while public events such as music performances in the and the October 6, 2025, premiere of the documentary This Place Matters! Ten Chimneys at New York's extend the estate's reach. These initiatives collectively sustain Ten Chimneys as a hub for emerging and established artists, fostering the Lunts' vision of theater as a vital cultural force.

References

  1. https://emke.uwm.edu/entry/ten-chimneys/
  2. https://www.tenchimneys.org/about-the-estate
  3. https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/98000076
  4. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalhistoriclandmarks/list-of-nhls-by-state.htm
  5. https://www.tenchimneys.org/contact-us
  6. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI29770
  7. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/23940959-2f50-407b-9a3a-ec011e9d3617
  8. https://nordstjernan.com/news/midwest/4671/
  9. https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/WI-01-WK3
  10. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1993/05/09/stargazing-8/
  11. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/NationalRegister/NR1945
  12. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/98000076_text
  13. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEf_FmMvwf1/?hl=en
  14. https://www.tenchimneys.org/about-alfred-and-lynn
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/31/obituaries/lynn-fontanne-is-dead-at-95-a-star-with-lunt-for-37-years.html
  16. https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/f/fo-fz/lynn-fontanne/
  17. https://playbill.com/article/joseph-garton-who-saved-lunt-estate-ten-chimneys-is-dead-at-56-com-114658
  18. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/features/nonprofit-spotlight/ten-chimneys-foundation
  19. https://www.tenchimneys.org/about-the-foundation-and-mission
  20. https://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;view=reslist;subview=standard;didno=uw-whs-mss00622;focusrgn=bioghist;cc=wiarchives
  21. https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/about/our-blog/lunt-and-fontanne-a-lively-legacy
  22. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-guardsman-9598
  23. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/design-for-living-11185
  24. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/lynn-fontanne-14789
  25. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/alfred-lunt-15484
  26. https://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;cc=wiarchives;view=text;rgn=main;didno=uw-whs-mss00622
  27. https://www.tonyawards.com/winners/year/any/category/special-tony-award/show/any/
  28. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/b35fdc6a-4fcb-4ed3-82da-80a4432d3f80
  29. https://www.tenchimneys.org/historical-timeline
  30. https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/13/theater/theater-lunt-and-fontanne-s-most-lasting-production.html
  31. https://www.tenchimneys.org/the-guest-list
  32. https://www.npr.org/transcripts/6271487
  33. https://www.nps.gov/crps/CRMJournal/Summer2004/interview.html
  34. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/weekly-list-1998-national-register-of-historic-places.pdf
  35. https://www.nps.gov/articles/promoting-your-national-historic-landmark.htm
  36. https://www.tenchimneys.org/
  37. https://www.tenchimneys.org/about-the-lunt-fontanne-program-center
  38. https://whichmuseum.com/museum/ten-chimneys-foundation-genesee-18695
  39. https://www.tenchimneys.org/estate-tours
  40. https://www.travelwisconsin.com/museums-history/ten-chimneys-194305
  41. https://www.tenchimneys.org/lunt-fontanne-fellowship
  42. https://www.tenchimneys.org/post/fellows-are-arriving-to-ten-chimneys-foundation
  43. https://www.tenchimneys.org/conversations-at-ten-chimneys
  44. https://www.tenchimneys.org/theater-resource-programs
  45. https://www.tenchimneys.org/post/this-place-matters-ten-chimneys-documentary-premiere-10-6-2025
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