Hunnewell Estates Historic District

Envision this: a sprawling estate, a tapestry of vibrant gardens, and whispers of history carried on the breeze. This is the Hunnewell Estates Historic District, a hidden gem nestled between the Charles River and Lake Waban in Wellesley and Natick. The Hunnewell Estates Historic District isn’t just a collection of beautiful homes and gardens. It’s a living testament to the enduring legacy of two prominent families: the Hunnewells and the Welles. The story of the Hunnewell Estates Historic District begins in 1763 when Samuel Welles acquired land in what would later become Wellesley. This land passed down through generations, eventually reaching Isabella Pratt Welles and her husband, H. Hollis Hunnewell. H.H. Hunnewell, a railroad financier, businessman, and passionate horticulturist, transformed the estate into a showcase of his love for plants and landscape design. The Hunnewell Estates Historic District boasts a remarkable collection of 18th- to 21st-century estates, each with its own unique charm. The “H. H. Hunnewell estate,” built in 1851, features the first topiary garden in the United States, a testament to Hunnewell’s innovative spirit. His Italian Garden, created in 1854, showcases meticulously sculpted native pines and arborvitae. The Pinetum, established in 1867, houses rare and mature specimens from around the world. Other notable residences within the Hunnewell Estates Historic District include the original Welles homestead, “Welles House” (1770), and “The Cottage” (1870), a charming Queen Anne style guest house. “The Oaks,” built in 1871, once boasted the first private golf course in New England. Each home tells a story, each garden whispers secrets of generations past. Today, hundreds of acres within the Hunnewell Estates Historic District are protected under conservation restrictions, ensuring that this historical treasure will be preserved for generations to come. While the estates are private residences, their beauty and historical significance add to the rich tapestry of the area. The Hunnewell Estates Historic District stands as a reminder of a time when fortunes were made, gardens flourished, and families left an indelible mark on the landscape.