Cheney-Baltzell Manor House

The Cheney-Baltzell Manor House, located at 99 Cheney Drive in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is a historic estate with over 100 years of rich history. Originally owned by Benjamin Pierce Cheney, the property was transformed into a sprawling landscaping feat that is now maintained by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

The estate has a fascinating past that includes Native American inhabitants, English settlers, and wealthy Bostonians who used it as a summer retreat. Cheney, a prominent figure in Boston's banking aristocracy, acquired the property in 1874 and created a vibrant Victorian-style garden with his wife, Elizabeth Stickney Clapp.

After Cheney's passing, the estate was passed down to his daughter, Alice Cheney Baltzell, and her husband, Dr. William Baltzell. Alice continued her father's passion for gardening and made significant changes to the property, including the construction of a stunning manor house designed by renowned architects John Merven Carrère and Thomas Hastings.

Today, the Cheney-Baltzell Manor House stands as a reminder of its illustrious past, with its Italianate Garden and grand rooms showcasing the estate's former glory. However, the building itself has been abandoned for nearly 50 years, prompting discussions about its future and potential restoration.

The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, which now runs the property, is currently fundraising for a master plan that will outline the estate's future in alignment with the organization's mission. While restoration efforts are still in the early stages, the community is eager to see what will become of this historic gem in Wellesley.