Ten Chimneys Documentary: This Place Matters! Ten Chimneys
Ten Chimneys Documentary: This Place Matters! Ten Chimneys
November 14 – November 15
Tucked amid 60 scenic acres in Genesee Depot, Ten Chimneys invites visitors into the elegant country retreat of legendary acting duo Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. From richly decorated rooms and whimsical theatrical touches to peaceful gardens and historic outbuildings, the estate offers a fascinating glimpse into their private lives and celebrated careers. Today, this historic estate remains a captivating destination where history, architecture and American theater come to life.
Ten Chimneys, the bucolic 60-acre home of celebrated American acting duo Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, has an illustrious history.
Over the years, the estate welcomed a remarkable array of Broadway and Hollywood stars, acclaimed writers, and theater luminaries, including Katharine Hepburn, Laurence Olivier, Carol Channing, Edna Ferber, and Noël Coward.
Ten Chimneys, named for the ten chimneys found across the Main House, Cottage, and Studio, was created in 1915 after Alfred Lunt received an inheritance from his father and purchased land in Genesee Depot, an area where his family had often enjoyed picnics.
The three-story Main House features 18 rooms and six chimneys, while the Cottage has five rooms and three chimneys. The Swedish-style log cabin Studio has one chimney. The estate also includes a swimming pool and pool house, creamery, greenhouse, barns, stables, and outbuildings.
Ten Chimneys underwent numerous renovations and additions during the 1930s and 1940s. The estate’s distinctive décor reflects the Lunts’ passion for theater and their playful sense of humor, with such eclectic touches as Delft china, pre-Civil War oil lamps, Staffordshire figures, and a copper mermaid designed by Cecil Beaton that crowns the pool house.
Renowned scenic and costume designer Claggett Wilson designed and painted murals throughout the estate, employing theatrical and artistic techniques such as trompe l’oeil. Alfred also contributed several murals of his own, primarily in the Cottage.
Joseph W. Garton acquired Ten Chimneys in 1996. Prominent civic leaders came together to form the Board of Trustees of Ten Chimneys Foundation, beginning preservation efforts. The Estate was named a National Historic Landmark and was opened to the public on May 26, 2003.
TEN CHIMNEYS DOCUMENTARY
This Place Matters! Ten Chimneys
–
Saturday Nov.14, 7pm
and Sunday Nov.15, 3pm
at Ten Chimneys
This Place Matters! Ten Chimneys premiered on Oct. 6, 2025 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City. The documentary focuses on the lives of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne and features interviews from Ten Chimneys guests including Tyne Daly, Laura Linney, Alan Alda and Alfred Molina.
Where Theater’s Finest Come Together
The Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program was established in 2009 to inspire accomplished actors to creatively mentor younger artists in their communities while helping preserve theater as an art form. This year’s program brought together 10 distinguished actors from theater companies across the United States.
The Fellowship Week features an intensive master class led by a renowned Master Teacher, with Phylicia Rashad serving in that role in 2026. Past Master Teachers have included Marsha Mason, Jason Alexander, Lynn Redgrave (pictured above), David Hyde Pierce, and Alan Alda.
The week also provides Fellows with an inspirational retreat at Ten Chimneys with deluxe accommodations and meals.
Events for the Public
Ten Chimneys offers creative arts programs, including estate tours, gardening and décor events, music, actor conversations, wine tastings, student educational opportunities, and the renowned Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship for American theater professionals.
For information and reservations visit www.tenchimneys.org or call 262.968.4110
