Lyman Estate

In addition to being a National Historic Landmark, the Lyman Estate, also known as "the Vale," is considered to be one of the finest examples of a country estate built in the style of eighteenth-century English naturalistic design in the United States. For his family's residence in 1793, shipping merchant Theodore Lyman commissioned renowned architect Samuel McIntire to design and construct a Federal-style residence. The house was first expanded in the Victorian style in 1882, and then remodeled in the Colonial Revival style in 1917, under the direction of the family. The thirty-seven-acre property includes gardens that have been meticulously preserved as well as historic greenhouses. During a tour of the mansion, which is now a wedding and corporate event venue, you can learn about the history of the Lyman family. One of the building's architectural features is a graceful oval parlor and an elegant ballroom, both of which can be seen in the upcoming film adaptation of Little Women. Pay a visit to the Lyman Estate Greenhouses for stunning plants and knowledgeable advice. Historic New England is adhering to all applicable state, local, and CDC safety regulations for the Waltham location. All employees and visitors are required to wear protective masks. Improved cleaning and disinfection procedures have been implemented. The number of people who can join the tour is limited.