Ten Chimneys Broadway Legends' Wisconsin Home
Country Retreat of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in Genesee Depot
May 24, 2009
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne were the golden couple of Broadway back during what was called the “Golden Era of Hollywood.” The Lunts were famed on Broadway and fast friends with the Hollywood stars and artists of their era. Their success meant that they could live anywhere in the world and they chose Genesee Depot, Wisconsin. Ten Chimneys, the beloved home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, is a treasure of a historic site located in the Kettle Moraine area of Wisconsin.
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne Stars of Broadway
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne were each stars in their own right, but once they were married they agreed to perform only with each other. The loving couple was married for 55 years and was totally devoted to each other. They worked on Broadway and lived in New York much of the year, but they spent every summer at Ten Chimneys in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin.
Lunts Entertained Stars of Era at Ten Chimneys
The Lunts were among the elite of the performers of their era. They loved to entertain and opened their doors to many of the famous actors and actresses that they called friends. Ten Chimneys has bedrooms named after frequent guests; Noel Coward, Helen Hayes and Laurence Olivier. Some of the famous people who were guests at Ten Chimneys were John Gielgud, Julie Harris, Eleanor Roosevelt, Katherine Hepburn and Carol Channing.
The Lunts lived a glamorous life on Broadway, but were very down-to-earth people. At Ten Chimneys they lived a quiet life that included gardening, decorating, cooking and entertaining their guests. Alfred kept a vegetable garden and grew his own produce. He also had chickens and sold eggs in town. Alfred was known to be an excellent cook. He made delicious meals for the guests at Ten Chimneys. Ten Chimneys has produced a cookbook of Alfred’s recipes.
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne were the height of sophisticated fashion and the epitome of gracious hosts, showing class in everything they did. The couple traveled extensively and many of their mementoes are on display at Ten Chimneys. They artistically arranged their many mementoes in rooms full of stories, if only walls could talk.
Ten Chimneys a Historic Treasure
Ten Chimney is an ornately decorated, but homey, house. The property nestled among the hills and valleys of the Kettle Moraine area of Wisconsin. The estate is situated on 65 wooded acres and offered a secluded retreat for rest and rejuvenation for the Lunts and their guests. There continues to be a still, quiet air on the property, along with a hard to describe magical sense of whispering trees.
Tours at Ten Chimneys in Genesee Depot
Tours at Ten Chimneys are conducted by docents in small groups. There are no barriers or ropes, so the home looks very much as it did when the Lunts lived there. One gets the sense that Alfred and Lynn have just stepped away and could walk into the room anytime. Tours are $35 and reservations are recommended. Call 262-968-4161 for information.
Kettle Moraine Ice Age Trail Formed by Glaciers
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