The central mansion was built by Lewis Lapham, a founder of Texaco.
The interior of Waveny House features woodwork imported from a 17th-century English manor.
Scenes from the 2004 film 'The Stepford Wives' were shot on the estate grounds.
The estate grounds served as a working farm that supplied produce to the local area in the early 20th century.
The property contains a documented historical cemetery on-site.
The gardens include a notable 'Walled Garden' restoration project led by the Conservancy.
Waveny Park is a 250-acre public estate in New Canaan, Connecticut, centered around a 1912 Tudor Revival mansion. The property, formerly the private Lewis Lapham estate, was acquired by the town in 1967. The park features extensive open fields for athletics, including soccer, baseball, and lacrosse pitches. A network of walking and equestrian trails traverses the property’s woodlands and meadows. The Waveny House serves as a venue for town events, arts programming, and private functions. The grounds include formal gardens designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the firm founded by Frederick Law Olmsted. The park is managed in partnership with the Waveny Park Conservancy to maintain its historical landscape.
The stone terrace overlooking the Great Lawn from the rear of the Waveny House.
Check the Waveny Park Conservancy calendar before visiting to see if the main lawn is reserved for private events or festivals.
Utilize the marked trail maps available near the main parking area to navigate between the wooded paths and open meadows.
Pack insect repellent, particularly if planning to hike the secondary wooded trails during summer months.
Do not attempt to enter the Waveny House if a private function is in progress, as it is not a general-access museum.
Park grounds are open daily, though Waveny House interior access is restricted to town functions and private events.
Leash laws for dogs are strictly enforced in designated areas; stay on marked paths to protect lawn restoration efforts.
