Frederick Law Olmsted is best known for his landscape architecture and notable projects including Central Park in New York City, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. He also designed many parks here in Rochester, New York as well including Genesee Valley Park, Highland Park, and Seneca Park.
He founded landscape architecture in the United States and opened the world's first full scale office devoted to the practice of landscape design. His signature style was making the man-made look natural and creating grand views of nature. As you move through the space you come upon spectacular scenes by way of naturally winding pathways with strategically placed elements to enhance the surprise.
Olmsted's office, called Fairsted, is located in Brookline, Massachusetts just outside of Boston and is now a National Historic Site. I had the pleasure of visiting recently and took the following photos. Unfortunately visitors are not currently allowed inside due to COVID, but the grounds are still beautiful and there's plenty to learn from the park rangers.
The residence is connected to the offices that appear to have gone through numerous additions. I felt it added a lot of character and interest. There's more hidden gems that you need to experience for yourself there so enjoy these few photos and plan your trip to experience Fairsted soon!
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