Part 10/14:
Beyond its visual beauty, Omstead included recreational amenities. Two tennis courts nestled behind mature oaks, a sheltered beachhouse for bathing, and winding paths collected the scenic and leisurely pursuits that an estate of this caliber promised. To preserve privacy, a 10-foot-high stone wall surrounded the property, creating a secluded refuge for Aldred’s social and personal life.
The Grandeur Ends: Decline and Dispossession
By 1918, Omstead was largely complete—stated to have cost close to three million dollars at the time (roughly $64 million today). The estate was a hub of lavish parties, social gatherings, and family life, attracting the wealthy elite to its grounds. Yet, this gilded escapade was destined for decline.