Part 9/12:
The Decline and Transformation of Great Hill
In the decades following Stone’s passing, maintaining the estate became increasingly expensive. During the late 1940s, like many large estates, Great Hill faced financial challenges. The family sold off most of the property: about 80% of the original structure was demolished to reduce upkeep costs, leaving a more manageable summer residence.
In the post-war years, the estate transitioned from an opulent social hub to a working farm. The vast open fields that once hosted polo matches and garden parties were repurposed for agriculture. The property’s barns and pastures were filled with dairy cattle, reflecting a shift from luxury to practicality.