# Waveny House

- **Country:** the United States
- **Location Text:** New Canaan, Connecticut, completed in 1912 for Lewis Lapham. The Tudor Revival style mansion was designed by William Tubby, with the grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. The exterior was used in filming of the original ''Batman'' television series and in the 2004 remake of ''The Stepford Wives''.

Waveny House, often referred to locally as the castle, stands as the centerpiece of Waveny Park in New Canaan, Connecticut. Constructed in 1912 for Lewis Henry Lapham, a co-founder of Texaco, the residence was designed by architect William Tubby with landscape plans by the renowned Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. The estate originally encompassed 300 acres of fields, ponds, and trails, reflecting the grandeur of early twentieth-century country living. Its historical importance was formally recognized in 2019 when the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site also holds social significance, having hosted the 1967 wedding of George Lascelles, the 7th Earl of Harewood and cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1967, the Lapham family sold the house and surrounding land to the Town of New Canaan for $1.5 million, transforming the private estate into a public resource. Today, the park borders the Merritt Parkway and includes various town facilities such as New Canaan High School, an aquatic center, and paddle tennis courts. While some amenities require a nominal annual fee, the grounds remain a popular recreational destination for residents throughout Fairfield County. The main house itself has served as a filming location for major productions, providing the exterior visuals for the fictional Cortlandt Manor on the soap opera All My Children and the 2004 film remake of The Stepford Wives.

Currently, Waveny House operates as a community hub within the larger park system, preserving its architectural heritage while serving modern public needs. The transition from a private summer retreat for an industrialist family to a vibrant municipal park ensures that the legacy of the Lapham estate continues to benefit the local population. Visitors can explore the historic structure, view the statue by the castle, and enjoy the extensive trails that define this unique Connecticut landmark.

![Photo of Waveny House](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Waveny_Park.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waveny_Park (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)