Stepping out from under a tented terrace into the shaded entryway of Long Hill’s historic Beverly home, you’re welcomed by a towering beach tree with twisting branches stretching nearly the entire length of the house. Much like those winding branches, the garden paths and network of walking trails incorporated into the grounds reveal unique surprises around every bend.

“There are so many interesting discoveries to be made at Long Hill,” said Pilar Garro, Trustees Property Director of Long Hill and Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens. “Whether it’s part of the woodlands, forests, gardens, or historic home, you come across something new each time you visit.”

For visitors old and new alike, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in these diverse elements is through a House and Gardens Tour. Journey through the garden’s development from a singular seedling to an expansive five acres before stepping into the historic home that is an extension of these very gardens. All of this is guided by expert volunteers like Heather Ritcher.

Meet Heather Ritcher

Ritcher’s relationship with Long Hill began 30 years ago, around the time when The Trustees were gifted additional land surrounding the property by Raymond and Linda Gosselin. Ritcher would walk her dogs along the newly expanded hiking trails and spend time reading books from the home’s library on rainy days.

“In a weird way it was a secret garden that no one knew about back then,” said Ritcher. “I’ve seen it go through many changes since the 90s and become revitalized into what it is today.”

That revitalization is how Ritcher deepened her involvement with Long Hill. She attended Trustees focus groups which discussed the property’s utilization and most-needed improvements. At the tail end of the project in 2020, she decided to continue giving back as a volunteer guide for the house and garden tours.

“I love the stories of the two women—Mabel and Marjorie—who achieved so much despite the social restrictions of their time,” said Ritcher. “But I’m primarily a gardener and appreciate how the garden’s original intent was respected while modern aspects like the new summer garden were added during the rejuvenation.”

Keeping the Intention Alive

Whimsy is engrained into Long Hill by design. A fairy garden inhabits a hollow tree, the frogs “Fred” and “Frank” call the vernal pools home, and ornaments and statuary appear around every turn. The grounds are not meant to be a formal, grandiose place.

“The property was created as a family home, not a mansion,” said Ritcher. “That was the spirit then and that’s the spirit it embodies now.”

Visitors today are encouraged to touch and smell the plants and bring a picnic lunch to eat in the shade of the trees, enjoying the space much like the Sedgwick family once did. Even the inside of the historic home embodies this spirit where you can relax in the music room or read a book from the family library.

“People come here for many reasons: See the gardens, walk the trails, explore the historic house,” said Pilar Garro. “No matter who you are or what time of year you come, you’ll find fascinating new ways to enjoy this special place.”

Plan your visit to Long Hill in Beverly this summer! General Admission is free but programs including the weekend House and Garden Tours are ticketed.