CraneOutdoors: Sunset Kayak in the Crane Wildlife Refuge
There are few places on the North Shore that more reliably enjoy spectacular sunsets than the back side of Crane Beach, overlooking Essex Bay. On this outing into the heart of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, we will be paddling in the protected waters of one of the most scenic… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River
One of the best was to enjoy the natural beauty of the Massachusetts North Shore is kayaking the placid waters of the Great Marsh—the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Castle Neck peninsula on the Crane Estate is a… Read More
Cancelled – Long Hill House & Garden Tour
Visit Long Hill’s breathtaking gardens and stately historic house for a guided tour. Enjoy the rich history of this grand country estate, home of the Sedgwick family, as you learn about the elegant lifestyle of wealthy Bostonians on the North Shore, and the artisans who created it. The tour takes… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Cupola with a View
This is our most Instagram-able tour experience and a particular treat for those interested in the architecture of the Great House and its surrounding property. You’ll gain insight into the architectural choices made by David Adler as he designed and built the Great House, the second home the Cranes built… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Formal Flowers, A Tour for Gardeners
Calling all gardeners! Are you interested in how the formal gardens at Castle Hill have grown and changed over the years? Are you looking for inspiration for your own garden? Formal Flowers will take you on a detailed journey into the way the Italian and Rose Gardens were designed and… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: The Cat's Meow
Our children’s tour, The Cat’s Meow, is designed for children age 3-8. Imagine living in 1929 and visiting the Crane family at their summer home in Ipswich. The house is so big and Mrs. Crane’s kitty, Ptolemy, has gone missing just before the party! Can you help a family… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Guest of the Cranes
It’s 1929 and you’ve just arrived after a long journey to see the Great House at Castle Hill and to visit your friends, the Crane family, of Crane plumbing fame. You are greeted at the door by household staff and your adventure as a “Guest of the Cranes” begins. A… Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Behind the Scenes in the Great House
Do you love checking out basements, kitchens, and other out of the way rooms? Our behind-the-scenes tour takes you past the beautiful facade and explores how the house ran when the Cranes were in residence. You’ll learn how a plumbing magnate incorporated the latest technology of the era into his… Read More
Passport to the Past: Stevens-Coolidge Guided House Tour
Discover the stories behind the walls of one of North Andover’s historic gems. Join us for a guided tour of Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, a Colonial Revival treasure that reflects early 20th-century elegance and global influence. Once the summer home of Helen Stevens Coolidge and John Gardner Coolidge—a diplomat and… Read More
CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place… A stroll along the spine of Castle Hill, starting at the… Read More
Passport to the Past: Stevens-Coolidge Guided House Tour
Discover the stories behind the walls of one of North Andover’s historic gems. Join us for a guided tour of Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, a Colonial Revival treasure that reflects early 20th-century elegance and global influence. Once the summer home of Helen Stevens Coolidge and John Gardner Coolidge—a diplomat and… Read More
Horticulture 101: How to Plant a Tree
How to Plant a Tree: A Hands-On Workshop Even seasoned professionals and homeowners often get tree planting wrong — leading to long-term stress or even failure of young trees. Join senior horticulturist Daniel Bouchard in this hands-on workshop and learn the most up-to-date, research-backed techniques to ensure your trees… Read More