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
Castle Hill Tour: Highlights on the Hill
Join us for a leisurely tour of the Castle Hill grounds from our comfy tour cart. You will hear the rich history of the estate while enjoying the breathtaking views of the gardens, marsh, and water. This is the perfect way to get a comprehensive overview of the Crane Estate,… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Sunset Hike to Cedar Point
There’s no better excuse to explore Cedar Point—the western-most part of the Crane Estate—than a hike at sunset. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property has it all… A stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of the Great House A hike down the Woodland Trail leading to… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Kayak Historic Fox Creek
The Great Marsh—the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England—is not only brimming with fascinating natural history, it is also home to a rich cultural history. Nowhere is this more evident than in the meandering waters of Fox Creek. Connecting the tidal estuaries of the Essex River basin and the… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Kayak Adventure on the Castle Neck River
One of the best ways 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
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… Read More
Roaring Twenties Lawn Party
Don’t miss the party of the summer! You’ll find jazz musicians on 2 stages, antique autos, a vintage fair, flappers and dandies, and picnickers galore. Explore the formal gardens, compete in contests, take a dance lesson, participate in a fashion parade, and enjoy a drink at the Bootlegger’s Garden featuring… Read More
Great House Tour Experience – Lawn Party
Take a peek inside the Crane family’s summer home. Experience what it was like to be a weekend guest in 1929! A maid or footman will give you a 30-minute guided tour of the guest rooms, family suites, and luxurious bathrooms. This tour is available only to guests who have… Read More
Family Farm Chores at Appleton Farms
Every day brings a full list of barnyard chores to keep our farmyard friends happy and healthy—so let’s get to work! Join us for our special, hands-on Family Farm Chores program. Grab your muck boots and farm together as a family! Help care for our rabbits, goats, cows, chickens, and… Read More
The Legacies of Long Hill: House & Garden Tour
Step inside the beauty and layered history of Long Hill with a guided tour of its breathtaking gardens and historic house. Once the summer home of the Sedgwick family, Long Hill offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Boston’s North Shore elite while also highlighting the many hands that… Read More
The Legacies of Long Hill: House & Garden Tour
Step inside the beauty and layered history of Long Hill with a guided tour of its breathtaking gardens and historic house. Once the summer home of the Sedgwick family, Long Hill offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Boston’s North Shore elite while also highlighting the many hands that… Read More