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
Self-Guided Historic House Tours at Stevens-Coolidge
Step inside the historic elegance of Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens and explore at your own pace with this self-guided house tour experience. Wander through the beautifully preserved rooms of the early 20th-century home, once the summer residence of Helen Stevens Coolidge and John Gardner Coolidge. As… 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
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
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
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: 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
CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure
Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the makings of an epic adventure. This combined outdoor trip in the Crane Wildlife Refuge—home… 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
Spotlight Pop-Up Talk: Art, Travel, and Love of John and Helen Coolidge
Discover something new with your visit through our free pop-up Spotlight Talk Series at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens. These 15 minute engaging talks explore rotating themes to highlight the rich history and collections found at the property. Led by knowledgeable staff, these pop-up talks highlight a… 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