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
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
Mohicans, Missionaries and Migrating Colonists: A Guided Tour
New England’s Colonial history—from the perspective of the colonists as well as the indigenous peoples who preceded them—comes alive inside the home to the first missionary to the Mohicans. This National Historic Landmark was originally built around 1742 by the Rev. John Sergeant, the first missionary to… Read More
Designing for Delight: A Garden Tour of Naumkeag
Explore stunning terraces and garden rooms with sweeping views of the Berkshire Hills as our passionate garden guides share the stories behind the creation of this iconic estate. These popular tours take visitors beyond the blooms to focus on the fascinating history of the Choate family, the vision of landscape… 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
Inside Naumkeag: A Guided House Tour
Step into the Gilded Age at Naumkeag, the Choate family’s summer estate in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This guided house tour invites you through richly appointed rooms filled with original furnishings and art, offering a window into the lives of Joseph Hodges Choate—a distinguished lawyer and U.S. Ambassador—his wife Caroline, an artist… Read More
Home to Two Revolutions: Tour of the Old Manse
Home to Two Revolutions – From the American Revolution of 1775 through the literary revolution of the mid-19th century, on this house tour we share the stories of Manse residents, both the famous and the lesser-known, who influenced and responded to the 19th century social, political and cultural changes 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
Behind the Blue Curtain: Backstairs Tour of Naumkeag
Step behind the blue velvet curtain that hid the servants’ staircase and discover the secrets of running a Gilded Age country estate. Beginning in the work yard, guests will visit rarely-seen areas of Naumkeag as they ascend from the basement kitchen to the third-floor maid’s quarters, stopping along the way… Read More
Where Land Meets Sea: A Coskata–Coatue Nature Tour
Join our expert guides for an unforgettable over‑sand vehicle adventure through the pristine landscapes of the Coskata‑Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Explore a mosaic of rare coastal habitats, including sweeping barrier beaches, vibrant salt marshes, and dynamic marine ecosystems, and discover the fascinating plants and wildlife that call this unique place home. Read More
Castle Hill Tour: Behind the Scenes
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: Behind the Scenes
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