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
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: 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
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: 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
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
Family-Friendly Tour of the Old Manse
Step into the incredible world of The Old Manse, a stunning 254 year-old house that witnessed the dawn of the American Revolutionary War and served as a sanctuary for renowned writers and artists! Join us for a special 30-minute tour designed just for families with young adventurers. Experience history like… Read More
Attic Tours of The Old Manse
Uncover the hidden stories of The Old Manse on this thrilling tour that takes you to the historic third-floor attic! While the 254-year-old museum is renowned for its famous writers, philosophers, and Revolutionary War heroes, we’ll dive into the lives of those who stayed in this intriguing space—visiting ministers, enslaved… 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
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
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