Nestled within the forested hills of the Tyringham Valley, Ashintully Gardens blends formal and informal gardens and the ruins of a historic mansion in an intimate setting with a multigenerational history.

In the early 20th century, Robb and Grace de Peyster Tytus purchased 1,000 acres of land and built a Georgian-style mansion dubbed the Marble Palace—a name local residents supplied because of the way the pure white sand used for the stucco reflected the sunlight—on the brow of a hill. Two subsequent generations of the Tytus-McLennan family occupied the home. When contemporary classical composer John McLennan assumed ownership, he devoted 30 years to creating the gardens, an effort that paralleled his musical output and earned the Hunnewell Medal from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in 1997.

In summer and fall, follow a half-mile woodland trail to the ruins of the Marble Palace—the Doric columns remain a rugged reminder of its past—looking north over the valley. Traipse along footbridges and grassy terraces that link the various parts of the garden, and find a moment of serenity amidst the natural features—a stream, native deciduous trees, a rounded knoll, and rising flanking meadows—and stunning constructed elements like urns, columns, and statuary.

FREE to all.

Gardens and ruins are open daily from April-November, sunrise to sunset.

27-1 Sodem Road
Tyringham, MA 01264
Telephone: 413.298.3239
E-mail: westregion@thetrustees.org

Get directions on Google Maps

From the Mass Turnpike (Exit 10), take Rt. 20 South, bear right onto Rt. 102, and immediately left onto Tyringham Rd. Follow for approximately 6.5 mi., passing through Tyringham Center (road then becomes Main Rd.), until you come to intersection with Sodem Rd. Turn left and park on the lawn off of the road as directed by signs. Overflow parking is available on the lawn past the red barn.

There is a property map posted on a kiosk in the parking area. We recommend that you photograph the map or download a trail map before you set out.

• Please do not visit on days or times when the gardens are not open to the public.
• Please respect the privacy of the resident who lives in the farmhouse next to the gardens.
• Please note that picnicking is not permitted.
• Please note that dogs are not allowed on the property.
• PHOTOGRAPHY: We ask that photographers or their clients become Contributing Level Members before conducting portrait sessions at this property.  Click here for more information, and to request permission for any portrait sessions. The Trustees of Reservations reserves the right, and may give permission to its designated photographers and videographers, or to outside media, to photograph or video visitors and program participants at all its facilities and properties.
• Seasonal hunting is permitted on a portion of this property (please see map below), following MassWildlife hunting regulations. The portion of the property where hunting is not allowed is posted with “No Hunting” signage. Wear bright orange colors when hiking during hunting seasons. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays.