The elegant plantings and cultivated grounds of this public garden bloom with vibrancy that's more than a century in the making.
From 1916 to 1978, Long Hill was the summer home of noted author and editor of The Atlantic Monthly, Ellery Sedgwick, and his family. He summered here with his first wife, Mabel Cabot Sedgwick, an accomplished horticulturist, gardener, and author of The Garden Month by Month, and his second wife, Marjorie Russell Sedgwick, a rare plants specialist—both of whom created a delightful, enchanting landscape, surrounded by more than 100 acres of woodland.
Today, visitors delight in the beauty of Long Hill’s structured and naturalistic gardens as well as a network of woodland trails. A diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and distinctive perennial plants provide color during the growing season, peaking in May and June and providing structure and beauty throughout the year. With an ever-growing calendar of public events and festivities, you’ll find ample reason for frequent returns.
During your visit, start by navigating the main 1.2-mile loop trail, taking in the sweet aromas, vivid colors, and botanical diversity during your amble. Around the handsome, Federal-style brick house, five acres of cultivated grounds are laid out in a series of separate garden “rooms,” rendered in a “Garden for Living”-style, accented by ornaments, statuary, and mature plantings that blend seamlessly into the woodlands. Elsewhere, you’ll wander past a two-acre vegetable garden, an apple orchard, children’s gardens, and a variety of grounds and facilities—including the publicly accessible Sedgwick Garden Library of reference materials within the main residence—where budding horticulturists receive on-site education from a staff of experts.
Members and non-members enjoy free admission. This property is open during normal hours, 8am-5pm daily.
The Trustees asks that visitors follow social distancing guidelines for the health and safety of all. Please note: all buildings and inside areas are remain closed on all properties. For more information about our response to COVID-19, please click here.
572 Essex Street
Beverly, MA 01915
Telephone: 978.281.8400
Get directions on Google Maps.
From Rt. 128 Exit 18, take Rt. 22 North 1 mi. Bear left at split in road and continue for 0.2 mi. on Essex Street to entrance on left (street number 572 is on the brick pillars). Parking area (50 cars) is up the driveway on left.
Enjoy this Decorative Arts Trust article on Long Hill, by Senior Curator Christie Jackson.
Read MoreHouses and buildings are currently closed.
No restrooms are available.
We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.
We hope you enjoy your visit. For your safety, and to help protect this unique resource, we ask that you please comply with the following regulations:
The following are prohibited at Long Hill:
Note: Please check locally at property for posted advisories and regulations.
The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of our properties implies consent. Please review our photo and video policy.
Learn more about the initiative to rejuvenate the public gardens at Long Hill and The Stevens-Coolidge Place.
In 1916, this 114-acre hillside property attracted Atlantic Monthly editor and publisher Ellery Sedgwick and his wife for its lovely views of the rural North Shore. But Mabel Cabot Sedgwick, an accomplished gardener, had more ambitious – and aesthetic – ideas.