Where to meet: Panera at 2 Cornerstone Square Westford, MA 01886

Time to meet: 8:30 A.M.

Time for the drivers meeting: 8:45 A.M.

Time for departure: 9:00 A.M.

Enjoy carving the back roads from Westford to the amazing and beautiful 2,100 acre Crane Estate overlooking Cranes Beach in Ipswich, MA.  This property is owned and maintained by the Trustees of Reservations.

After the drive we have a couple options for participants to select from:

Anticipated arrival at approximately 10:45 A.M. and we can gather for a picnic (Bring Your Own) from arrival until potential tours starting at Noon

There is a $10.00 “Grounds Admission” to explore the estate and gardens and we can picnic on the lovely property (if weather permits)

The 165-acres of Castle Hill are part of the 2,100-acre Crane Estate. The summer estate of plumbing tycoon Richard Teller Crane, Jr. and his family, Castle Hill is both an amazing historic property and a wonderful place to take a stroll. Explore the grounds, featuring formal fountained gardens, woodland paths, and Italian-inspired sculptures. Walk the half-mile long Grand Allee that leads to a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Castle Hill offers a taste of the European on the New England coast.

If you are interested in joining for the guided tour of the Great House, gardens and grounds.  Grounds admission INCLUDING Guided Tour is $30.00 per person. Guided tours run 50-60 minutes and begins on the hour at noon,  1:00 P.M.  and 2:00 P.M.   To purchase Guided Tours, please visit www.thetrustees.org/castlehilltours

Overview of tour:

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 tour through the house will show you the luxury and conveniences that will be at your disposal during your summertime visit to Ipswich. An invitation from the Crane family is a coveted prize. Welcome to Castle Hill!

Our hourly tour is a time capsule experience that takes you back to 1929, in which you will be given the opportunity to assume the identity of an actual acquaintance of the Crane family. The tour includes the family bedrooms, bathrooms, and guest rooms.

Accessibility: The Grand Stair has 30 steps. We’re sorry, but there is no elevator. Headset amplifier available upon request. This tour is recommended for adults and families with children aged 9 and up. For their own safety and the safety of the museum, any children under the age of 2 must be carried by an adult for the duration of the tour.

Tours leave on the hour and have a run time of approximately 50-60 minutes. Tours run from 10:00 A.M. -3:00 P.M. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or first-come-first-serve on property. Grounds admission is included in the ticket price and covers a 3-hour visit.

We recommend you arrive 15 minutes before your tour to allow time to park and walk to the Great House.

Each tour accommodates up to 12.

How many miles: 50-55 miles

Total trip time: 1.75 hours (plus however much time you spend enjoying the estate 🙂