Massachusetts’ Castle on the Hill Is a Gilded Age Gem

For those looking for a day trip to Massachusetts' North Shore on a nice day, Ipswich’s Castle on the Hill offers a unique experience.

The famed estate, formally known as Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Gilded Age.

Let's take a look at the history and the beauty of this Bay State gem.

The History Behind Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Chicago industrialist Richard Teller Crane, Jr., heir to Crane Co., a veritable plumbing empire in the early 1900s, purchased the property in 1910.

At the time, a simple farmer’s inn stood on the massive hill overlooking the coast, but Crane looked to build a testament to the wealth he had come to find at his fingertips following the plumbing boom of the late 1800s.

Alongside his wife Florence, Crane worked with a team of renowned architects, landscapers and artists, transforming Castle Hill into one of the most lavish homes in America at the time of its completion in 1928.

Castle Hill Is a Touch of Europe on Massachusetts' North Shore

Crane’s European-inspired summer estate included the mansion itself, farm and estate buildings, a pool complex, designed gardens and grounds and diverse natural areas, including a beach and nature preserve.

This massive mansion includes 59 rooms and a stunning view of the ocean. The mansion is built on such a large hill, and is so tall itself that New Hampshire is visible from its highest windows.

The mansion’s most iconic feature is the massive back lawn, referred to as the Grand Allée, is a sprawling downhill stretch of the property, leading all the way from the back wall of the mansion down to the beach, a full half mile.

Castle Hill Preserves the Natural Beauty of Ipswich

Despite his immense wealth, Crane saw himself as quite the naturalist. He was an advocate for nature conservation, the fact the nature preserve and beach on his property went mostly untouched is a testament to this.

Crane signed in his final will in 1928 that when he and his wife both passed away that the mansion, beach and preserve would all be donated to the Trustees Reservation. In 1949, upon Florence’s passing, the Trustees Reservation was granted ownership of the property.

The Trustees Reservation Continues Crane's Conservation

The Trustees Reservation is a non-profit land preservation organization founded in 1891.

The total area of Crane’s Estate, operated by the Trustees to this day, is about 2,100 acres, including the beach and nature preserve.

When Can I Tour Castle Hill in Ipswich?

The Trustees will begin offering tours for the season on Saturday, April 19. It will be open just weekends and Patriots Day until May 24, when it will switch to an open Tuesday to Sunday model, also including Monday holidays.

According to the Trustees Reservation, the cost for the Grand Stairs to Back Stairs tour, which is a three-hour full house tour with a snack break, costs $40 for a Trustees Member and $50 for a non-member. It is offered every other Saturday, beginning May 10.

For those seeking a perfect blend of history, luxury, and scenic beauty, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate is a must-visit destination.

Whether you're drawn by its grand architecture, sweeping ocean views or the chance to wander its pristine grounds, the estate offers a truly unforgettable escape.

With guided tours resuming this spring and opportunities to explore the stunning landscape, there’s never been a better time to plan your visit and experience this North Shore gem for yourself.