Castle Hill - Part 2

The 165 acre estate where the Great house of Castle Hill is stunning. It's hard to believe this was only a summer home. 

 

A line of statues is on both sides of part of the massive grass mall in the back yard.

In the middle of the back yard is the Casino.

There was once a saltwater swimming pool in the center of this structure.

 

Included were bathhouses, cabanas and an indoor ballroom! Off in the distance is the Atlantic Ocean although you can't see it due to the rolling green mall.

 

Massive chess and checkers! I don't know if this is original or not. 

It takes a while to walk the length of the back yard. That is the house you can barely see in the center to show perspective.

Eventually you reach a beautiful area where you could lie out on the grass and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the ocean.

To get to the beach it was a MUCH longer walk. I think we took the wrong trail! It started like this and we thought we were close.

Then we just kept walking which got harder as the sand became fluffier. If you have ever walked a distance in fluffy sand you know what I mean! We both felt it in our legs the next day.

Fun Hollywood East facts - This site has been seen in a few films. The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Flowers in the Attic (1987), and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009). Apparently the grass mall was used in the first episode of the Amazing Race 17. 

I hope you enjoyed this visit. It was a treat for us! Thank you for stopping by. ~Val

Castle Hill - Part 1

Jim and I visited Castle Hill in Ipswich, MA. A first for both of us! This land was first owned by John Winthrop, Jr., the son of the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony back in 1637. 

Designed by David Adler

Afterwards it was owned and run by farmers. Today there is a mansion on site that was built by Richard T Crane who purchased the property in 1910 building the stately house in 1928.

Back Side

There are many charming elements about the home and exterior decor. Of course there are cranes!

 

Part of the coastal land has been donated to the state and is named Cranes Beach. I always thought that was due to the crane population in the area but apparently it has to due with the family name!

Inside has some gorgeous wood detailing.

I will be back next week with the grounds which are beyond amazing and immense. It has its own beach on the Atlantic but it was quite a hike to get to the shore! 

If you live in the area, I would recommend visiting. Besides the Great House, there are 4 miles of roads and trails to enjoy.  There is a schedule of concerts, movies and more that take place here. You can even book your wedding!

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val