Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Ipswich

What an interesting place to visit. The architecture, the landscaping, it is well worth the $15 to get on site. When it's open, the house is beautifully built with amazing windows, moulding, and design. The grounds have wonderful stonework and gardens to walk around and admire. I could definitely see this place being a spectacular wedding venue at $8-$10k per event. Remember to bring cash though. The groundskeeper doesn't have a card reader and the only option is to drive back into town and find an ATM. I suggest becoming a trustee member for $65 , because it will get you in here and many other spots on Massachusetts for free.

We often go to visit Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich during either the spring or autumn. We visit today in mid July and the grounds were beautiful. It was a perfect day. We walked down the lawn to the oceans edge and had lunch on a bench looking across the water at Plum Island. We then explored the grounds and the rose garden. A perfect day to visit Cape Ann. I recommend a visit. Book a ticket for parking online before leaving home to assure entrance or become a Trustee member for year round free entrance.

What a hidden jewel of natures bounty!!It is a beautiful estate! Worth the hour trip to get there. The people who work at the crane estate, were very helpful and pleasant. Definitely check out web to make a reservation....great way to spend a weekend day!!

** Unique castle tour ** I loved how they tour you with some interaction between the fellow visitors. Our guide was very polite and allowed us to look at things and answered all the questions. One suggestion though is to allow a little more time to absorb all the beauty of the castle. The surrounding is jaw droppingly pleasant. I recommend anyone looking for a castle tour in summers.

Very nice grounds. Good if you want somewhere to walk a little bit. Beach was pretty but average for the area. Beautiful gardens. A great place to get nice family pictures and selfies!