“Exploring the North Shore's Summer Retreat History”

Event Details

Time: November 15, 2009 from 9:30pm to 11:30pm
Location: Willowdale Estate
Street: 24 Asbury Road
City/Town: Topsfield
Website or Map: http://www.essexheritage.or...
Phone: 978-740-0444
Event Type: historic, tour
Organized By: Elizabeth Rankin
Latest Activity: Oct 26

Export to Outlook or iCal (.ics)

Event Description

Date: Sunday, November15, 2009
9:30 - 11:30 AM

Location: Willowdale Estate,
24 Asbury Road
Topsfield, MA 01983

Experience a distinguished home and stroll the grounds of an exceptional property with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MA DCR) & staff from the Willowdale Estate. Barbara Buls, DCR Regional Interpretive Coordinator will lead us on an easy walk of the grounds of the Bradley Palmer State Park that surround Willowdale Estate while recounting past events and conjuring images of days gone by.

Following, Explorers are invited for an intimate tour of Willowdale Estate's unique Arts & Crafts Mansion and its newly improved manicured grounds - a treasured North Shore gem finding prominence once again! Experience the architectural beauty of the distinguished turn-of-the-century home and appreciate its Courtyard Butterfly Garden. Nestled in the woods of the Bradley Palmer State Park, this visit will also include a guided stroll on the Park's trails. Built in 1901 by US attorney and industrialist, Bradley Palmer, as a hunting and summer retreat, Willowdale Estate is a stunning example of American Arts & Crafts handiwork and architecture. Finding new life through the MA DCR Historic Curatorship Program, the property has been restored to its former splendor by the Forsythe-Fandetti family and is now enjoyed by guests as a unique wedding and event venue with exclusive in-house catering. Estate staff will share the story of the man and his manor including fascinating architectural details found throughout the home. Afterwards, enjoy light refreshments from the Willowdale Kitchens! Experience will begin and end at the Willowdale Estate parking lot.

Space is limited and reservations are required. The event is FREE to ENHC Explorer subscribers; non-member fee is $15, which is shared with the site. Fore more information or to reserve a space, call the ENHC at 978-740-0444 or visit www.HeritageExplorers.org.