Are dogs allowed at Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens?

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted at the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens to protect the delicate gardens and wildlife. However, leashed dogs are welcome at nearby Trustees properties such as Weir Hill and Ward Reservation, which are connected by the Stevens to Stevens Trail.

What kind of tours are available at Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens?

Visitors can choose between self-guided tours of the first floor of the historic house, which feature interpretive materials and an interpreter to answer questions, or pre-registered guided tours that offer a more in-depth look into the family's history and collections.

Is there an admission fee for Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens?

Yes, there is an admission fee for non-members. However, it is free for Trustees Members and North Andover residents with a valid ID. Various free or reduced admission programs are also available for EBT, SNAP, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, active military, and veterans.

ParkMassachusetts, US

Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of North Andover, Massachusetts, the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens offers a captivating journey into a bygone era of elegance and horticultural artistry.

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About

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of North Andover, Massachusetts, the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens offers a captivating journey into a bygone era of elegance and horticultural artistry. Once known as Ashdale Farm, this 91-acre estate seamlessly blends a meticulously preserved historic house with an expansive, vibrant tapestry of gardens. It stands as a testament to the "Country Place" style, providing a tranquil escape where history, art, and nature converge to create a truly special experience.

The estate boasts a diverse collection of garden "rooms," each with its own character and charm. Visitors can wander through the Italianate-inspired Rose Garden, explore the geometric precision of the French Garden with its serpentine brick wall, and admire the seasonal displays in the perennial and kitchen/cutting gardens. Beyond the formal borders, native plants and wildflowers flourish, attracting a variety of local wildlife. Keep an eye out for beautiful butterflies like the Monarch, Gray Hairstreak, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtail flitting among blooms such as Virginia bluebells, queen of the prairie, and swamp milkweed, while birds like the Downy Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, and American Goldfinch can be spotted throughout the grounds.

Visiting Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens is an opportunity to immerse yourself in both natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're admiring the intricate details of the Colonial Revival architecture, exploring the diverse plant collections, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll through the woodlands, the estate promises a memorable experience. It’s a place where every season brings new discoveries, from vibrant spring blooms like marsh marigold to the rustling leaves of northern red oak in autumn, inviting contemplation and inspiring delight. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

The land upon which Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens now stands was originally utilized by the Pennacook, Pawtucket, Massa-adchu-es-et, and Pentucket peoples for hunting and fishing. In 1729, the grandchildren of early European settlers John and Elizabeth Stevens acquired the land, naming it Ashdale Farm due to the abundance of white ash trees. The Stevens family farmed this land for six generations. The property transformed significantly when Helen Stevens Coolidge inherited Ashdale Farm in 1914. Along with her husband, John Gardner Coolidge—a U.S. diplomat, descendant of Thomas Jefferson, and nephew of Isabella Stewart Gardner—Helen undertook a decades-long project to convert the working farm into an elegant country retreat. They commissioned preservation architect Joseph Everett Chandler to remodel the house into a Colonial Revival estate and design a series of elaborate gardens inspired by European styles. After Helen Stevens Coolidge's death in 1962, she bequeathed the estate to The Trustees of Reservations, ensuring its preservation and public enjoyment, and it was renamed the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens.

What to do here

Stroll through the diverse garden rooms, take a self-guided or guided tour of the historic house to learn about the Coolidge family's life and collections, enjoy birdwatching (Downy Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, American Goldfinch), look for various insect pollinators like the Great Golden Digger Wasp and Common Eastern Bumble Bee, and hike the scenic trails.

Seasonal info

Spring brings forth a riot of color with Virginia bluebells and marsh marigolds. Summer showcases the full splendor of the perennial, rose, and cutting gardens, with species like queen of the prairie and swamp milkweed in bloom, attracting numerous butterflies and bees. Autumn reveals the rich hues of northern red oak foliage.

Accessibility

The first floor of the historic house is wheelchair accessible. Many paths through the gardens are generally level and wheelchair-friendly, though assistance might be required in some areas. Accessible restrooms are also available.

Don't miss

The Historic House

Explore the first floor, furnished with pieces collected by the Coolidges during their travels, including Asian artifacts and European decorative arts. Look for the entry hall mural painted by Spanish artist Joseph Remidas. Guided and self-guided tours are available.

Rose Garden

An Italianate-style garden with a circular pool and ornamental fountain, showcasing various roses and scented plants.

French Garden (Potager Garden)

Features a distinctive serpentine brick wall, inspired by Thomas Jefferson's designs, and was historically planted with annuals, herbs, and vegetables.

Perennial Garden & Kitchen/Cutting Garden

Formal beds filled with colorful perennials, herbs, and seasonal flowers like zinnias, sunflowers, dahlias, and rudbeckias.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Carpenter Bee

Northern Red Oak

Japanese Beetle

Downy Woodpecker

Killdeer

Tufted Titmouse

Monarch Butterfly

Marsh Marigold

Blue Vervain

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

American Goldfinch

House Finch

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Plan your visit

Check the Trustees of Reservations website for current hours, admission details, and any special events or guided tour schedules before you go.

Wear comfortable shoes

You'll want to explore the extensive gardens and potentially the connecting trails, so comfortable footwear is a must.

Bring a camera

The gardens and historic house offer countless picturesque opportunities, from vibrant floral displays to unique architectural details.

Explore the "garden rooms"

Don't just stick to one area; make sure to discover the distinct beauty of the Rose Garden, French Garden, and Perennial Garden.

Look for wildlife

Keep an eye out for birds like the Downy Woodpecker and Tufted Titmouse, and butterflies such as the Monarch, especially around nectar-rich plants like swamp milkweed.

Consider the Stevens to Stevens Trail

If you enjoy longer walks, connect your visit with a hike along this trail to nearby Weir Hill.

Frequently asked questions

: Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted at the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens to protect the delicate gardens and wildlife. However, leashed dogs are welcome at nearby Trustees properties such as Weir Hill and Ward Reservation, which are connected by the Stevens to Stevens Trail.
: Visitors can choose between self-guided tours of the first floor of the historic house, which feature interpretive materials and an interpreter to answer questions, or pre-registered guided tours that offer a more in-depth look into the family's history and collections.
: Yes, there is an admission fee for non-members. However, it is free for Trustees Members and North Andover residents with a valid ID. Various free or reduced admission programs are also available for EBT, SNAP, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, active military, and veterans.