Tucked away in Stockbridge, there’s a fabulous country estate just waiting for your visit. Naumkeag is the former vacation home of a wealthy New Yorker, but its beauty is pure Massachusetts. Read on to learn more about the stunning gardens, historic mansion and mountain vistas that this hidden gem has to offer.
Naumkeag is the former estate of Joseph Hodges Choate. Built in 1886, it’s an entrancing monument to the Gilded Age in Massachusetts.
Flickr/Norman Walsh
The Choate family gave Naumkeag to the Trustees in 1958, including all of the original furniture and artwork. Even the garden tools are original.
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The gardens were designed over the course of 30 years and are truly spectacular.
Flickr/Edward Faulkner
The striking Blue Steps are the jewel of Naumkeag. They are a series of sparkling, blue fountain pools that are flanked by sweeping steps and a beautiful grove of white birch trees.
Flickr/MOTT
Naumkeag is also has a great view of Monument Mountain, one of the most impressive peaks in Massachusetts.
Flickr/Paul Geffen
The centerpiece of the estate is the 44-room country home. The enormous manor (Choate called the building a “cottage”) cost $35,000 to complete.
Flickr/Edward Faulkner
Visitors can wander the intricately sculpted box hedge gardens, or stroll amongst the flowers in the rose garden.
Flickr/Norman Walsh
Some parts of the estate have a touch of Eastern flair. which serves to make you feel truly transported to another time and place.
Flickr/Paul Geffen
The estate offers walking tours of the garden, home or both. The tours last one to two hours, depending on what you plan to see.
Flickr/Smythe Richbourg
Naumkeag is the perfect place to stop for a dose of beauty and rejuvenation, just as the Choate family once did.
Flickr/Smythe Richbourg
Naumkeag is located at 5 Prospect Hill Road in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Flickr/Norman Walsh
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/Edward Faulkner
Flickr/MOTT
Flickr/Paul Geffen
Flickr/Smythe Richbourg
Open weekends April 2 to Memorial Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open daily Memorial Day to October 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Need a bit more natural beauty to calm those nerves? Check out this other amazing, hidden natural oasis in Massachusetts.
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