The Great House - Considered David Adler's architectural masterpiece.
Visiting the Crane Estate is a return to a time of excess and grandeur that can only be duplicated by the most affluent today. It was built in the time of the Vanderbilt's, the Ford Model T, the Wright Brothers, and the expanse of the Newport Rhode Island mansions.
A beautiful view of the ocean and marshes from the Terrace of the Great House.
Construction of the residence and landscape started in 1910 as a summer retreat for Chicago industrialist Richard T. Crane and his family. In its prime, the estate was over 1000 acres. It now comprises some 350 acres of land and a mile of pristine beach. The structures that reside on the land are immaculately cared for and are beautiful examples of European architecture and design.
English country style wood paneled library
the Great House stairs
The luxurious dinning room
Crane family sitting room
The Great House is maintained as a museum and working destination facility for weddings and events. The rooms are decorated with many original objects and furnishings.
The half mile long Grand Mall
Picturesque views of the ocean and marshes
Dramatic view of the ocean and marshes
The cupola
Navigating to the second floor and above to the roof, offers an amazing 360-degree view of the surrounding land, marshes, and ocean. Outside of a drone or helicopter, it is the best view available of the area.
Several other structures also remain on the grounds including an Italian formal garden, a rose garden, a grand terrace, tennis court, and bowling green.
The site of what once was a log cabin with only the chimney remaining.
Columns of the Italian Formal Garden entrance.
The dramatic entrance to the Italian Formal Garden.
Left side view of the Italian Formal Garden with flowers in bloom.
Full-length view of the Italian Formal Garden - Designed by the Olmsted Brothers.
The old Rose Garden with a view of the fountain.
Entry to the old Rose Garden and fountain with two visitors holding hands.
Visitors can easily spend the better part of a day exploring all that the estate has to offer.
Destination URL Castle Hill on the Crane Estate - The Trustees of Reservations