A Visit to the Revitalized Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens
What a treat it was to escape the office yesterday and head to North Andover’s Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens during the peak of their spring tulip bloom. The circa-1729 farm and early 20th century Colonial Revival home were bequeathed to the Trustees in 1962. Thanks to a two-year renovation to the 91-acre grounds by the Trustees, this sylvan oasis 30 minutes north of Boston has never looked better. They’ve built a new entrance and parking lot, replete with the opening of the Garden Gateway building crafted from a former maintenance shed and now containing classroom space, gift shop, and snack counter. They also doubled the size of the garden and planted thousands of bulbs and hundreds of perennials, trees, and shrubs. The tulips in all shapes, sizes, and colors were glorious to witness in the bright morning sunshine yesterday after two days of rain. Lilacs are just starting to bloom and then comes an explosion of peonies. So don’t get discouraged if you can’t get the timed tickets you want at first. There will always be something in bloom this spring and summer. Go anytime for a therapeutic walk through these gardens and meadows. Better yet, bring a picnic!