What makes the North of Boston area distinctive? Its residents will tell you that North Shore communities are home to hidden gems that range from secluded state parks to a medieval-style castle perched high along the Atlantic coastline.
The North of Boston region stretches from Revere just north of Boston to Salisbury right along the Massachusetts-New Hampshire state border. In between is a coastline studded with coves, beaches, and peninsulas. Cape Ann makes up the largest peninsula on the North Shore and forms the northern limit of Massachusetts Bay.
Homebuyers looking for North of Boston real estate will find a wide variety of home styles in an area filled with natural and cultural landmarks that enhance the appeal of living in this region. Add one or more of these places to your itinerary as you explore the area and look for homes for sale North of Boston.
Hammond Castle Museum, Gloucester
Gloucester is home to an art colony, an award-winning regional theater, and a honest-to-goodness European-style castle that houses a collection of medieval and Renaissance treasures. Built by John Hays Hammond, Jr. in the 1920s as his own residence, Hammond Castle is now a museum where visitors can tour ornately decorated rooms adorned with suits of armor, antique furniture, and artwork.
American inventor Hammond lived from 1888 to 1965. He used his seaside castle as the base of operations for his company, the Hammond Research Corporation. He’s known as “The Father of Radio Control” for his pioneering work in electronic radio control. A visit to Hammond Castle Museum is a chance to stroll through a stunning setting on either a self-guided or guided tour.
Halibut Point State Park, Rockport
Located on the northern tip of Cape Ann, Halibut Point State Park takes a bit of finding but rewards the visitor with spectacular views of the ocean and rocky coastline. A popular spot for hiking and bird watching, the park features a former granite quarry that was used in the construction of many famous buildings, including the Boston Public Library and the U.S. Custom House in Boston.
Hike along trails to reach the rocky shoreline where you can clamber over boulders and ledges to explore tide pools and drink in views that stretch to Maine and New Hampshire. A small visitor center teaches visitors about Cape Ann’s granite industry.
Wolf Hollow, Ipswich
This wildlife sanctuary is home to a pack of gray wolves. Visitors can observe the wolves from a safe distance and learn about their behavior and biology. The sanctuary also has a nature trail and an education center. Wolf Hollow provides a rare opportunity to observe gray wolves in their natural habitat, while teaching visitors about wolf conservation efforts.
Wolf Hollow is open Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Their FAQ gives full details about visiting.
Appleton Farms, Hamilton and Ipswich
One of the oldest continuously operating farms in the United States, Appleton Farms is a working farm where visitors can learn about sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, and cheese making. The farm also has hiking trails and picnic areas on its 1,000 acres of fields and pastures.
Appleton Farms is not only a working farm; it’s been run by nine generations of the Appleton family. Farm staff milk dairy cows every morning and produce enough hay to feed the livestock through the winter. As a Trustees of Reservations property, Appleton Farms hosts farmyard tours for all visitors and preschool programs for children who take part in age-appropriate farm activities.
Maudslay State Park, Newburyport
Situated on the banks of the Merrimack River, Maudslay State Park features 16 miles of hiking trails through woodlands, fields, and amazing stands of mountain laurel that burst into colorful blooms in the spring. Points along the meandering trails offer scenic views of the Merrimack River.The grounds include a mansion surrounded by walled gardens planted with roses, lilies, and irises. Maudsley State Park is open year-round sunrise to sunset.
