23 Newmarch Street | Ipswich, MA
Perched idyllically above the tidal Ipswich River, 23 Newmarch Street is where our coastal tour begins. With 650± ft of water frontage, this beautifully restored c. 1905 Arts and Crafts residence has stunning gardens with rare and mature plantings, stone walls, and fieldstone paths creating a serene and natural setting. It is also the perfect spot to drop in and kayak, paddleboard, or boat to the Crane Estate, and beyond. Begin by following the Ipswich River, navigable for almost 30 miles by boat (and much more by kayak or canoe), to the mouth, passing forests, fields, and conservation land. At the mouth, you’ll find a narrow channel that brings you to Plum Island, Castle Hill, and Crane’s Beach.
While in Ipswich….
- Attend a Castle Hill Picnic Concert on Thursday nights in the summer at the Crane Estate.
- Take a family-friendly stroll at Appleton Farms Grass Rides.
- Try a local brew at True North Ale Company. Check out the food truck schedule for some tasty eats!
293 Concord Street | Gloucester, MA
Next, circle around the Ipswich Bay, and head towards Wingaersheek Beach. Prepare to be amazed by the vast salt marsh and sand dunes at low tide. There, you’ll find another channel where you’ll navigate into the Essex Bay, towards the Essex River and Conomo Point, ultimately landing at the tidal dock of 293 Concord St, Gloucester, also known as the “Yellow House Farm”. With 750 feet of frontage, this historic West Gloucester property lies within the original boundaries of an 18th century Saltwater Farm. Look back and you can see the route you just traveled – from Crane, Coffins and Wingaersheek beaches and past Hog or Choate Island. Along the property’s edge, find the secluded and screened cabin/boathouse, or stroll up on the walking trails to the main house, a beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with notable 18th-century character throughout.
Mussel Point Oceanfront | Goucester, MA
But don’t stop there. Continue your maritime adventure by boat, rounding Rockport, where you’re likely to see whales, old granite quarries, and plenty of quintessential New England homes. Dock at the Lobster Pool or The Market Restaurant for some true New England fare. Continue past Eastern Point Lighthouse, situated at the eastern tip of Gloucester Harbor, America’s oldest seaport. From here, look directly across the Round Rock Shoal, and head toward this striking Mussel Point home. New England’s famous rocky shoreline is quite apparent here; and perched above, you’ll be in awe over this expansive 3800± SF home, the picturesque landscaping, and the oceanfront deck with hot tub and multiple-seating areas, which are just the start of all that this home has to offer.
While in Gloucester….
- Rent a board and go for a paddle or surf at one of the many local spots, like Good Harbor Beach.
- Visit Maritime Gloucester to embrace Gloucester’s history and learn more about its maritime heritage.
- Support Gloucester Fishermen by eating freshly caught seafood at one of the many delicious local eateries, such as Tonno Restaurant or The Market Restaurant.
33 Proctor Street | Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
Carry on along the coast, taking in both the vast Atlantic and the rocky shore. Pass Magnolia Point, Kettle Island, Coolidge Point, and Singing Beach, navigating into Manchester Harbor, where you can tie up at your deep water dock on 325± ft of water frontage across from the Manchester Yacht Club and Tuck’s Point. After you dock, walk up and take a dip in your harbor-facing private pool surrounded by professionally landscaped grounds, including David Austin roses, espaliered Stanley Plum trees, Japanese Maples, specimen trees, Siberian and Japanese Iris, Peonies and many native plantings.
While in Manchester…
- Spend a relaxing afternoon at Singing Beach, taking in the white sand and clear blue waters.
- Buy a book at Manchester By the Book, a local secondhand book store, often referred to as a “hidden gem,” and piled high with any type of book you can imagine.
- Take a walk and bring a picnic to the seaside lawn at Coolidge Reservation.
