About Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate

90 acres

Stroll through elegant gardens complementing a stately country house then explore surrounding fields, pastures, and woodlands that echo the property's agricultural past.

What makes the Bradley Estate a special place?
This 90-acre country retreat sits only a short distance from hectic Rt. 128, yet will transport you back 100 years to a bucolic world of majestic homes, elegant gardens, carriage rides, fields and woodlands – all the amenities of gracious, turn-of-the-century living in the Neponset River Valley.

Dr. Arthur Tracy Cabot inherited the family property in the late 1800s. In 1902, Cabot retained noted architect Charles Platt, who specialized in designing impressive country homes in natural surroundings. Arthur Cabot died in 1912, and his wife, Susan, retained ownership for another three decades; in 1945, his niece, Eleanor Cabot Bradley, and her husband, Ralph Bradley, acquired the estate. The Bradleys preserved the genteel traditions of the property, adding such amenities as ponds, a sunken camellia garden, and an art studio. They also maintained a commitment to the formal gardens and other plantings.

What may delight visitors most is the Italianate, latticed-walled garden that was a centerpiece of Platt's vision. The restrained formality of the garden is both supported and contrasted by exuberant plantings of rhododendron, azalea and dogwood.

Beyond awaits a modest cluster of farm buildings and 15 acres of open fields: a small but vibrant working farm still in operation. The outlying parts of the estate comprise more than 60 acres of woods and low-lying wetlands, laced with three miles of cart paths and walking trails.

Trails
Three miles of woodland cart paths and trails and a short path around the gardens adjacent to the main house. Easy walking.

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 _ hours.

Facilities
The ground floor and grounds surrounding the main house may be rented for private functions and corporate events. Visit www.bradleyestate.org for further information.

Regulations & Advisories

• Dogs must be kept on leash at all times. Please help us keep the Bradley Estate clean by removing all dog waste from the reservation.

Directions

2468B Washington Street (Route 138)
Canton, MA
Telephone: Event Manager: 718.401.3285
                Property Manager: 781.821.2996
E-mail: seregion@ttor.org

From Route 128 (I-93), take Exit 2A and follow Rt. 138 South towards Stoughton. Immediately after crossing bridge (if exiting from Rt. 128 North) or coming off exit ramp (if exiting from Rt. 128 South), turn right into first driveway on the right (it comes up fast!). Follow signs to parking area (75 cars). The drives on the property utilize a one-way system, so please take notice of signs.

Admission

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours.

Admission
FREE to all

Property History

In 1902, Dr. Arthur Tracey Cabot hired architect Charles Platt to design a country house, landscaped grounds, and a complex of farm and estate buildings. In 1945, Cabot's niece, Eleanor Cabot Bradley, acquired the property.

She and her husband Ralph Bradley made minor modifications to the buildings and restored the overgrown fields. They also added ponds, a sunken camellia house, a greenhouse, a studio, and a garage and planted specimen trees throughout the landscape.

Property Acquisition History
The Bradley Estate was a bequest, with endowment, of Eleanor Cabot Bradley in 1991. Additional land purchased in 1999.

Programs

Guided Tours offered in spring. Please call 781.821.2996 to pre-register.

Volunteer Opportunities

Work Parties

Maps and Resources

Printed trail maps are distributed free from bulletin board in the parking area and from inside the main house. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.

Private Functions

The Bradley Estate is an elegant setting for your wedding, birthday party, bar mitzvah, or corporate event. Visit www.bradleyestate.org for further information.

Planning Your Visit

Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:

• Protect wildlife and plants.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Help keep air and water clean.
• Carry out what you carry in.
• Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
• Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
• Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
• Enjoy and share the landscape with others.

Click on links below for further visitor information:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land

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