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
Grounds: Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours.
Weddings are held on Saturdays (and sometimes on Sundays) from May to October so the formal garden and the grounds around the house are unavailable after 1PM on these event days, but the rest of the 90 acres are open.
Snowshoe Rentals
Every Saturday throughout the winter, we offer snowshoe rentals for two time slots 11AM-1PM & 1PM-3PM.
Fees
Grounds: FREE
House and Formal Garden: Members: $5; Nonmembers: $10.
Commercial/Professional photographers – please schedule your visits by emailing bradley@thetrustees.org to ensure that space (outdoors or indoors) is available. Hourly/daily fees may apply.
We hope you enjoy your visit. For your safety, and to help protect this unique resource, we ask that you please comply with the following regulations:
Note: Please check locally at property for posted advisories and regulations.
The Bradley Estate is a property of The Trustees of Reservations. Visitors are welcome, but with the understanding that they use the area at their own risk and that they comply with all the above regulations. Whoever disregards or violates any of these regulations is hereby forbidden to remain upon these premises, and is subject to arrest, fine, and imprisonment as provided by law. The Trustees of Reservations cannot assume responsibility for injuries or for the loss or theft of personal property.
Hunting
Authorized bow hunting, only with written permission, is allowed on this reservation for a limited number of hunters, according to MasssWildlife regulations from mid October through December each year, from ½ hour before sunrise all day until ½ hour after sunset, Monday through Saturday. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays. Signage is posted at the property listing safety precautions, requirements, and rules for the benefit of all visitors. Learn more about hunting on Trustees properties
The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of our properties implies consent. Find the full policy here.
2468B Washington Street (Route 138)
Canton, MA 02021
Telephone/Email:
General Information: 857.327.5043, greaterboston@thetrustees.org
Property Manager: 781.821.2996, dcamp@thetrustees.org
Events and Programs: 857.327.5043, jearly@thetrustees.org
Private Events: bradleyestate@firesidecatering.com
Latitude: 42.1994
Longitude: -71.1207
Get directions on Google Maps.
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.
When to Visit
Grounds: Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours.
Weddings are held on Saturdays (and sometimes on Sundays) from May to October so the formal garden and the grounds around the house are unavailable after 1PM on these event days, but the rest of the 90 acres are open.
Snowshoe Rentals
Every Saturday throughout the winter, we offer snowshoe rentals for two time slots 11AM-1PM & 1PM-3PM.
Fees
Grounds: FREE
House and Formal Garden: Members: $5; Nonmembers: $10.
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.
Archival Collections
Archival material related to the Bradley Estate is available to researchers at the Archives & Research Center in Sharon, Massachusetts.
Eleanor Cabot Bradley Papers
(14.5 linear feet)
Regarding Eleanor Cabot Bradley’s horticultural career, including plans for her Estate in Canton, 1897-1999.
The Archives & Research Center welcomes donations of documents, manuscripts, records, photographs, maps and memorabilia that pertain to a particular property. Please contact us at 781.784.8200 or arc@ttor.org.
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.
Weddings/Private Functions
The Bradley Estate is an elegant setting for weddings. Click here for further information.
Photography
Commercial/Professional photographers shouldplease schedule your visits by emailing bradley@thetrustees.org to ensure that space (outdoors or indoors) is available. Hourly/daily fees may apply.
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:
Click on links below for further visitor information:
Before Setting Out
Learn more about having your wedding at The Bradley Estate
Mrs. Bradley's Formal Garden has been planted with a stunning display of spring and summer bulbs, including varieties that Eleanor Cabot Bradley had in her garden when she lived here. This spring, stroll through over 5000 tulips other spring bulbs, and come back in the summer to take a break among the 500 lilies (10 varieties) that were particular favorites of Eleanor, and will stand tall among the fragrant roses and perennials in the Formal Garden.
Advisory: Authorized bow hunting is allowed on portions of this reservation with prior written permission from the property superintendent. Please stay on marked trails. See Regulations and Advisories at left for more information.
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