Ipswich -- Castle Hill (MA)

The Crane's "Formal Garden" (also known as the "Italian Garden") was designed by the Olmsted Brothers. The architects for the hardscape was the Boston firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge. The firm also designed the first mansion on the site for the Cranes in 1910-11. Boston-area sculptor Johan Selmer-Larsen also worked with the Olmsted Brothers on the garden, designing the cast-stone mermaid figures atop the columns and the relief sculptures along the walls. A large figural sculpture was designed by Bela Pratt. Pratt's solid white marble "Rainbow Fountain" (1916) was located in a recessed niche behind the pool area. Landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff designed the Crane's circular Rose Garden and the Grand Allee among other garden areas on the property. Following demolition of the first mansion David Adler designed a second mansion on the site, constructed between 1924 and 1928. The Great House is the central feature of Castle Hill that was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998.