October 8, 2026 – Tyringham, Massachusetts

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Length: approximately 2 miles

Max elevation: 1,121 ft.– total elevation gain 310 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Ashintully Gardens Trails Map 2021

Trailhead parking: Sodom Rd, Tyringham, MA 01264

Generally open April through November, sunrise to sunset. Check the official Ashintully Gardens page before visiting.

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Overview:

Ashintully Gardens in Tyringham, Massachusetts, is home to the haunting ruins of the Marble Palace, a grand Georgian-style mansion built between 1910 and 1912 by Egyptologist and politician Robb de Peyster Tytus. Part of his nearly 1,000-acre estate, the 35-room mansion featured four imposing Doric columns and was nicknamed the Marble Palace for its brilliant white stucco exterior. A devastating fire destroyed the mansion in 1952, leaving behind its stone foundation, front terrace, and four columns—silent remnants of the estate’s former grandeur.

Spread across approximately 120 acres in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, Ashintully Gardens offers a peaceful blend of formal gardens, open lawns, wooded slopes, and sweeping mountain views. Winding paths lead through carefully landscaped grounds, stone terraces, and quiet garden spaces, with the surrounding hills providing a beautiful natural backdrop. The combination of cultivated gardens and rugged scenery makes this a rewarding place to explore at a leisurely pace.

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History:

Ashintully (Gaelic meaning “on the brow of the hill”) was the name given to the original 1,000-acre estate assembled in the early 20th century by Egyptologist and two-time state representative, Robb de Peyster Tytus from three farms in Tyringham and additional land in Otis.

On a hill overlooking the southern end of Tyringham Valley, Tytus built between 1910-1912 a white, Georgian-style mansion which came to be known as the Marble Palace among local residents because of the way the pure white sand that was used for the stucco reflected the sunlight. Its main façade featured four Doric columns and was spanned by thirteen window bays; its interior comprised thirty-five rooms, ten baths, and fifteen fireplaces.

The mansion was destroyed by fire on April 20, 1952; only the front terrace, foundation, and four Doric columns remain today. In 1913, Tytus died at Saranac Lake, New York, leaving his wife, Grace, and two daughters, Mildred and Victoria. One year later, Mrs. Tytus married John S. McLennan, a Canadian senator, newspaper owner, and historian. She gave birth in 1915 to one child, John Jr., before subsequently being divorced.

In 1937, John McLennan (Jr.) acquired the estate, where he had spent all his childhood summers. He later moved into the farmhouse at the bottom of the hill, where he lived the rest of his life, renovating the nearby barn into a music studio. John McLennan became an accomplished composer of contemporary music, including chamber and orchestral music and pieces for piano and organ, and, in 1985, won an American Academy of Arts and Letters music award. John McLennan created, over the course of thirty years, Ashintully Gardens.

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Trails:

The trails at Ashintully Gardens are short, leisurely paths that combine garden exploration with a visit to the ruins of the Marble Palace. Located in the Berkshire Mountains of Tyringham, Massachusetts, the property features a half-mile woodland trail leading uphill to the mansion ruins, where the surviving Doric columns overlook Tyringham Valley.

Mowed paths and garden walkways connect the landscaped areas, grassy terraces, footbridges, and ornamental features, including stonework and statuary. Along the way, you’ll encounter a small stream, open meadows, and peaceful garden settings. Rather than a traditional strenuous hike, Ashintully is best enjoyed as a relaxed stroll, with plenty of opportunities to explore the grounds, photograph the ruins, and take in the surrounding mountain scenery.

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Hike Overview:

I’ve been wanting to visit these ruins for several years and finally made the time for a road trip to the Berkshires, with plans to explore a few places in the area. Ashintully Gardens was at the top of my list, and it didn’t disappoint! I’ll tell you, the 2¼-hour drive was well worth it. While the gardens themselves were a bit ho-hum, the mansion ruins were everything I’d hoped for—and then some. Those towering columns, remnants of a once-grand estate, made the trip worthwhile all by themselves.

When we arrived, we had the entire place to ourselves and didn’t encounter another soul until we were leaving. Granted, it was a Tuesday morning, but having the grounds practically to ourselves made the visit that much more enjoyable. There was something special about exploring the ruins in peace and quiet, without crowds or distractions, allowing us to take it all in at our own pace.

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Parking:

Parking is available in a small, unpaved area on Sodom Road near the entrance to Ashintully Gardens. Additional parking is available on the grassy lawn beyond the red barn when needed. Follow the posted signs, as some nearby areas are marked No Parking. Parking and admission are free. A property map is posted at a kiosk in the parking area, so it’s worth taking a photo before setting out to explore the gardens and mansion ruins.

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The Hike:

From the parking area, turn left and walk back toward the entrance along the road you drove in on. Follow the gravel road between the farmhouse and the Music Barn. Before continuing uphill to the mansion ruins, take some time to explore the garden area, where winding paths and landscaped grounds offer a pleasant introduction to the property.

Fountain Pond is a tranquil feature of Ashintully Gardens, encircled by a curved stone wall that gradually decreases in height as it follows the pond’s perimeter. The rustic stonework gives the pond a distinctive character, blending harmoniously with the landscaped grounds and natural Berkshire Mountain setting. It’s a quiet, understated feature of the gardens, offering a pleasant spot to pause and take in the surroundings.

A simple wooden footbridge crosses a branch of Hop Brook, providing an inviting passage through the peaceful grounds of Ashintully Gardens. Surrounded by greenery and the natural beauty of the Berkshire Mountains, the bridge adds a rustic touch to the landscape and offers a charming spot to pause and enjoy the quiet setting.

From the wooden footbridge, a picturesque view stretches across the pond toward the farmhouse and Music Barn, two surviving buildings on the Ashintully estate. Surrounded by trees and landscaped grounds, these modest structures offer a glimpse into the property’s later history.

After crossing the footbridge, a well-manicured path leads to Rams Head Terrace, where the carefully maintained grounds offer another inviting spot to explore the gardens and take in the peaceful surroundings.

The path continues across an open grassy field before narrowing into a footpath that leads to a secluded clearing. At the end, a bench and sculpture create a quiet focal point, giving the walk a satisfying sense of arrival and an inviting place to pause and relax for a bit.

Retracing your steps offers a sweeping panoramic view across the gardens, with the rolling Berkshire Mountains rising in the background. The open landscape and carefully maintained grounds create a picturesque scene, providing a fitting finale to this peaceful stroll through Ashintully Gardens.

As you retrace your steps from the gardens, look for a set of crumbling stone steps leading up a grassy hillside. There is a sign directing you to the Ruins Trail. DO NOT climb the steps. Instead follow the sign directing you to the Ruins Trail. Continue alongside the stone wall until you a low stone wall with two chairs positioned on either side of an opening. Pass through this gap to begin the Ruins Trail, which leads uphill to the Marble Palace ruins.

The Ruins Trail is sporadically marked with white circular blazes, but the route is easy to follow. The footpath climbs gradually uphill through the woods, winding beneath a canopy of trees as you make your way toward the mansion ruins.

After approximately half a mile, the trail passes the crumbling stone remains of an outbuilding from the former estate. The ruins feature a prominent arched entryway, suggesting the structure may have served as a carriage house, although its original purpose remains unconfirmed.

A short distance beyond the outbuilding ruins, the trail reaches a junction. Turn right to continue uphill to the top of the Marble Palace ruins. After exploring the ruins and enjoying the views from above, retrace your steps back to this junction to continue the hike.

Looking down over the crumbling remains of the presumed carriage house, the arched entryway and scattered masonry offer a glimpse of the estate’s former grandeur. Partially reclaimed by the surrounding woodland, these weathered ruins are a fascinating reminder of the buildings that once served the Marble Palace.

The trail eventually arrives at the site of the Marble Palace, where four towering Doric columns rise above the scattered bricks and stones of the once-grand estate. With the Berkshire Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop, the surviving ruins create a striking scene that blends history, architectural grandeur, and natural beauty. It’s a remarkable place to explore and imagine the magnificent mansion that once stood here.

Take some time to explore these fascinating historic ruins and appreciate the remnants of the once-grand Marble Palace. The scattered masonry, towering columns, and surrounding mountain scenery make this a memorable place to linger. Use caution while exploring, as the ground is uneven and loose bricks and stones are scattered throughout the site.

The crumbling entrance to the Marble Palace marks the approach from the former carriage road, where visitors once made their way uphill to the grand estate. Today, the decaying masonry and weathered remains offer a glimpse of how residents and guests would have arrived at the mansion, a striking contrast to the grandeur that once greeted them.

Every angle offers a picture-perfect view of these remarkable ruins, from the towering Doric columns and crumbling masonry to the sweeping Berkshire Mountain backdrop. It’s a photographer’s dream, with a unique perspective and another stunning composition waiting around every corner.

What was once the mansion’s back veranda offered a commanding view over the hillside and surrounding Berkshire landscape. Today, only remnants of the structure remain, but the elevated vantage point still provides a sense of the setting’s appeal and the sweeping views that once accompanied life at the Marble Palace.

The four towering columns cast long, dramatic shadows across the back lawn, stretching the remnants of the Marble Palace into the landscape below. With the Berkshire Mountains rising beyond, the scene feels almost timeless—a striking reminder that even after the mansion itself disappeared, its presence still lingers across these grounds.

After exploring the upper ruins, retrace your steps to the trail junction and turn right. The trail descends to the base of the mansion, where the remaining stone foundation features a series of arched entrances and window openings. Take some time to explore these fascinating architectural remnants, which offer a closer look at the craftsmanship and scale of the once-grand Marble Palace.

When you’ve finished exploring the foundation, follow the short grassy spur trail alongside the base of the ruins. It leads to the old carriage road that once served as the main approach to the Marble Palace.

As you approach the old carriage path, you’ll see the back of this trail sign. Once you reach the carriage road, turn left and follow it downhill. The old roadway descends gradually through the woods before reaching Sodom Road.

Walking down the old carriage road, it’s easy to imagine a time when horse-drawn carriages traveled this route, carrying the Tytus family and their guests uphill to the magnificent Marble Palace. What was once the grand approach to a sprawling country estate is now a quiet woodland path, its former grandeur all but reclaimed by nature. The road remains a tangible link to Ashintully’s past, connecting today’s visitors with a world that disappeared when the mansion burned in 1952.

The Ruins Trail ends at a gate on Sodom Road. To return to your vehicle, continue straight ahead to the parking area. If you’d like to explore more of Ashintully Gardens, turn left just beyond the gate and follow the gravel road a short distance until you reach a sign marking the Mowed Path.

The Mowed Path climbs a grassy hillside before returning to the heart of the gardens. We took the opportunity to slow down, unwind, and explore a few of the features we had missed earlier, enjoying a little more time to appreciate the peaceful surroundings before wrapping up our visit.

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Review:

Ashintully Gardens was well worth the road trip to the Berkshires. While the gardens themselves were pleasant, the real highlight was the remarkable ruins of the Marble Palace. The four towering Doric columns, arched foundations, and scattered remnants of this once-grand mansion create a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and photography. The surrounding Berkshire Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop, making the ruins even more impressive.

The grounds are peaceful and relatively easy to explore, with short paths connecting the gardens to the mansion ruins. We visited on a Tuesday morning and had the entire property practically to ourselves, which made the experience even more enjoyable. If you appreciate historic ruins and places with a story to tell, Ashintully Gardens is a worthwhile stop when exploring the Berkshires. The mansion ruins alone make the visit memorable, and the combination of history, scenery, and solitude makes this a special place to discover.

Pros:

Historic mansion ruins, spectacular Berkshire Mountain views, unique architectural features, excellent photo opportunities, peaceful setting, easy walking trails, fascinating estate history, uncrowded atmosphere.

Cons:

Limited garden variety, limited facilities.

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Take a hike!

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Sources:

• Ashintully Gardens

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