The Brooks Estate: A Gift from the Past, a Legacy for the Future

House

History and Architecture

The Brooks Estate was first settled in about 1660, and was transformed into a Victorian summer retreat by Peter Chardon and Shepherd Brooks. It is graced by two fine Victorian buildings: the Shepherd Brooks Manor and Carriage House (1880), both under restoration. More information.

 Brooks pond

Open Space, Landscape, Habitat

The Brooks Estate offers acres of open space, walking trails, Brooks Pond and a unique historic landscape. It is also critical habitat for birds and small mammals. Visitors are welcome to walk the paths and enjoy the quiet and beautiful outdoors. More information.

 Manor House detail

Preserving the Past / Restoring for the Future

Owned since 1942 by the City of Medford, the Brooks Estate was permanently protected in late 1998. Restoration of the landscape and historic buildings is underway. The goal is to protect and enhance the property's natural and historic features and re-use the two buildings for community benefit. We have completed a comprehensive Brooks Estate Master Plan to complete this process. For more on the restoration itself: Restoration update. Please support us: How you can help.

Questions, or comments?

Birding at the Brooks Estate

The Brooks Estate attracts both the novice and expert birder throughout the year.
Birding information.

Moving forward with the The Brooks Estate Master Plan

We have recently completed the Brooks Estate Master Plan.

The Brooks Estate Master Plan details the long-term vision for the Brooks Estate, including the further restoration of the Shepherd Brooks Manor, Carriage House and the natural and historic landscape. The central goal of the Plan is to complete the basic restoration of the property to:

  • maximize its community potential
  • ensure that it is financially self-sufficient
  • maintain its natural and historic values
  • provide funds for other improvements

Please click here for an overview: Brooks Estate Master Plan (pdf).

The Brooks Estate Master Plan will be rolled out to the City of Medford (owner of the Brooks Estate) in the near future, for funding.

Please come speak up for your Brooks Estate. Send us an e-mail to Cloaking and we'll notify you when the Medford City Hall meeting(s) are scheduled. Thank you for your support!

  
Map

Getting There

The Brooks Estate is located on Grove Street in Medford, MA, about 5 miles North of Boston, 0.8 mile north of High Street (Route 60). Park off Grove Street and walk in at green gate just north of Cemetery. (Do not park in the cemetery.) Detailed map.

On Foot -- accessible from Grove Street (green gate) or through Oak Grove Cemetery (from Playstead Road side.)

By Public Transit -- take 80 or 94 bus from Davis Square (Somerville) or 94 bus from Medford Square (Medford) to corner of Boston Avenue and High Street. Walk up Grove Street.

All Historic Photos on this site (except 1946 Santa) taken by Sarah Lawrence Brooks in the 1880s.