Ashintully Gardens

"garden #14 28AUG2025

Ashintully Gardens is an interesting place. the gardens are close to the parking area, the ruins are a 10 minute walk up the hill through the woods. the ruins are extensive, the mansion must have been grand. splendid view down the valley from the doric columns atop the ruins.
this review is of the gardens on four characteristics:
A-Scale: 5. the gardens are on the hill behind the private residence, not apparently associated to the mansion ruins up the hill. They are perfectly proportionate to the house, lawn up the hill from the house thru the gardens. There are areas of the garden on both sides of the brook.
B- Art: 4. the gardens themselves have great "bones", i.e. arrangement of the plant beds with walls, lawns, trees/shrubs, hill and brook. garden "rooms" throughout separated by stone walls. lawns are an intentional part of the design, e.g. the flat, level bowling green above the gardens. the garden beds are a little tired, a mature amalgam of perennial survivors and volunteers.
C- Unique Specimens/Collections: 1. A handful of interesting trees and shrubs.
D- Labels/information: 1. there are a handful of dog-tags on some of the trees, but that's it.

composite score= 2.75"

Andy Tolland

"Wow, I've been visiting the Berkshires for many years and even lived in the area, and I was unaware of this fascinating site, a little bit off the beaten path in Tyringham/Monterey.

The meadows and forest make for a lovely walk, and the gardens are serene and soothing. But the ruins are the show stopper! I'm so glad I went and spent some time meandering. I'd love to go back in the fall.

I was a little confused by the parking--which is on the grass next to the barn--and didn't realize the right side of the loop, heading up to the ruins, begins at the forest. I got confused and went through the meadow first, so the ruins came near the end of my walk, instead of the beginning. Next time I'd go in the other direction.

At first, I thought the private home at the road must be a visitor center. Too bad there isn't one. It would be nice to stop in and read about the history of the mansion and property and see some archival photos. You can find it all online though. And admission is free, so I'm not complaining!

Thank you, Trustees, for yet another wonderful site, thoughtfully preserved!"

Gillian Culff

"Ashintully Gardens is free and open to the public during the regular season from April to November between sunrise and sunset. Plenty of parking on the lawn is available. A map of the loop trail is available online and on a pair of prominent kiosks. No dogs or picnics are allowed on this property. Professional photographers hoping to conduct portrait photoshoots must contact The Trustees and become members of the organization. I highly encourage anyone who enjoys hiking to visit this secluded site."

Abigail Epplett