image by Bharat Parmar Photography
About Willowdale Estate
Willowdale Estate opened its doors in 2007 after an extensive renovation to bring the beauty of the mansion and grounds back to its original by-gone era. Our owner, Briar Forsythe, developed a team of dedicated planners, event coordinators, and a renowned catering team that will help you craft an unforgettable occasion, marked by impeccable hospitality and personalized service. In 2017, Briar and her team founded Bramble Hospitality, which now includes Briar Barn Inn located in Rowley, Massachusetts to provide even more great hospitality options to the people in, and from the greater Boston region.
The Story of Our Mansion
Willowdale Estate is a Craftsman and Tudor Revival Stone Mansion, commissioned in 1901-1902. Bradley Palmer spent a good deal of time deciding where to build his “modest cottage” and settled on the affluent town of Topsfield, where there was plenty of land to exercise his horses. The architect was Charles Kimball Cummings (1870-1955) who practiced architecture in Boston from 1897 to 1947 and was well known for his house designs, particularly those of substantial scale for the wealthy of that era. Palmer drew his inspiration for the house from the Mansions and Castles of Aberdeen in Scotland. He incorporated motifs from the Medieval Period into the Arts and Crafts style- creating a very eclectic home.
MEET OUR TEAM
The stately fireplace in our elegant library. The doorway that leads to a secret garden. Our team shares their favorite places at Willowdale, and what inspires them to continually surpass clients’ expectations.
Sarah Boucher
VP of Marketing & Communications
“I love the doorway of the North Wing Entrance, which was the original entrance to the mansion in 1902. There are two small stained glass windows, depicting a rooster and an owl, that mark where the sun rises and sets over the estate.”
Marissa Caruso
Event Sales Administrator
"Being inside the Conservatory at Willowdale somehow envelopes me in an overwhelming calmness while it stands so grand. Whether you’re looking out onto the front lawn on a sunny day and spotting the wildlife in the park or standing underneath a rainstorm, it is really just the most breathtaking space."
Kim Crawford
MARKETING COORDINATOR
"First impressions matter. Right when you walk in the front door of the estate there is that 'wow factor'. Beautiful dark wood tones and a large window directly across from the entrance that showcases the courtyard. This is rustic elegance at its best. Getting married at Willowdale, and now as an employee, that first moment still sticks out in my mind."
Julia D'Agostino
Event Coordinator
“My favorite spot at the estate would have to be under the tent. With summer being my favorite season at Willowdale, I can feel the excitement and anticipation of tent season each year as we watch the weather get warmer and the garden start to bloom. There is something about the celebrations out back that feel grand, bold, and exciting. Then to be surrounded by the forest makes everything feel romantic and secluded.”
Briar Forsythe
Owner
“My favorite spot is the green doorway that leads to the courtyard garden. It reminds me of the door in the story The Secret Garden, and was my inspiration for creating our butterfly garden. In spring, the morning glory drapes over the dormer, and some of our most beautiful photos are of wedding couples standing underneath.”
Monique Jeffrey, CSEP
VP of Operations
“Every day I get inspired as soon as I enter through our iconic red door. The elegant entrance represents the luxury brand we have created, one that inspires hospitality, dedication and passion from each and every one of our employees.”
Veronica Jennings
Assistant Event Coordinator
Michelle Ketcham
Sous Chef
"When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy the conservatory views in all the seasons. A blanket of snow, the rusty leaves of autumn, the bright spring blooms, and the summer sunshine. Each season at Willowdale brings an ethereal view."
Emily McTeague
Event Coordinator
"Every morning I look forward to my drive into work, down the winding road surrounded by mature plantings. As soon as Willowdale comes into view, I am truly inspired and continue to be in awe of this vast, yet warm, cottage-like estate tucked away in Bradley Palmer State Park. I like to imagine the impression that Willowdale has on each guest as they make the same drive in."
Jeannine LaVasseur
Event Coordinator
"My favorite spot at Willowdale is the front foyer, right inside the big red door. It’s a space that holds a lot of emotion. From all the excitement and anticipation of our clients and guests arriving to hugs, thank yous and bittersweet goodbyes at the end of the evening. I just imagine all the people who have crossed that threshold and got to experience Willowdale, even in the days of Bradley Palmer. If walls could talk."
Ben Lightbody
Executive Chef
“The courtyard is a beautiful sight on its own, and when I’m not in the kitchen it’s one of the few things I get a chance to take in on the day of an event. I love watching the team transform the space, and how it changes with the seasons, from spring to summer to fall.”
Kate Schaefer
Chef de Cuisine
Anna Schirripa
Event Sales Manager
"I appreciate the beauty that starts from within! The values, comradery, and teamwork of our employees is at the core of our success. Our deep sense of hospitality and family drives every event just as it would in every home!"
Alyssa Tamlyn-Hayden
EVENT COORDINATOR
“When I have a moment to wander the mansion, I always find myself in the library, where an immediate sense of calm and comfort wash over me. I imagine pulling a book off the shelf, curling up in one of the red leather chairs and escaping to another world for a few hours, while a roaring fire crackles in the background.”
Christine Tatro
Business Administrator
“There’s a bench just outside the library that always gives me a feeling of quiet and peacefulness. I love the living wall and plantings out there; it’s where I go to lift my spirits and re-focus.”
Melissa Thunberg
CEO
“The living wall is a new addition to the estate, a collaboration between myself and the Facility team that adds an inspirational, vibrant and lush backdrop for our clients and guests. I love how it changes with the seasons, and when I’m designing the wall and digging in the soil I can truly be inspired by the beautiful surroundings of Willowdale.”
Kaitlin Umbro
Senior Event Sales Manager
“The bridge that crosses the Ipswich River is a truly idyllic spot on the estate. It’s a perfect retreat for a quiet moment of reflection or to enjoy your first few celebratory moments as a married couple. In fact it’s where some of my favorite photos were taken at my own wedding at Willowdale!”
Joe Hussey
Facility Team
The Bramble Hospitality Group is a seasoned team of hospitality professionals driven by an authentic desire to make every Bramble experience unique and memorable – with hospitality from the heart. The locations in our group share a love for carefully crafted experiences, beautiful surroundings, and exceptional service. We’re obsessed with quality and have a talent for small details that make our guests feel welcome.
Join Our Team
Interested in joining our growing team? We’re seeking talented, experienced, and creative people who share our passion for hospitality and thrive in a collaborative and supportive work environment. If this sounds like you, please use our contact form to inquire about career opportunities. We’d love to hear from you!
NEWS & RECOGNITION
Attend Our Signature Events
Every year Willowdale Estate hosts a series of public events to share our unique space with our friends, neighbors and clients. Please join us as we open our doors to the public. Events are separated into three categories:
Historic Tours
Guided tours of the estate featuring historic details, context and conversation about the history of Willowdale with a light reception to follow.
Signature Events
Themed gatherings tailored to the seasons offering food, drink and entertainment.
Willowdale Kitchens
Food focused events including cooking classes led by our Executive Chef AND our exclusive private dining Red Door Supper Club experience. Space is limited- check out registration and/or ticketing details on our event pages.
@WillowdaleEstate
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