Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
5
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Also called Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, this fantasy mansion of more than 40 rooms is perched on the rocks overlooking Gloucester Harbor.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
248 reviews
Excellent
211
Very good
31
Average
1
Poor
5
Terrible
0
Cynthia S
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Family
We booked the last tour of the day- a mistake. We were rushed through the house by a brusque tour guide who cared little about making the experience enjoyable and was clearly anxious to close up and get home.
A wonderful home, interesting rooms, amazing setting.
I suggest allowing slightly longer tours- even an additional 15 minutes would allow time to take in each room which are filled with so many interesting objects and views. A little less talking by the guide would allow guests to focus on the room.
A wonderful home, interesting rooms, amazing setting.
I suggest allowing slightly longer tours- even an additional 15 minutes would allow time to take in each room which are filled with so many interesting objects and views. A little less talking by the guide would allow guests to focus on the room.
Written 19 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
delawarevisitor2018
Newark, DE21 contributions
Sept 2022
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Beauport. The docent was very knowledgeable and the interior designs of the house encompassed various times in American history. We learned that Mr. Sleeper was a major influence on Henry DuPont and the development of Winterthur. If you have enjoyed visiting Winterthur, you should pay a visit to Beauport.
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Little Rhody
21 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
A lovely tour, we enjoyed this beautiful estate. The grounds are beautiful with amazing water views. Inside is a delight! If you love and appreciate beautiful things then this is for you! Reservations on the website are recommended, hopefully you will have the lovely tour guide we had. I believe her name was Christine she was a gem. It was only her fourth tour and she did a wonderful job. The Sleeper estate is lucky to have her.
Written 17 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
george4880
Bradford, NY148 contributions
Sept 2020
Very interesting house. Room after room kept the way Sleeper designed it. Lots of his collections and recycled floors and walls etc. With Covid only four people to a tour which was great. Unfortunately the gardens were neglected due to the museum not being allowed to open. Great view of the water.
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for visiting Beauport and taking the time to write a review.
Written 15 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ebbtide123
Washington DC, DC953 contributions
Sept 2012 • Friends
At least Mr. Sleeper would have used that word to describe his abode if he was alive today. Each room packs with eclectism, genius and common sense. Apparently, he was a pioneer and purveyor of recycling as evident in his reuse of trashed items to objets d' art. The house is not your typical mansion but at forty plus rooms, it is a labyrinthine challenge even to the most imaginative mind.
The tours are guided only, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Apparently, a 3-hour tour is also available few times a year and needs advance booking.
Nome, our tour guide evoked the drama of Mr. Sleeper very well. The colors of the rainbow came to life as she ushered us in from room to room, narrative to narrative, true or fictitious as Mr. Sleeper would have told us of his prized 'royal' possessions.
The tours are guided only, lasting approximately 45 minutes. Apparently, a 3-hour tour is also available few times a year and needs advance booking.
Nome, our tour guide evoked the drama of Mr. Sleeper very well. The colors of the rainbow came to life as she ushered us in from room to room, narrative to narrative, true or fictitious as Mr. Sleeper would have told us of his prized 'royal' possessions.
Written 18 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WingearsheekBeach
Gloucester, MA51 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
The ocean setting, grounds and the well kept interior is tended with TLC. A beautiful area in Gloucester with many private homes but a public road with plenty of parking across from Beauport. One of the most interesting sites in Gloucester. Don't miss it.
Written 4 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Onion-free
Austin, TX12 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
I enjoyed seeing a house decorated by an interior designer from the 1920's in various styles from eras before then. Fascinating collections and unusual architecture. (Ignore the moldy, musty smell. It is part of the atmosphere) Excellent docent who led our tour 8/27/13
Written 31 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2bignanas
Hingham,Ma76 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Very interesting tour. The guide was excellent. Each room had a story and a theme. The view was beautiful and the grounds gorgeous. It was inexpensive for seniors $12 and worth it. There are rest rooms on the property and a small gift shop.
Written 10 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MS H
Wakefield, MA39 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
I took my girlfriend to see Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House. This was her 1st visit she'd been by the road leading to the entrance many, many times but had never toured the mansion. This mansion, like it's creator is so unique, wimsical and unusual. I just love looking out the windows at the many angles of the roofs as they join one another. As this was my 4th visit, I find the collections eclectic and never tire of the trip back into history it gives me. I think my favorite room is the dining room with it's "wall of windows which drops down into the wall below, to let the sea air in" and the fact that portions of the interior came from so many other mansions and were recycled and intricately fitted into the design of specific rooms. There is always something I missed seeing in my first few visits or some tidbit of information which I'd forgotten that I will never tire of visiting Beauport. The guides as well as the ladies in the gift shop are knowledgeable, friendly and accomodating. The collections of amethyst and amber glass are always striking, as are the vintage wallpapers, and the various "heat stoves" situated in the various rooms each one different. One fact I'd forgotten was the room with the "wood curtins" hung in the window. I will have to take in the "nooks and crannies" tour sometime in the future as I am sure there are even more interesting facts still to be revealed.
It was so sad to learn that a great deal of information/knowledge and provenances about the items and artifacts of this architectural gem have been forever lost when Mr. Henry Davis Sleeper, one of America's first interior designers and his mother passed.
My girlfriend and I both love the place and will definately go back. Please note: Some of the doorways or entrances to the rooms are quite narrow and there are stairs to negotiate to get to other rooms and therefore it is not wheelchair accessible.
It was so sad to learn that a great deal of information/knowledge and provenances about the items and artifacts of this architectural gem have been forever lost when Mr. Henry Davis Sleeper, one of America's first interior designers and his mother passed.
My girlfriend and I both love the place and will definately go back. Please note: Some of the doorways or entrances to the rooms are quite narrow and there are stairs to negotiate to get to other rooms and therefore it is not wheelchair accessible.
Written 8 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina D
Boston10 contributions
An eclectic beehive of a house (it grew from 20 to 40 rooms over time), "Beauport" is designed around some wonderfully strange collections of Americana including period glass, paneling, and wallpapers. Sleeper was one of the first interior designers and the man knew how to set a scene. He also seems to have had a great sense of humor and fun (see: quirky garden ornaments). Exploring the house is part "Alice in Wonderland," part historic "Love Boat" (it's got an amazing view of the harbor). I'd love to come back for the twilight tour sometime or the fireworks in July.
Written 13 July 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wondering about “days/hours” Museum open? TodayOct 22nd? Tour time? Need to pre-book? Can we just “self-tour”?
Is $12. for seniors correct?
Written 22 October 2019
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House is now closed for the winter. Our last open day was Oct. 19. We will open again late May 2020. During the season we offer guided tours on the hour from 10am - 4pm, Tues - Sat. Check our website next spring for more information.
Written 23 October 2019
Are the tours handicap accessible, is it possible to just tour the first floor if you go upstairs?
Written 15 May 2019
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Gloucester, Massachusetts
The historic house is not handicap accessible. It is possible to only tour the ground floor of the house, but it is helpful if you call first on 978-283-0800 to advise this is needed. We will try to rearrange the tour route to accommodate. Please note even the ground floor has steps into some of the rooms.
Written 20 May 2019
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Guided tours of Beauport are $15 per adult, $12 per senior, $8 for children/students, and free if you are a member of Historic New England. We will open again Sat, May 27, 2017. We will be open to the public Tues - Sat, 10am - 4pm. We hope to see you next season!
Written 3 January 2017
Is there public transportation in this area? We are coming in on a cruise ship and would love to tour this museum,but it appears to be a ways from the harbor.
Written 26 August 2016
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Gloucester, Massachusetts
There is a bus service via the Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) that will get you within 1/4 mile of Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House. There will also be taxis available when you dock, which might be an easier option. We offer tours on the hour beginning at 10am. The last tour begins at 4pm.
Written 6 September 2016
I would like to know what other hotels are near you that are very nice?
If someone wanted to have their wedding there are there rooms for them to stay in over night?
I can't tell if you are a museum or hotel as I see Beauport Hotel but then every time I look you up I am getting Museum.
Thank you in advance.
Written 11 March 2016
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House is a historic house museum overlooking Gloucester Harbor. Built by Henry Davis Sleeper, one of America's first professional interior designers, it is open for tours six months of the year. Tours will be available every hour on the hour Tues. - Sat. 10am - 4pm beginning this year on May 28, 2016. The grounds are available for rental, including small wedding ceremonies and photoshoots.
There are many wonderful hotels in the Gloucester area, including the Beauport Hotel, which is due to open May 2016.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to call us on 978-283-0800.
Written 15 March 2016
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Hi Arlene, Yes the house is open to the public until Oct 17 every Tues - Sat, 10am - 5pm with tours on the hour, last tour starting at 4pm. Martha
Written 12 May 2015
We will be visiting in Sept, 2015. Do the outdoor concerts continue in September?
Written 10 May 2015
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Hi Arlene, Wonderful that you plan to visit Beauport. We will not have outdoor concerts in Sept 2015, but we do offer a wonderful viewing spot for the Gloucester Schooner Festival Fireworks on Sat, Sept 5, and the Parade of Sail on Sun, Sept 6. Martha
Written 11 May 2015
We will be visiting in Sept, 2015. Do the outdoor concerts continue in September?
Written 10 May 2015
Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Hi Arlene, Wonderful that you plan to visit Beauport. We will not have outdoor concerts in Sept 2015, but we offer great views of the Gloucester Schooner Festival Fireworks on Sat, Sept 5, and the Parade of Sail on Sun, Sept 6. Visit our website to make reservations or call 978-283-0800. Martha
Written 11 May 2015
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