Beech Nut

This eccentric stone hut sits atop Beech Hill Preserve, home to organic blueberry fields and 141 unique bird species. A winding gravel path leads up the hill, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay.

The original owner, John Gribbel, was a wealthy Philadelphia businessman and philanthropist. In 1913, he hired Norwegian architect Hans Heistad to design his summer estate, Weatherend, on the Rockport coast. After the construction of Weatherend was completed, Gribbel and Heistad conceived of the ‘Beech Nut’ to keep their workers employed through the winter.

The Beech Nut was built in the style of Norwegian mountain huts, featuring a sod roof, fireplace, and veranda. Each stone used in construction was carried up the hill individually in a burlap sack. The Gribbels used the hut for picnics and tea parties before relinquishing the property in the 1930s. It fell into disrepair until ownership was transferred to the Coastal Mountains Land Trust in 2006, and a full restoration was completed in 2007.