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Donibristle was the original country farm estate of renowned historian James Duncan Phillips, who purchased the property in 1911. It is among the famed rural summer retreats that are part of Topsfield’s long history. With the development of better road access to the town in the late 1800s, wealthy Salem shipping magnates converted existing colonial farms into comfortable "country seats."
Phillips' wife, Nannie Borden Phillips, helped in the development of a model dairy farm with registered Guernseys, no doubt the result of her upbringing in the Borden family known for its milk products. His prize-winning draft horses were judged at the Topsfield Fair.
In 2017, a grassroots community effort led to the successful protection of the property. Greenbelt acquired Donibristle Reservation with the help of private donors, the Town of Topsfield, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through a Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant.
Beautiful wooded hillside, featuring wide, extensive trails and towering mature oaks. The property abuts the permanently protected open space at English Commons, and the Donibristle trails connect to the English Commons public walking trail.
Hill Street and Rowley Bridge Road, Topsfield
Latitude: 42.612251, Longitude: -70.970649
On Route 1 South, go past the Topsfield Fairgrounds and take a right on Salem Road. Then a left on Hill Street. Follow Hill Street to Rowley Bridge Road. On Route 1 North, take a left on Salem Road. Then a left on Hill Street. Follow Hill Street to Rowley Bridge Road. Pull into the driveway and park on the side of the road.
