Meredith Farm is one of Topsfield’s oldest continuously documented properties, offering a rare example of stewardship carried forward across centuries.

The land’s recorded history dates to the 1600s, when it was purchased by John Winthrop Jr. from land originally stewarded by the Indigenous Pawtucket people, known as the Agawam, through Masconomet. Over time, the property passed through multiple owners and became linked to major historical events, including the Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692 and the American Revolution.

Today, Meredith Farm remains privately owned and is not generally open to the public, except by invitation and prior arrangement.

Timothy and Emily Collins purchased the 188-acre property in 2018. Though neither had prior farming experience, they were drawn by a shared love of the land and a belief that it was a special place worthy of careful tending. Both attended Topsfield schools and graduated from Masconomet High School.

Family members live on the property, reinforcing the sense of Meredith Farm as a working, lived-in landscape rather than a destination site.

Between 2018 and 2022, improvements were made not to host events, but to strengthen the farm itself. More than 2.5 miles of historic New England stone walls were rebuilt, preserving a defining feature of the region’s agricultural past. These walls are featured in a poster by local artist Eli V Stone.

The Collinses also invested in renewable energy, installing five solar trackers that together produce approximately 75,000 kilowatt-hours annually, reflecting a long-term commitment to sustainability.

Each winter, Meredith Farm produces maple syrup using a gravity-fed system that brings sap to the Sugar Barn, where it is boiled, filtered, and bottled. Meredith Farm Maple Syrup is available at Gil’s Grocery Store in Topsfield Center and at the farm’s small red stand on Cross Street.

The Farm Stand operates on the honor system and also offers limited local honey, hay, and firewood from trees downed by storms.

Meredith Farm is home to several rescued animals from Goldy’s Farm, which rehabilitates horses, donkeys, mules, and other animals from high-risk situations. Some are re-homed; others remain permanently and are shared with veterans and seniors in community and residential settings, free of charge.

Asked what they value most about living in Topsfield, Tim and Emily cite the town’s small-scale familiarity, open space, and trails, along with its proximity to both the coast and the mountains.

They also emphasize their responsibility as caretakers:

“We understand our role as stewards of this special property and are committed to maintaining it properly. We enjoy seeing people walk by the property when they walk ‘the loop’ along Hill Street, Cross Street, Rowley Bridge Road, and River Road.”