As my loyal blog followers know, I am in love with the Berkshires region in Western Massachusetts. But until my recent visit earlier in July, I have not yet had a chance to feel equally in love with the area accommodations. That was all until I discovered – with the help of the Berkshires Visitors Bureau- Seven Hills Inn in Lenox and spent the night at the mansion. Here is my review.
Seven Hills Inn is one of the original Gilded Age Mansions of the Berkshires. Ever since visiting the “Breakers” in Newport, RI, I wondered what it would be like to spend the night at the Mansion. The Berkshires have been long referred to as an “inland Newport”, so it is only fitting that I have found “my” mansion for a night in the Berkshires!
Built in 1885 on the site of the old farmhouse, the estate was renovated in 1911 by the high-society couple who then went on to entertain their guests (which included Isadora Dunkan) in style for 40 more years. The mansion was converted to an in Inn (and received its current name “Seven Hills”) in 1951, with the goal to cater to music lovers and Tanglewood musicians (such as Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa who stayed at the Inn). Current owners, music and art aficionados Robin and Denis Wong, bought the property seven years ago and take pride in maintaining the original details while delivering modern comforts to their guests.
The Inn is comprised of 11-room Manor House (where we stayed), 5-room Carriage house (all rooms have kitchenette) and a budget-priced Terrace Country Motel. Motel guests enjoy the full use of the lawns and the grand common areas.
All rooms in the Manor House and the Carriage House are decorated with unique original antiques.
After a busy “culture” day in Lenox spent enjoying the music in the nearby Tanglewood, the abstract art at the Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio and the theater in the Shakespeare & Company, I enjoyed having the formal dining room all to myself as I was unwinding late into the night with some snacks and my laptop. It is amazing how quickly I felt at home at the mansion!
Beautiful 27-acres of lawns are part of Seven Hills’ “Berkshire charm”.
Here is our morning view from the breakfast Veranda:
We had too busy an agenda to try the pool, but it is there if you need to cool off on a hot summer day.
Seven Hills Inn is a unique historical property where guests enjoy the personal attention (Bed and Breakfast-style) of the Innkeepers, with the amenities you can expect from the modern accommodation.
And how about having writer Edith Wharton’s estate for a neighbor? That was where we headed after our country breakfast. And before you have a chance to read a full report from our visit there, here is a preview:
Seven Hills Inn is located on Plunkett street in Lenox, Massachusetts, which is approximately 2.5 hour drive from Boston and New York City. To book, call the Inn directly at 413-637-0060.
The Inn is a popular wedding destination in spring and fall – wouldn’t you want to have the entire property to share with your family and friends for the weekend?
We would like to thank Seven Hills Inn and the Berkshires Visitors Bureau for being our gracious hosts for the night!
This post is participating in the exciting collection of travel stories at Travel Notes and Beyond. Be sure to check them out!
What a magnificent place to stay! I’m sure I could become quickly accustomed to staying in a mansion too! I love places that have a lot of history wrapped up in them.
This was a very special place to stay, Fairlie!
What a very cool place to visit! Combining history with accommodations is always really neat. And breakfast at the home of a prolific Pulitzer prize winning writer to boot!
To be exact, we had lunch at the Mount, breakfast at the Inn:) Some of the best New England views in both places!!
What a fabulous place to stay. It’s nice to get a taste of “the good life” every now and then.
I agree!
I was very interested in reading this, as we are doing an inn to inn visit in New England later this year. This looks a beautiful place.
Thank you, Paula! Looking forward to your trip report!
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Ah, what an opulence! Like you, since visiting the Breakers, I dream of staying in such a great mansion. Thanks for letting me know about Seven Hills Inn. I hope I’ll make it there someday.