D uring the Gilded Age, financial wizards, railroad barons, and renowned writers flocked to the Berkshires for a respite. The mountains of Massachusetts offered quiet and beautiful surroundings for city dwellers. Among those who built lavish homes there were Daniel Chester French, who contributed to the Lincoln Memorial’s design and EdithWharton, author of The Age of Innocence. In 1902, wealthy Robert Paterson and his wife, Marie Louise, constructed a red brick, Tudor-style mansion. They dubbed the property and its carriage house “Blantyre,” after the Scottish town where Robert’s mother grew up. Marie Louise sold the property in 1925, and over the years the Blantyre passed through numerous hands. When beloved owner Ann Fitzpatrick Brown passed away in 2016, the property was purchased, renovated and upgraded by Linda Law, a veteran real estate investor, who discovered the Berkshires as a student. Tucked away in 117 acres of lush greenery, the historic hotel marries modern amenities and white- glove service in a blissful getaway. Blantyre offers several types of accommodations, ranging from suites in the Main House and private Cottages to the charming Carriage House. The extremely friendly and helpful staff made this writer feel like a duchess escaping the chaos of the busy city for a retreat at her country estate. This summer, Blantyre introduced a “Champagne Salon” in partnership with Dom Pérignon. Caviar and Champagne are the highlight on the “Tin to Table” menu at the Cloister, a 24 person outdoor garden on the estate. Indoors, the Salon is held at La Cave—a sophisticated modern speakeasy for 30 guests. Imagine a chilly fall or winter evening, savoring raclette, fondue, and charcuterie and sipping champagne at La Cave. Heavenly! Every evening feels special at Blantyre. Enjoy a cocktail while listening to Karèn Tchougourian at the piano in the regally appointed Music Room. The Conservatory offers a five-course tasting menu that changes nightly, and you’ll love the brasserie menu at the Bistro. The Blantyre Salad is a lovely beginning, a mélange of vegetables topped with herb-crème fraîche vinaigrette. The trout almondine is sublime, served in a brown butter sauce over haricot verts. To round out the meal, look no further than an apple tarte tatin. Eventually, you must return to the real world, but not before sampling every activity. Take a hike—literally—on one of the property’s
THE BERKSH I RES : BLANTYRE
numerous trails, and then cool off in the serene, spa- adjacent pool. Complete your stay with a treatment at the Spa at Blantyre: perhaps the invigorating Garden Mint Hand & Foot Therapy or therapeutic Berkshire Stone Massage. From its gilded history to the Dom Pérignon Champagne Salon, Luxury has a new name, and it is Blantyre. A member of Relais & Châteaux. Blantyre.com –CS
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