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Luxury in the Berkshires
Article & Photos by Constance Hobbs

Berkshire County is ideally located, just 2 ? hours from both Boston and New York City. The Berkshires is known widely as a cultural mecca of museums, historic sites, music, dance and art venues&emdash;and features a host of fine dining and lodging facilities, including a variety of historic B&Bs and inns.

In addition to arts and cultural venues, the region also offers outstanding opportunities for golfing, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Winter sports include alpine and cross country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. All of these activities take place amid spectacularly scenic rural hills, dotted with mountain streams and lakes. Visitors are also delighted to discover an incredible range of retail establishments, from antiques dealers to outlets to myriad specialty shops.

Nestled away in the rolling hills of the Berkshire mountains of Massachusettes is a romantic and renowned Tudor-style residence of old world charm, contemporary luxury, peace and tranquility. The Blantyre is part of the infamous Relais and Chateaux chain of prestigious worldwide family owned and operated hotels. Situated in the historic area of Lennox Massachusetts and coined "the Switzerland of America" Blantyre is equidistant between New York and Boston. Originally built by Scottish born Robert W. Patterson, who had made his fortune in turpentine, Blantyre is built in the feudal Tudor style of his wife's ancestral home in Blantyre, near Glasgow. The magnificent building contains rows of leaded glass windows, enormous fireplaces, dark oak paneling, luxurious fabrics, exquisite antique furnishings, impressive staircases, a marvelous music room and charming intimate dining room. Situated on 100 plus acres of woodland and gentle sloping green lawn one can stroll, hike, enjoy croque, tennis, the heated pool or the fitness center. Golf, fishing, kayaking and many other sports can be arranged. If pampering is more your style, the full service spa, in room massages and 24 hour room service should satisfy your desires.

The hotel contains 30 rooms encompassing the main house, the carriage house and four cottages. The ice house cottage, where we stayed, is secluded, luxurious, cottage style living. The main room containes a destinguished desk, overstuffed comfortable sofa's, a stone fireplace and elegant dining. Off the main room is an airy screened-in sitting room-porch filled with tasteful bamboo and wicker furniture, covered in lovely chinz fabrics and mixed with eclectic details.The bath, a mini spa in itself, has every detail thought through down to the provencal soap, kiehls bath products, sumptuous towels and robes. The main bed room is equaly refined and opulent sporting a regal bed Marie Antoinette would have approved of. Off the bedroom is a scenic porch with mountain vista views and ample room to relax outdoors. Downstairs is a fully appointed suite ideal for a family with children including a wide screen TV, VCR/DVD player and outdoor slate patio for alfresco dining.

We ordered-in breakfast and it was more than generous. The muffins, biscuits, coissants and jams were all of top quality. The fruit tasty and plentiful. The yogurt outstanding. The eggs and bacon, all very good. Definitely recommended.

Blantyre is known for it's extraordinary wine cellar and every evening they offer their quests a tasting. It's just prior to cocktail hour and a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with other hotel quests while savoring some spectacular wines. The cellar contains some 1600 vintages. Cocktails are served in the main hall and the music room prior to dinner and at that time you may leisurely select your evening meal. The staff is refreshingly courteous and friendly.

Our evening meal was superb and my black sea bass was cooked to perfection. The attention to detail extends to Blantyre's kitchen, which is under the direction of chef Christopher Brooks. Fine linens, antique china and glorious floral arrangements set the stage for the fine cuisine and wines to come.

Blantyres current owner Ann Fitzpatrick Brown is as lovely and charming as the aristocratic country estate she owns and operates. This proprietress has a taste level which is beyond dispute. Ann has lovingly restored Blantyre to its original glory with some eclectic touches of her own. She has turned a beautiful summer home into a year round resort with its new winter sports facilities. She gives ample credit to her mother whom she says is an inspiration and has influenced many of her design decisions. They decorated together using mostly French, English and American antique pieces. The result is an equisite retreat of luxurious comfort, lavish pampering and fine dining.

Activities: Golf, Tennis, Outdoor pool, Spa, Sauna, Fitness, Mud bath, mountain biking, hiking, horseback, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, skiing, Croquet.

Weekly closing: Restaurant: Monday (except residents)
Open all year

Blantyre, a Relais & Châteaux
Hotel and restaurant in the country
16 Blantyre Road,
P.O. Box 995,
Lenox - Massachusetts 01240, United States

Tel.: : + 1 413 637 3556 / Fax: : + 1 413 637 4282
E-mail : blantyre@relaischateaux.com
Website : http://www.blantyre.com

Owners(s) : Ann Fitzpatrick Brown
General Manager(s) : Dennis J. Barquinero

Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of nearly 500 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 55 countries.

Information and reservations:
For USA & Canada +1 800 735 2478,
eMail: rc-usa@relaischateaux.com
Web Site: http://www.relaischateaux.com
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