Kemble Inn
Lenox, MA
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Massachusetts -- Berkshires -- Lenox
The Kemble Inn was built in 1881 by Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, Secretary of State under President Chester Arthur. The Kemble Inn has since graced the town of Lenox, MA with its stately grandeur.
A grand, welcoming foyer and staircase with its Palladian window are the testament to the elegance and opulence of a bygone era.
Lenox, Massachusetts, nestled in the heart of Berkshire County, was at the turn of the 19th century, a haven for the vacationing wealthy American businessmen. Here they built their splendid ‘summer homes and mansions’. These Berkshire Cottages so called, were built by immigrant master craftsmen who were coming to the United States in record number. These homes reflected the richness of many European influences that personified the taste and aspirations of their owners. Many were designed by renowned architects of the time including Arthur Rotch and George Tilden.
Lenox boasts nearly 100 of these “summer mansions” one of which was Shadowbrook, owned by the Stokes family that was the largest home in the United States until 1916. The Kemble House, Ventfort Hall, Elm Court, Cranwell, Eastover, Fox Hollow, the Mount, Blantyre Castle and many more reflecting the "Gilded Age" to this day provide an impressive historic significance to Lenox.
It was stated that in 1907 and 1908, Lenox was the wealthiest town in the nation due to the wealth of its inhabitants and was then known as “the Town of the Millionaires”. The Lenox High School sporting teams are still, to this day, called the “Millionaires”.
During the early part of this century the restoration of the mansion began. The restoration and renovation project posed many challenges and required several years to complete. The major challenges revolved around the necessity of bringing the building up to the required building and safety codes while installing all the modern conveniences of the 21st century and at the same time maintaining the historical ambiance of the property. Finally in 2006 the renovation was completed. The finale saw the main level Grand Foyer, Dining Room, Music and Sitting Rooms all restored to their original look.
The Kemble Inn is uniquely located on the hill top of three elevated acres in the center of historic Lenox. While located just a few steps from shops, restaurants and public buildings, the Kemble House offers open and generally unobstructed views of the splendid Berkshire Mountains differentiating itself from other historic homes or Inns located in and around the center of the town of Lenox.
A stunning and most convenient location for weddings, anniversaries, reunions, corporate meetings and retreats.
The Kemble Inn is about 2.5 hours drive from New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. Locally it is ideally located about half way between Jiminy Peak Ski Resort and family oriented Butternut Ski Resort in Great Barrington. Tanglewood, Berkshire Theatre, Shakespeare and the many cultural and scenic amenities offered in the Berkshires are just a stones throw away.
The Kemble Home features 13 bedroom suites all with private baths, cable TV, Central A/C, telephones. Many rooms have working marble fireplaces and jacuzzis.
The home could easily and nicely be a single family home -- no internal renovations needed to accomplish returning to living an era long past.
Property Details- 13 Guest Rooms
- 13 Guest Room Baths
- Has Owner's Quarters
- Built in 1881
- Last Renovated in 2005
- Opened in 1995
- Building is 10,246 SQFT
- Lot is 2 Acres
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