Blackinton Manor B&B

Constructed in 1849 by Sanford Blackinton, a textile manufacturer and merchant who became the richest man in the region, the house is in the Federal style with many unusual French-Italianate features - including intricate wrought iron balconies, floor-to-ceiling pocket windows, a spacious bay window and decorative corbels, making it architecturally unique among New England homes of this period (the in-ground pool, of course, a later enhancement).

In 1992, Dan and Betsey Epstein discovered the Blackinton house - abandoned and in desperate state of neglect and deterioration. In a rush of what might alternatively be described as "love at first sight" or "temporary insanity" the Epsteins purchased the dwelling and, with the award-winning talents of builder Robert Crosky, have now lovingly and meticulously restored Sanford Blackinton’s home to it’s former splendor.

Owners: Dan and Betsey Epstein

Location
Blackinton Manor sits majestically on a knoll in North Adams, Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains. Excellent Nordic and Alpine skiing are accessible within minutes, but without Vermont lift lines and prices. The famed Appallachian Trail meets the Long Trail a mere few hundred meters from the inn’s door, starting its journey northward; and should you choose to test your mettle there in late summer, the owners defy you to to return home without your hands and face stained from the wild blueberries which carpet its path. A five minute drive (or a 20 minute walk) brings you to the historic town of Williamstown, home of Williams college, considered by many to be America’s most beautiful campus. Also in Williamstown is the Clark Art Institute - one of the art world’s most surprising secrets - an extraordinary collection of American and European paintings and sculpture. Summertime brings the renowned Williamstown Theater festival with world-class stars and performances, as well as the Williamstown Chamber concerts. Tanglewood is an easy 45 minutes drive.

Accommodations
Lodging at Blackinton Manor presents variety for all tastes and pocketbooks. Whether you opt for the luxurious two-bedroom "English Suite" or for one of inn’s charming smaller rooms, certain features are constant: the warm hospitality and legendary breakfast.

Meals
Gourmet breakfast ranges from such homely substantial fare as steel-cut oats with medjool dates to dilled smoked salmon omelettes and pumpkin pecan waffles. Fresh seasonal and exotic fruits make regular appearance and, of course, freshly ground coffee and a variety of teas are ubiquitous and plentiful.

Amenities
A sojourn at Blackinton Manor provides the guest with a civilized window into an earlier time - when the pace of life was slower with more opportunity for reflection and appreciation of beauty. The house is now elegantly appointed and filled with furnishings harmonious with the period of their origin.

The Epsteins are both classical musicians by calling - he the pianist of the Raphael Trio and she an opera singer and invested cantor - and music is the heart and spirit of the house. You might, for example, find yourself reading quietly in the bay window in the warmth of the afternoon sun, or sharing a fine Cotes-du-Rhone with friends in front of a crackling fire, when suddenly the opening strains of Beethoven’s Archduke Trio are heard from the Music Room.

For more actively inclined, the Williamstown-North Adams area abounds with seemingly endless delights for both mind and body. The inn has a swimming pool. The changing seasons are in themselves miraculous and the almost insolent riot of colors which accompanies the ripening of autumn is truly one of nature’s marvels.

Blackinton Manor is also available for parties, weddings, corporate retreats or group rentals.

Children: info n/a

Smoking: info n/a

Pets: no

Rates:on request

Payment: personal or travelers checks