Trees to the West of the Lawn

The Winthrop Estate is home to some remarkable tree specimens.  To honor these sylvan elders we recently compiled a list of common and Latin names of twelve of our favorite, grandest trees and had arboretum quality labels engraved and hung upon their trunks for our guests to peruse.

As you walk around our grounds, you will see Fagus sylvatica, Copper Beech; Ginko biloba, both male and female; Picea pungens, Colorado Blue Spruce; Robinia pseudoacacia, Black locust; Salix alba, White willow, and Aesculus hippocastanum among others.

The Berkshire Botanical Garden is another wonderful venue for those who enjoy horticultural. berkshirebotanical.org is open May through October and is a the non-profit, educational garden that boasts 15 acres of brilliantly designed and planted ornamental gardens.  A vegetable garden, and an herb garden are further sources of inspiration there.  Hosting classes, lectures and workshops as well as tours of the garden, the Berkshire Botanical Garden is a true Berkshire gem.

The Bream Bedroom

Setting the tone to this decidedly French and luxuriously inviting room is a Louise XV-style chaise long with cabriole legs in old white paint and a Louise XV-style Bergere with a curved arched padded back, molded frame and cabriole legs. To the left of the bed is a French tulip wood bijouterie cabinet with a marquetry decorated lift top opening to a mirrored interior, c. 1880, and to the right is a French fruitwood one drawer stand with cabriole legs, c. 1870.  A gilt and white paint convex mirror hangs over the fireplace.  A salmon lobed vase decorated with white figures is mounted as a tabletop lamp.  Hanging over the desk is an 18^th Century carved figural plaque of a sea creature with a later clipped corner frame faux painted in a complementary manner.  There is a mid 19^th Century bronze bas  relief roundel of a woman in profile in a gilt frame and  a pair of 19^th Century French prints in rectangular frames which give the room depth and a sense of collected artifacts.

Ethelwynde Bedroom

Spring fresh colors highlight this wonderful room with views out to the Great Lawn.

A grand late 19^th Century post humous  portrait of Sarah Oakley Vander Poel in an elaborate laurel leaf and ribbon gilt frame hangs over the fireplace.   A Beidermeier secretaire with ivory escutcheons and pulls as well as a Beidermeir sleigh bed, both c. 1840 decorate the room.  There is a 19^th Century print with reverse painting on glass matt in an octagonal frame above the secretaire.  On either side of the bed is a group of four19^th Century engravings from “The Cries of London” series.  Small pieces like the Beidermeier fruitwood stool with cabriole legs and needlepoint cover, a 19^th Century mahogany French gaming table with satinwood inlay and a 19^th Century Charles X candlestick with incised decoration all add to the charming appeal of this quiet retreat.  Underfoot is a Portugese needlepoint carpet of neoclassical design with a laurel leaf pattern surrounding floral medallions.

A lovely note from a summer bride:

Words cannot describe how pleased I am with our wedding weekend at The Winthrop Estate. From the moment we arrived, we knew that we were being taken care of by a staff that seemed to truly care about our experience. From the decor, to the staff, to the homemade snacks that were provided throughout our visit, to the lovely manicured estate, everything was simply perfect! It was as though we were in the comfort of our own home. Another benefit to hosting our rehearsal dinner and staying at the estate for our wedding weekend was the personal connection that you had with all of the local vendors. It made things so much easier for everyone involved. I can honestly say that our wedding would not have been even close to as wonderful as it was had we decided no to stay with you! There was a true connection that was made by so many of our guests that I believe would not have been possible without this central location for everyone to convene at various times throughout the weekend. My only wish is that we could go back and do it all over again. I cannot thank you and your team enough.  I would recommend The Winthrop Estate to anyone and everyone for a wedding and a variety of events! It truly was the best wedding weekend ever!

Thanks for everything and best of luck to you and your family.

Ben and Andrea

Service

Recently, we hosted a family get together here at Winthrop Estate.  It was a chance for the family to relax and spend some quality time in a cozy atmosphere.  Here’s what they had to say about their visit…

Dear Jamie,

I just wanted to commend you and your staff on the most amazing weekend at the Winthrop Estate!  The accommodations were above and beyond what I expected.  The staff was very friendly and helpful throughout the weekend.  It was a huge success and I look forward to visiting again in the future.

Sincerely,

Tom T

A Handwritten Thank You Note

What a lovely note we received!

You can read the whole thing above.  Here are a few highlights: …

“It was E & D’s fairytale wedding!  We could not have asked for anything more.  Your graciousness, your patience, your fabulous staff- what more could anyone ask for.  Our weekend exceeded our expectations.  Having the wedding at the Winthrop was an experience the whole family will never forget.  ….

“THE BEST WEEKEND EVER!

“I highly recommend it…

“Thank you again– it would not have gone so perfectly without you and your staff.”

This past week I had a couple of free hours, so I went to the woods.  Kennedy park is a go to place where nature can inspire and renew the mind, right here in our backyard.   It’s so accessible to us here at Winthrop Estate; just a quarter mile down the street is the trail -head.  As I got further into the park along the Wheeler Olympic Trail, I rediscovered a gazebo I hadn’t visited in years.  It sits at the top of the park with a view of Mt. Graylock.  The mountain is the highest peak in Massachusetts, at 3,491 feet. Visitors to the Berkshires do not want to miss an opportunity to visit Mt. Greylock State Reservation.  http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock.  With 70 miles of trails, and historic Bascom Lodge serving meal from late May until mid October, as well as stunning views, an adventure on Greylock is a memorable event. From Lenox, it takes a little less than an hour to get to the top of the mountain.  Going there is a wonderful way to experience the expansive beauty of the Berkshires.

Knitting Basket in the Library

Recently one of our guests discovered the knitting basket in the library of Winthrop Estate.  Sitting in one of the cozy leather chairs she experienced the joy of busy hands – quiet mind.  She left us a lovely bit of what might be a scarf.  Of course we pride ourselves on our luxury accommodations, fine antiques, and delicious food, but it’s also these little things we have to offer that we hope will bring you joy and a feeling of serenity during your stay with us.

Avid knitters will want to visit the designer yarn shop in the village of Lenox.  Colorful Stitches is a wonderful boutique – a delight to the senses.  They have “yarn bombed” the entire front porch of the store, the whole thing looks like it’s wearing a colorful sweater.  Go there for yarn, patterns and classes and get inspired!

Sun Salutation on the yoga platform

Photo by Dave Donato of ModernArtistry

A lovely note from a fall guest who had their wedding at The Mount.  I really enjoy having guests at the mansion!

“As the ‘kids’ were planning their wedding, we joked that it was the ‘royal wedding.’  And in the end,  it was a royal wedding in so many ways.  The Winthrop Estate was the perfect home base for friends and family to make personal connections during the wedding weekend.  Our guests had extended time together in a homey atmosphere.  You were so accommodating throughout our stay, setting up an environment that was perfect for each gathering we held.  Our guests boasted that it was the ‘best wedding ever’  and we believe it was because of the shared time at the Winthrop Estate which was our central meeting place. North connected to South,  old to young, friends to family,  and the bride’s  people connecting to the groom’s people..

“Thank you for your true hospitality and for all of the little things you did for us this past weekend.  We  also loved your staff who  reached out to us in kind and caring ways throughout our stay.

“So many of my family members and friends said that these past few days were among the best days of their lives.  That atmosphere of pure joy was fostered under your care.  So a million thanks.  MD