In Western Massachusetts one finds the Berkshires – a resort center of mountains, beautiful vistas, cultural events, fine dining and of course, fine accommodations. The Inn at Stockbridge, a Fodor’s Choice selection, is one of those special places you visit that you will remember always.
Innkeepers Alice & Len Schiller great guests year round at their beautiful inn located near all Berkshire attractions – ski resorts in the winter, Tanglewood in the summer and just so many other cultural, sporting and entertainment venues. The inn is a 1096 Georgian style mansion that features 16 unique and well-appointed rooms in three buildings: the main mansion, the cottage house (built in 1997) and the barn (built in 2001). Every fine detail is not overlooked and the amenities are what one would expect as a discriminating traveler. Each room is different and so very unique. You just can’t help but to relax and revitalize when visiting the Inn. For those of you that just must be “connected”, yes – wireless internet is provided. During the warmer months, you can also lounge on the porch or enjoy the pool. There is also an exercise room and walking trails with beautiful views.
In the main mansion, there is a beautiful library with a fireplace to cozy up with a book or to converse with other guests. The dining room is where breakfast is provided every day which includes juices, fruit, beverages and a special made-for-the-day specialty (it was vanilla French toast the day we were there) all prepared in the kitchen that features a serving area providing coffee, biscotti and cookies all day and night for guests. At 4:00 each day, complimentary wine is served.
One can’t help but notice the “wall of fame” of famous people that have stayed at the Inn over the years, and many have returned again. In fact, a significant percentage of guests are those who return year-after-year and bring their families and friends (guests over 12 years old are welcomed). An episode of the Food Network featuring Sara Moulton was filmed at the Inn, and the Inn hosted a Gourmet Magazine event as well. As you can imagine, both Alice and Len love great food and can not help but attract other foodies!
As with many Inns, it is the innkeepers that define the property and its success, and the Inn at Stockbridge is no different. I sat down with Len Schiller to talk about his background. Len grew up in the hospitality business, working in the old grand resorts in Sharon Springs, New York. Len’s mother was active in the community and owned a rooming house. “Serving people is what I have always done and what I enjoy. I like to make them happy and make them smile”.
Len loves to cook and is always learning more. He attends classed at “ICE” – the Institute of Culinary Education – in New York City where he gets new ideas and then “tries them out on the guests” he added with a chuckle. Len and his wife Alice love the Berkshires and are very involved in the community.
Their passion for what they do is so apparent and has been recognized as well. The Inn is recommended as a romantic hideaway by the Discerning traveler. The Inn is a member of the Select Registry, a Registered Property of American Historic Inns, a member of Small & Elegant Inns and many others.
About the Berkshires
You will find loads of information on the region and events at www.berkshires.org. Now that it is finally summer summer, the Tanglewood season captivates the area but rest assured there is much, mush more. No visit would be complete without visiting Norman Rockwell’s Museum, The Clark Museum of art in neighboring Williamstown, and Mass. Moca. Picasso Looks at Degas is currently running at the Clark from June through September.
Culture is king during the summer months in the Berkshires and all within a short drive from the Inn. Shakespeare & Company, The Williamstown Theater Festival, and Jacobs Pillow just to name a few.
