As one of the few remaining preserved homes from the Revolutionary era in the Berkshires, Elmwood presents its next owner a unique opportunity to carry a rich historic legacy into the 21st century. A sweeping pastoral scene with distant mountain vistas set the stage for this colonial masterpiece. Begun as a center chimney colonial, c. 1783, Elmwood was rebuilt as a Greek Revival in 1825, and then later expanded in the Victorian style, c. 1889. Replete with original details, including an antique Shaker staircase, wide plank floors, and countless more, this home has been owned and lovingly maintained by just two families since before the Revolutionary War. Its astounding historical legacy is arguably matched only by an iconic Americana setting – rolling meadows, a cobble, stream, glen, orchard, and acres and acres of uninterrupted pasture and farmland. Elmwood is a property that mirrors the history of the Berkshires and America – sweeping, profound, beautiful, and evolving – and yields instant roots in the living history of our nation.
What’s the most compelling thing about this property?
Unlike nearly every other antique home, this unique and rare property has been owned by only two families since the American Revolutionary War. The second family, who have owned it since 1966, appreciated the historic, emotional, and even spiritual value of this Berkshire farmhouse and have preserved it in its original form. Stepping into this period house is stepping into living history. Elmwood’s history mirrors the history of the Berkshires and even America itself. But this is by no means a museum. This is a year round home with radiator steam heat, a drilled well and a new septic only a year old. This is a home large enough to host all your family and friends – barefoot in the summer and gathered together by the fire in the winter.
For whom is this house perfect?
Those with a rich and deep appreciation for history, character, simplicity, community and authenticity, like the current owners, preservationists themselves. It is perfect for the property’s next stewards who will treasure the home, the land, and its extraordinary Tyringham location, and will appreciate how the spirit and character of the home have been zealously preserved. The home and land have brought joy to generations of this family and friends since the current owners purchased it many decades ago. Extensive infrastructure work has been completed with full respect for the un-muddled original condition and rich character of the home. They have also reassembled much of the original acreage that had been sold off. The land is a very special part of this property. Where Tyringham’s largest barn once stood, there is now a ‘Secret Garden’ within the original barn’s stone walls. The land itself, all 53 acres, over a period of more than 50 years, has thoughtfully and with much diligence become a sanctuary of fields, farm and forest replete with long lost perennials, a flowing stream through a glen, a Cobble across Hop Brook, and acres of pasture. Every room and corner of the home, every object, and every vista within and without has its own story and memories. There is ample road frontage for an additional home or possibly homes.
What’s the most fun thing to do within five miles of this house?
Tyringham is a nearly hidden gem, in the very heart of the Berkshires, yet with a wonderful feeling of seclusion. Those few who are lucky enough to live here must be tempted to keep it a secret. Some of the best hiking in the Berkshires is at Tyringham Cobble, and Ashintully Gardens is a very special place, both Trustees properties. Goose Pond, half in Tyringham and one of the Berkshires’ best lakes, is just over the mountain pass. Monterey is just over the mountain to the south and offers the beach on Lake Garfield. Also in Monterey, the Bidwell House Museum tells the early history of the Berkshires and offers fun and educational programs for all ages. The newly renovated and expanded Monterey Library has just opened, and the 1780 general store is under renovation and restoration, and will reopen next year as Monterey General – Cafe, Mercantile and will also be the new home of Brockman Real Estate, a mere 6-minute drive away. Great Barrington, and Lenox with Tanglewood and Edith Wharton’s The Mount are each just 20 minutes away. Stockbridge, with Naumkeag and the Norman Rockwell Museum, is about 10 minutes away. The unpretentious town of Lee and all it has to offer including restaurants, shopping and groceries etc., are less than 10 minutes away, as is the Mass Pike.
If this house could talk, what secret would it tell about its history?
This is a home and property that will allow its many secrets unfold over time. Walk through the halls, or read in the original front parlor and, as the southern light streams through the lovingly imperfect antique glass, watch it reflecting on a myriad of rich wood surfaces with the character of 200 years ago. Gather in the dining room by candlelight as generations have before you. Cook in the large country kitchen with the bounty of the harvest you grew in your gardens. Or simply relax on the wide front porch as the sun sets down the valley and you gaze out at the enormous views of pasture, mountains and sky, and contemplate how you are fortunate enough to be the next steward of this heirloom farm – your own piece of heaven in the Berkshires.
