Owned and lovingly maintained by just two families since before the Revolutionary War, and replete with original details, including an authenticated Shaker staircase, wide plank floors and details that witness the story of New England and our nation and make this home living history that will provide you with instant roots in the Berkshires. Begun as a center chimney colonial c. 1783, rebuilt as a Greek Revival c. 1825, and expanded in the Victorian style c. 1889. Close to Stockbridge and Tanglewood.
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.
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 family and friends since the current owners purchased it in 1966, and since then they have 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 and hard work 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.
What’s the most fun thing to do within five miles of this house?
This home is literally in the heart of the Berkshires! 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 practical and wonderfully unpretentious town of Lee and all it has to offer including restaurants, shopping and groceries etc., are less than 10 minutes away. Tyringham itself 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 a 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 spring as Monterey General – Cafe, Mercantile and will also be the new home of Brockman Real Estate, a mere 6-minute drive away.
If this house could talk, what secret would it tell about its history?
This is a home and property that will let 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 100 or more years. Gather in the dining room by candlelight as generations have before you. Cook in the large country kitchen with the bounties 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.
