Winthrop Estate is one of the few remaining Berkshire Cottages of the Gilded Age.  We are proud to be restoring and maintaining a magnificent architectural gem of American History. 

In the latter part of the nineteenth century into the early twentieth century, the growing wealthy upper class aspired to create elite resorts and communities for them in which to play, entertain and network.  The Berkshires were home to one of those communities; wealthy families from Boston and New York hired talented architects to build sumptuous houses. 

A passage from Richard S. Jackson Jr. and Cornelia Brooke Gilder’s book, The Houses of the Berkshires, 1870-1930   helps to illustrate the significance of the “Berkshire Cottages” in the wider scope of American architecture.  

“The intersection of ambitious clients with versatile architects achieved a significant physical presence in a number of cities and resorts, and particularly in one small corner of Massachusetts.  Within a few hundred square miles comprising Lenox and Stockbridge, the best architects from New York and Boston, plus some remarkable able local practitioners, invented a unique and uniquely American landscape of great country houses.”

It is our passion and honor to be the current owners and caretakers of the Winthrop Estate.  We strive to recreate an atmosphere of authentic luxury.  With great pleasure, we invite you to be our guest for your wedding, family reunion or corporate retreat and participate in living a lavish piece of American history. 

It gave us great pleasure to recently receive an email letting us know Winthrop Estate had been featured in Ryan Brenizer’s website.  Ryan photographed Lisa Marie and Rudy’s 2011 wedding here in the Berkshires.  We remember the couple well and everyone had such a great time at their wedding.   When the link to Ryan’s website arrived in our inbox viewing all the pictures gave us a flush of warm memories. 

We become intricately involved with our clients as they go through nine or more months of wedding planning with us.  By the time the big day arrives, we are so excited.  We are always so proud to host weddings in our historic home.   

Many thanks to Ryan for including us in your wonderful website.  The pictures are gorgeous! 

A guest wrote me after their recent visit: 

"...it was a fabulous weekend.  It was my first visit to the Berkshires, and won't be my last. Your staff is wonderful, especially Christie.  She always had a smile on her face and was more than helpful.  Best regards, S."

A recent email from a happy guest-- 

"It was beautiful!!!! Thank you so much for a wonderful, wonderful wedding and weekend. You are amazing and you have a great team!!
xoxoxo
R&L"

I love the xoxoxo part.  She was so warm and so complimentary of the good food and good service at the meals (she came into the kitchen to thank the chef), and she was so appreciative of the little things we did (moved a card table to the verandah for the guests who were there hoping to play some cards, lit the fireplace in her room, reset the dining room while the guests were dancing, pressed a few shirts and dresses for guests, found the little girl's shoes, etc.).   I hope this group returns for another happy occasion!

Happy guests!  Great weekend, with a lovely wedding at The Mount.   A thank you note to us: 

Dear Jamie,
      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.
   Much Love,
M.D.