December 8, 2009
Venfort Hall Celebrating Ten Years
Hampton Terrace is one of the "Berkshire Cottages." In general terms, around the turn of the century, if someone built a home to participate in the Lenox/Stockbridge late summer social register scene, their home was a "Berkshire Cottage." Some, however, are great estates, and Ventfort Hall is one of the best.
Built by J. P.Morgan's sister, Sarah, and her husband, George (his cousin), Ventfort Hall is such a good example of the genre that it has become "The Museum of the Gilded Age." Ten years ago, it was slated to be torn down.
Thanks to some very strong supporters, especially Tjasa Sprague, who is still intimately involved, Ventfort Hall has not only been saved but predominantly restored. There is much to do, but the exterior, the main downstairs rooms, and several of the upstairs rooms are now completely restored and open for tour. More importantly, the facility hosts numerous events and productions throughout the year, adding significantly to the Lenox scene.
Hampton Terrace is very fortunate to be located just several hundred yards from Ventfort Hall and we gratefully share our Gilded Age heritage. It is not possible to stay at Ventfort Hall, but Hampton Terrace has been a well-known inn since 1937. We invite you to combine a stay at Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakast inn, visit Ventfort Hall either for a tour or an event, and then stroll into Lenox, a 2-square block village that embraces its Gilded Age past.
Seeking a December escape to a historic inn? Looking for extensive holiday decorations to get you in the December mood? Look no further than Hampton Terrace in Lenox, MA where Susan, the owner, fills the public spaces with over 30 years of holiday collections. No neon Santas. Hampton Terrace is an 1897 mansion, built to be part of Lenox's Gilded Age social season, and the decorations are traditional, gilded and elegant. 
This area in western Massachusetts "seems to have the right balance"of picturesque towns, arts offerings, and well-protected natural beauty.
Compared to our July-October "season," save 30% at Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast in Lenox between now and June 25. Most of our rooms feature fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Kings and queens. Full breakfast. All rooms have private baths.
James Taylor, now a Lenox, Massachusetts resident, performs at Tanglewood every year. He always prepares a special show for his hometown crowd, and more often than not, proceeds of his performances remain at Tanglewood to benefit the Boston Symphony.
After more than 60 years operating as an inn, Hampton Terrace's guest rooms finally have names. It is not that they needed names…Main House 4 was pretty descriptive…but we decided that this was an opportunity to help tell the history of the property in a colorful way.
Captain Robert Shaw Oliver of Albany, and his wife Marion, constructed their home on this site in 1873 (replaced in 1896 by the Struthers' "Wynnstay"). This room overlooks the site of the former "Bel Air" mansion, the home where Mrs. Oliver grew up. Unfortunately, Bel Air was destroyed by fire a century later. She was the niece of the Haggertys, the original owners of Ventfort Hall, which was moved across the street and renamed Bel Air when the Morgans constructed the current Ventfort Hall. Marion was also the daughter of William Rathbone, who constructed the first Wyndhurst mansion, now Cranwell Resort.
After more than 60 years operating as an inn, Hampton Terrace's guest rooms finally have names. It is not that they needed names…Main House 2 was pretty descriptive…but we decided that this was an opportunity to help tell the history of the property in a colorful way.
