Historic Homes
The Berkshires are all about history and played a large part in the growth of our nation. Here are the homes of some of its most noteworthy citizens.
Arrowhead
Inspired by his friend, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville moved into his Berkshire home in 1783. A rambling old farm house, it became his home for his family.
780 Holmes Road
Pittsfield
MA
01201
413.442.1793
www.mobydick.org
Ashley House
Built in 1735 by French and Indian War veteran Colonel John Ashley, this house is said to be the oldest complete house in the Berkshires.
117 Cooper Hill Road
Ashley Falls
Sheffield
MA
01257
413.229.8600
www.berkshireweb.com
Bidwell House and Gardens
Elegant Georgian saltbox, authentically restored, filled with antiques, on 192 acres of beautiful grounds and hiking trails. Memorial to Columbus Day.
Art School Road
Monterey
MA
01245
413.528.6888
bidwellhousemuseum.org
Chesterwood
A National Trust Historic Site, the country home, studio and gardens of America’s foremost sculptor of public monuments, Daniel Chester French, on 122 acres.
4 Williamsville Road
Stockbridge
MA
01262
413.298.3579
www.chesterwood.org
The Mount
Edith Wharton's home includes the house and gardens she created for herself as a writer's retreat and a haven of unparalleled beauty. Open daily May-October.
2 Plunket Street
Lenox
MA
01240
413.551.5111
www.EdithWharton.org
Naumkeag
Joseph Choate, a leading 19th-century attorney, hired the architectural firm of McKim, Mead, & White to design the 44-room “cottage” to serve as a summer retreat.
5 Prospect Hill Road
Stockbridge
MA
01262
413.298.8138
www.thetrustees.org
Springwood
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's home on the Hudson River, the estate that he loved and the place he considered home.
4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park
NY
12538
800.FDR.VISIT
www.nps.gov
Vanderbilt Estate
A remarkably complete example of a gilded-age country place, illustrating the political, economic, social, cultural, and demographic changes that occurred in America.
4097 Albany Post Road
Hyde Park
NY
12538
845.229.7770
www.nps.gov
Ventfort Hall
Built as a summer cottage by the, sister of J.P. Morgan. This magnificent Berkshires "Cottage" is familiar as the exterior for The Cider House Rules. Open daily year-round.
104 Walker Street
Lenox
MA
01240
413.637.3206
gildedage.org
William Cullen Bryant Homestead
An iconic red barn and elegant allee of maples, this lovely property is testament to the poet's ideal of living mindfully. Grounds open all year.
207 Bryant Road
Cummington
MA
01026
413.532.1631
www.thetrustees.org