IBBP.com welcomes 1800 Devonfield Inn located in Lee, Massachusetts.
This spacious 32-acre estate in the Berkshire Mountains was established more than 200 years ago and is now home to its owners, Ronnie and Bruce Singer , visiting guests from neighboring states and many European travelers. The Singers, former residents from Miami Beach, fell in love with Devonfield and purchased it in 2005 with a strong desire to preserve one of Lee’s historic treasures. The stately English country inn is situated only two miles from the picturesque historic village of Stockbridge, home of the famed Norman Rockwell Museum, and less than five minutes from Main Street in downtown Lee. This exquisite Federal-style residence was renovated and expanded in the 1930s and officially became an inn in 1980. Ardent preservationists, the present-day proprietors have maintained the original character with antique wood floors, handsome built-ins and picture windows, and have gradually enhanced the property with central air conditioning, updated baths and modern amenities to entice the most experienced traveler. A heated swimming pool and tennis court grace the picnic-perfect premises; touring bicycles and an archery range are always available. Leisure time can also be enjoyed horseback riding or hot air ballooning and luxury spas offer stress-relieving pampering. Winter sports are plentiful so the inn supplies snowshoes and sleds for invigorating recreation—cross-country skiers can glide on snowfields and downhill ski slopes are just a short drive away.
A rich sense of history is felt upon entering Devonfield Inn. The house, originally built by a Revolutionary Soldier in 1800, was modernized and landscaped in the early 1900s by George Westinghouse Jr., the son of the famous inventor.Considered one of the grand “Berkshire Cottages”, the inn has hosted distinguished visitors including Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942. “Every guest of the inn is treated like royalty and those that return, many three to four times a year, say that they feel as though they are in someone’s beautiful, private home” said Singer. The spacious living room showcases a baby grand piano to play and the hospitality includes a menu book of fine restaurants with concierge service gladly provided for dining and all sorts of activities. A true respite from everyday worries, the exclusive inn is often a romantic destination—an extraordinary place where marriage proposals, weddings, anniversaries and family reunions are celebrated year-round. It is quite fitting that Devonfield Inn has been honored as “Inn of the Year 2008” in Pamela Lanier’s famed international guide to specialty lodging.
The Berkshires resort region is a cultural arts mecca featuring great symphony, theater and dance performances; museums, galleries and historical points of interest; world-class golf and nature trails, as well as gourmet dining, antique and boutique shopping. Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow and the Berkshire Theater Festival are just a few of the renowned performing arts venues.
