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Black Tie
International Magazine - Travel - BLANTYRE |
BLANTYRE in the Berkshires
The Pursuit of Perfection Achieved
By Bill Boggs
www.billboggs.com
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Bill with Ann Fitzpatrick Brown - OWNER |
Blantyre |
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Blantyre is a Relais and Chateaux hotel that offers
guests the clubby elegance of a bygone era. It's
located in Lenox, Mass., a beautiful three hour
drive from Manhattan. In Gaelic, Blantyre means
"warm retreat," and a recent visit on a frosty New
England weekend proved the truth within the
property's name. Blantyre was constructed between
1901 and 1903 with the concept being to erect a
castle with "feudal architectural features." It was
built in the style of an Elizabethan manor--towers,
turrets and gargoyles galore. No expense was spared
in those long-gone days before income tax. Not many
great castles for summer retreats were built in
America after that pesky tax law.
So today when you drive up to the main house you
feel as if you are approaching an otherworldly
castle. And you are.
The woman who is queen in the castle is Ann
Fitzpatrick Brown. In 1980, Ann undertook to restore
the abandoned Blantyre to its original elegance, and
she succeeded in creating a hotel experience that
offers perfection. At Blantyre you will see
perfection in the details.
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Chef Christopher Brooks |
Hot Chocolate w/marshmellows |
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On our visit, my wife Carol and I--ever the
voracious eaters-- enjoyed the bounty of Chef
Christopher Brooks cooking, described by Zagat's as
"Superb in every way--exquisite New American French
Cuisine." Among the highlights were a Maine Lobster
and Avocado Salad, Hand cut Angel Hair Pasta with
broccoli puree, lemon and parmesan and an
outstanding Chateaubriand for two. Carol also claims
that the Bloody Mary was "the best I ever had."
Considering her experience with bloodys at the Creek
Club on Long Island--that's a high compliment.
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Spa |
Pool Table inside warming shed |
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Let's focus on a few details--you are drinking from
William Yeoward crystal, and your wine is chilling
in silver wine buckets that look like they should be
on "Antique Road Show" with values in the thousands
of dollars, flowers are everywhere, there's a hot
chocolate tasting menu with home made marshmallows
to float in your mug, a Warming Hut with first class
pool table, an ice skating rink frozen over the
tennis court with tables and chairs to rest after
your twirls, spins (and falls), an open sleigh and
mighty white horse for a jaunty ride around the
property. In the morning, there's the splendor of
light streaming through the leaded windows of the
wonderful breakfast room.
I was particularly impressed by the music room and
the appearance of a pianist who played from 6:30
until 11 PM, filling the first floor of Blantyre
with the melodious warmth of songs from the great
American Song Book streaming from a particularly
vibrant Steinway Grand piano. Combine that melodious
scene with wonderful food and drink and good
conversation before and after dinner with other
guests and
you can't fail to have a memorable evening.
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Warming Shed |
Silver Wine Bucket
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Blantyre accommodates its guests in just
twenty-three rooms and suites. I learned that the
property is sometimes taken over for family reunions
and weddings. What a place for a party! Strike up
the band! Our suite, the Paterson Suite included two
bathrooms, a sitting room and a grand high ceiling
with windows that commanded stunning views.
Recently opened at Blantyre is the Potting Shed Spa,
where just about any kind of spa treatment you'd
want is available, or
you could simply relax in the hot tub which is
flanked by huge Oriental urns. In warmer weather
Blantyre opens a large and
long swimming pool that is adjacent to the spa.
I recommend Blantyre as kind of a "time traveling
destination." Once you step inside its grand hall,
all of life is somehow not the same.
It's hard to imagine spending a few days there and
not being renewed in mind, body and spirit. It
conveys the secure feeling of an exclusive private
club--and it compares favorably to the fabled and
very private Skibo Castle in Scotland. This Relais
and Chateaux property proves again that the Relais
and Chateaux designation is one you can trust to
deliver the highest quality accommodations, food
and matchless service. The Berkshires, where the
property is located, have been called the
"Switzerland of America,"
and Blantyre is the brightest jewel in the crown of
that gorgeous setting.
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