The Overhead Compartment took a break from interviews and escaped for a luxurious weekend getaway. Here’s the story….
Of all the qualities we seek in life during these hectic times of cell phones and social media, perhaps the most elusive is tranquility. If there has never been a time when quiet, understated beauty felt so valuable as it does right now, then there has never been a better time to visit the legendary, and stunning, Berkshires getaway known as Blantyre.
Settled on 110 acres of lush, pristine grounds and positioned neatly between Boston and New York is this venerable, luxurious country resort from the Gilded Ages. The Overhead Compartment found it the perfect combination of aged refinement and modern comfort. Blantyre was the first resort in the US to become a member of the Relais & Châteaux and recently went through a renovation that updated the look while maintaining the historic feel. With a range of activities that include glorious hikes, croquet lawns, and private tennis courts that turn into skating rinks in the winter, Blantyre offers something unique for every season and every visitor.
Walking into the main house, known as The Manor House, it boasts large sunlit rooms tastefully decorated with heirlooms and fine art, a grand staircase, stained-glass windows and a chandelier that truly sparkles. The Overhead Compartment took in the art and scenery while snacking on a delightful array of afternoon goodies and drinks placed out for guests in the main area.
The two main dining options situated in The Manor House include a casual classic bistro with locally sourced ingredients known as The Bistro, as well as the fine dining option, The Conservatory. The Conservatory features two seasonal five-course tasting menus, one of which is vegetarian, with the finest quality ingredients available and seasonal wine pairings. Luxury and creativity are the backdrop for Chef Scott Cummings, who creates an extraordinary farm-to-table dining adventure.
Both culinary experiences are enhanced with the resorts astounding wine collection, boasting more than 10,000 bottles. Special vintages can be enjoyed throughout your stay, in the private tasting room as well as the pièce de résistance, the Dom Pérignon Champagne Salon, which can be experienced either in an outdoor setting in The Cloisters looking at the lush scenery or indoors at the sophisticated setting La Cave. The Overhead Compartment gleefully sat in The Cave and savored every drop of a Dom Pérignon champagne flight.
When it comes to accommodations there are 24 rooms in total around the property, including eight in the main house which each have their own unique, luxurious decor, and most have a fireplace. A short stroll past the tennis courts leads you to The Carriage House, with magnificent loft spaces, modern amenities and private terraces. If a touch more seclusion is what you seek the majestic Cottages offer just that, peaceful and quietly elegant, the perfect place for couples or families to find space and privacy.
Adding to the transcendent, old world setting is the Spa at Blantyre, offering creative, modern treatments to transform even the most stressful of times into pure bliss. The Overhead Compartment indulged in a customized massage to work out all the kinks, but first spent a bit of time by the pool taking in the sun and then in The Relaxation room admiring the most spectacular views of the Berkshires.
For quick jaunts outside the resort guests can experience the Mass MoCA, the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Mount – Edith Wharton’s home.
Luxury, glamour, old world with modern twists, Blantyre offers an experience that will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated and looking forward to coming back for more.
