Blantyre: A Gracious Getaway to the Beautiful Berkshires

Blantyre is a sophisticated hotel in the Berkshires. Just a few hours from both New York City and Boston, this hilly slice of New England is a gem for those who crave an immersion in nature just a short drive from home.

Set on 110 acres of rolling lawns and lush woodlands, social distancing is inherent in the property’s sprawling layout. Blantyre re-opened on July 1 for overnight stays Wednesday-Saturday night, with rigorous safety and cleaning protocols in place.

The architectural centerpiece is the Manor House, a castle-like structure built in 1902 for Scottish-born Robert Warden Patterson and his family. It was one of the numerous resplendent Berkshire homes owned by Gilded Age millionaires, who were drawn to the area’s pastoral pleasures, splendid scenery and fresh country air. 21st-century visitors may dabble in old-world grandeur and enjoy discrete service when they book an overnight stay.

First Impressions

Blantyre is the first U.S. hotel to become a member of Relais & Châteaux. A recent refurbishing embraces modernity while maintaining history. Heirloom furniture, detailed damask and floral print upholstery, marble-topped tables and elaborate candelabra are part of the hotel’s dignified décor. Fresh floral arrangements are dropped in for good measure.

The Rooms and Cottages

Due to the limited number of accommodations spread across the spacious grounds, it’s easy to keep a safe distance from other guests. There are eight guest rooms in the Manor House, eleven in the Carriage House and four cottages. Overnight accommodations are each unique but all are sumptuous enough to satisfy the most demanding visitor. You’ll sleep like a baby as exquisite linens and an exceptionally comfortable mattress surround you in a cloud of comfort.

COVID-19 Enhanced Safety Policies

In response to COVID-19, Blantyre has emphasized enhanced safety and cleaning protocols to prioritize the wellbeing of guests and staff. Contactless check-in is in place and sanitization of luggage is offered. A front desk agent will escort guests to their room where they will find a fresh set of keys and registration information. Housekeeping will only access guest rooms with their express permission.

Certain hotel amenities have been impacted. The spa, steam and sauna are closed during this time and spa services have been discontinued until further notice. Valet parking has been suspended.

Blantyre Dining 

A complimentary, daily Continental breakfast will be delivered to guest room doors via pre-arranged contactless delivery. Box lunch is offered poolside.

Blantyre has announced the launch of Café Boulud New York through mid-October, 2020. This seasonal pop-up brings the high-caliber culinary experience of the original award-winning Café Boulud on New York’s Upper East Side to the Berkshires. Utilizing a bounty of fresh, local ingredients – many sourced directly from suppliers around the region – guests can expect summery French classics with a twist. While enjoying dinner and brunch service, guests are required to wear masks unless seated with proper social distancing.

The wine list is extensive and international in scope, so it’s no surprise that it has achieved extensive notoriety, including the Wine Spectator Grand Award. There’s a fine selection of wine-by-the-glass and periodic tastings in the wine cellar.

Music in The Air at Blantyre

The Berkshires has long been a preferred haunt of culture lovers, with a packed calendar of performing arts, particularly in the warmer months.

Blantyre is a stone’s throw from Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Classical, jazz and popular music magically blend with the sounds of nature as you listen on the rolling lawn.

A concert at Tanglewood is incomparable but Blantyre is a special place for those who appreciate music. Karen Tchougourian is the property’s supremely talented pianist. He plays the Steinway & Sons piano most evenings. The exquisite parlor is a privileged setting to listen to this magical concert.

Things to Do at Blantyre

The wealthy folk who built these opulent country estates appreciated the tonic effect of sport; Blantyre continues this tradition with plenty of active offerings.

In warmer weather, dive into the gorgeous swimming pool, hike the shady trails or practice your forehand on the tennis courts. Repose on one of the shady hammocks. If the grounds are muddy, borrow a pair of rain boots in cheerful colors and you’ll be good to go.

When a flurry of fluffy white covers the rambling grounds, guests borrow snowshoes or skis and explore this frosty Shangri-La of snow-kissed meadows and forest glades. Ice-skating on the flooded tennis court is a wintery favorite. No need to bring skates, they’ve got plenty in a variety of sizes. Shake off the chill in front of the outdoor fire pit or in the Warming Hut, with its pool table and selection of classic board games.

Romance is encouraged in all seasons.

The Best of the Berkshires

COVID-19 has put a damper on the many live performances that usually crowd the summer calendar. Thankfully, local museums are starting to re-open with timed tickets and strict physical distancing measures in place.

Mass MoCA, a hotbed of cutting-edge art with over 250,000 feet of gallery space, is now open to visitors. Housed in the former Sprague Electric factory, the sprawling size allows for liberating, large-scale installations that would be impossible to realize in a conventional space.

The Clark Art Institute is also open, with advance purchase timed tickets. The permanent collection is strong in decorative arts, British oil sketches and the work of American artists Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent. The collection of French Impressionist paintings earns international accolades. The Clark is set on 140 acres of expansive lawns with numerous walking trails, including one to the summit of Stone Hill offering a stunning view of the surrounding mountains, so be sure to explore the grounds.