Berkshires Getaway—The Old Inn on The Green
Summer in the Berkshires is in full swing. Whether you are visiting for dance, symphony, art, good food, or just a getaway from the hustle and bustle of our frenetic loves these days, this area of the east is a beautiful spot to recharge and un plug. I recently had the pleasure of staying at what I would call a hidden gem of the area-The Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough, MA. It’s a few miles off the beaten path of the regular loop in western Massachuttes, but I find that just adds to the charm of this delightful inn.
I grew up in an old farm house and we currently live in a Victorian built in the 1870’s; the beauty of an old building brought tastefully into the modern world is not lost on me. My admiration goes out to current owners Peter Platt and his lovely wife Meredith Kennard for creating such a pleasing atmosphere at the Old Inn. They have magically combined the best of old and new with an aesthetic that I can only call dreamy. Floors are slighted sloped as you would expect, and have developed a wonderful patina with age. Antique carpets and furniture are everywhere.
It’s been called the “Best of the Oldest, No. 1 Historic Inn, New England” by Yankee Magazine for good reason. Nestled in the heart of Old Marlborough, the 1760 destination is the centerpiece of the small village and only a 15 minute scenic drive from Great Barrington. The eleven rooms, in two historic buildings, are authentically restored and modernized. Earthy, traditional touches of flowers and period crafts decorate nooks and crannies.
The rooms are spacious and the bathrooms modern and bright. Soaking tub, rain-head shower fixture, separate bidet; it was complete and spa like in feel. Many of the walls have been left with raw plaster exposed, giving an overall glow to the space. The working fireplaces must be wonderful in winter. Internet and HD TV are a nod to the new world.
Three intimate dining rooms, lit only from the glow of candlelight and fireplaces, are where the magic rally takes place. Diners take a seat in the past and enjoy the best of today’s local, seasonal flavors. The Zagat rated and 10 year Four-Diamond award winning restaurant is regularly listed on not to miss spots for foodies. A superior American food menu, with a wine list to match, is a delight for all the senses. Even the plates, made by local artisan Michael Wright are special with gold and silver jewel like touches.
Their are several choices for dinner: a Mid Week Welcome Menu, a Tasting Menu and Prix Fixe on Saturday. The restaurant is closed Tuesday night. Vegetable soups, like the roasted cauliflower soup with chive oil above let the ingredients shine through with flavor . In season, a tented area overlooking the back greenery is another area to dine. It is where we chose to eat from the bountiful buffet breakfast, early risers trying to get a hike in before we left town. Of course, this was not before the freshly baked basket of pastries arrived hot from the oven.
The Southfield Store, a few miles away is another venture of the Inn’s owners. The large space houses a store and cafe with a bakery {responsible for the delicious morning delivery}. It was the perfect place to order a takeout lunch for the end of the visit and rest and relax before we got back to reality. A spot to savor one more bite of the charm this area has to offer.
The 411
The Old Inn on the Green is at 134 Hartsville/New Marlborough Road in New Marlborough, MA. {413}-229-7924. Dining room is closed on Tuesdays. The Prix fixe meal is $75 per person: a three course tasting meal Sun/Mon/Wed//Thurs is $35. A la carte dinners are served every day except Tuesday.
Their midweek dinner and lodging special {starting at $249.00} available Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, is in my humble opinion, one of the best bargain in the Berkshires.
Gorgeous site, I love older inns and BnBs, they exude so much character and charm and the service/food looks amazing. Would love to stay in an inn like this when I visit the area.
I’m lucky to have this spot only a car ride away Noel. If you are ever in the area, would love to give you some other tips as well.
3 reasons I am so stoked!
1. You are from Boston! I live in Boston! Very exciting!
2. The photos you take are ahhhh-mazing!
3. This is the cutest “Leave your comment” template I have ever seen!
Christina-You’ve made my day, and so nice to meet you. I hope you’ll stop by again and we get the chance to meet in Boston. Thanks!
I like – this is so quaint. It looks like the owners would know you by name and give the personalised service. And I love the décor – I agree with you on the modern and old – it works well indeed!
Have to agree with Cristina about your comment box – it’s lovely! As is this charming inn. Would love to stay there one day – so much charm and character plus the food sounds pretty good too!
Ah, man, I miss the Berkshires. What a great post. I grew up near Boston and went to school at UMass Amherst so the scenery and vintage Victorian flair really makes me think of home. Glad to meet a fellow blogger from home!
So you’re quite familiar with the area. What a lovely place to go to school-all those hiking trails to get away from the books for a break. Nice to meet you too!
What a lovely inn! The food sounds great, too! Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
Thanks for stopping by-i hope you’ll be a regular visitor and we can share travel stories.
I think I’d find that yellow in the bedroom a little overpowering after a while, but it does look a great little find, and the food looks so healthy, too… 🙂
Paul, The yellow must show as a result of my photography skills. The yellow was really quite warm and inviting. And not all of them are yellow. The food was great.
Oh how marvelous – I want to stay there!
Wish I’d known about the inn years ago when we lived in the Hudson Valley and did a lot of Berkshire getaways. Looks wonderful!
What a stunning inn! I love older homes/architecture too. They have so much more character!
Sometimes “authentic” isn’t necessarily comfortable, but this looks like a wonderful getaway. Such pretty details.
I love old homes and antiques and the patina of wear that comes with use. Each old place or thing feels like there’s a story behind it or a history waiting to be discovered or told. I’d love to visit this old inn!
Your photos are so descriptive of a well designed place to relax. Being able to sit in the dining area with those views is spectacular. This inn is a great find and hope I will someday walk on those colorful carpets.
Neva-Let me know if you are ever coming to the area. I’d love to give you additional tips.
We own a B&B in southern Oregon and our home was built in 1904, it’s an American classic. I’m in love with old homes. It’s fun to see photos of other inns through the lens of other travelers because we never stay at B&B’s when we travel – too much like work! 😉
Patti, It’s hard to imagine staying here would remind you of work, but I hear what you’re saying. Everyone needs a vacation for a different reason : )!
It’s nice to know if you can’t stay that you can dine here. Such a beautiful location!!
May people visit just for the food Marilyn. I think it’s the best of both worlds.
The Old Inn on the Green looks like a gracious place to stay and dine. I grew up in an Edwardian era home so love old world atmosphere ( and I’m happy to hear there are no reports of ghosts at the Old Inn!)
Michele, I didn’t hear any rattling chains. During a spooky fall storm, it might be another story!
Oooh. Off the beaten path. Historic charm. Sinfully tempting food. Just the kind of inn we like :-). Love the photo collage of your (?) feet standing on four different rugs!
Yes, those were my feet and only 1/2 of the rugs I had a selection of. Thanks for stopping by.
I wanna stay at The Old Inn on the Green! WOW!
This post made me very nostalgic. My husband and I both attended Williams College, in Williamstown, MA, a straight shot up Route 7 from Pittsfield. (Amherst’s arch rival, the alma mater of one of your other commenters). We spent those 4 years(1971-1975) living in fairly unlovely dorms, but now that we’re grown up, we try to stay at B&B’s when we’re in the area. Our last stay was in Lenox. I wish I had known about The Old Inn on the Green!
I’m sure you’ll get back for another reunion Suzanne and I hope you’ll have the chance to stay at the Old Inn.
Wow what a great looking place, that room makes me want to get cozy by the fire.
I can’t think of a cozier spot come winter!