When you say "Richmond," many travelers automatically think of Virginia.
But Richmond, Massachusetts, is a town that's also worth visiting. Part of the Berkshires, sometimes referred to as "America's premier cultural resort," Richmond, Massachusetts, is not far from a lot of things.
And if you're interested in historic accommodations, the 232-year-old Inn at Richmond is a good choice. Innkeepers Jerri and Dan Buehler took some time to answer a few questions about their inn.
The Inn at Richmond
Innkeepers Jerri and Dan Buehler
802 State Road (Route 41)
Richmond, Massachusetts
Could you tell us a little about the history of your bed and breakfast?
The land upon which our inn is situated was a land grant from King George III of Great Britain. The Main House was constructed between 1774 and 1776. At that time, it was one of a few homes built along the carriage road. The foundation was constructed of local stone and the house of local timber. Attic insulation was comprised of corncobs, many of which we subsequently found during our renovation.
Other buildings were added over the next 175 years, including several barns, sheds, a creamery and a couple of cottages. The L-barn was added in the late 19th century, and the Shaker Barn was moved to our property in the early 1930s from its former location, one of the Shaker communities in Hancock, Massachusetts.
An architectural historian examined the window hardware in the Parlour and Dining Room, as well as the door hardware in the front hall. He concluded that they had been imported from France sometime between 1810 and 1830.
We purchased the 27-acre parcel from the Morse family in 1994. Their parents bought the property in 1926, at which time it included several hundred acres. In 1994, we purchased 27 acres, the Main House, three barns, three cottages, and one indoor riding arena.
What made you interested in purchasing this property?
Primarily, we had a strong visceral reaction. It seemed like a wonderful place to live... a place with a long and interesting history. Once we saw the house and other buildings, we realized that even though everything was in disastrous condition, the structures were interesting with layouts suitable for an inn. So little had been done over the last 40-plus years that we didn't have to reverse the sometimes damaging "improvements" that have been visited upon antique homes.
What renovation work was required?
In 1994, we began a total renovation process. My husband, Dan, moved into what is now the Carriage House and acted as General Contractor. We were very fortunate in that we found wonderful local contractors who knew the property, loved the house, and understood antique structures.
We introduced amenities to meet the requirements of modern travelers, such as private bathrooms, sufficient electricity, more-than-adequate supplies of hot water, air conditioning, cable TV, etc. We connected a new well; constructed a new septic system; replaced all the wiring and plumbing; added, reconfigured and updated bathrooms; moved doorways; combined rooms to make suites; and to date have replaced nine roofs on the Main House and Cottages, as well as all the barns.
The next year, we renovated the Creamery and the Carriage House. In 1998, we reconstructed the Kenilworth Cottage on the site of the Caretaker's Cottage. Unfortunately, that structure was beyond salvation.
When did you first visit this property?
October 1, 1993. I'll never forget the day. The house was in terrible condition, but the property was exquisite. Autumn in the Berkshires! The sky was a brilliant blue, the foliage of the mammoth maple trees was golden, and the house and barns, although derelict, just looked as if they had been there forever and would continue to be part of the beautiful landscape. We didn't actually get inside the house for about a week.
What would you consider to be "must-see" attractions in the Richmond, Massachusetts, area?
The scenic beauty of the Berkshire Hills is everywhere, yet we have nearby access to a great deal of world-class culture. During the summer, the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs at Tanglewood. There are several theatre companies: Shakespeare and Company directed by Tina Packer, Barrington Stage directed by Julianne Boyd, and the Berkshire Theatre Festival.
In Williamstown, the Williamstown Theatre Festival draws performers like Blythe Danner and James Whitmore. The Clark Art Institute houses a fabulous Impressionist art collection. Add the Norman Rockwell Museum, Hancock Shaker Village, Chesterwood (the home of the sculptor Daniel Chester French), Naumkeag (the summer home of the Choate family), Arrowhead (the home of Herman Melville), several year-round chamber music and jazz series -- there are almost too many cultural and historic sites to mention.
There are a multitude of biking, hiking, skiing and boating opportunities as well.
