Luxury Berkshire Homes

Berkshire Real Estate - Building on Spec

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:44:59 -0400

Builders are beginning to take a look at building on spec again, according to a ny times article. There is a need for new contruction now.

"Regardless of the economy, people always want a new home," said Mr. Morris, the owner of Morgan Creek Development.

Although these sentiments may be the exception to the rule, it is a theory that is beginning to surface.

Deborah Tintle Hauser, an associate broker with Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, said inventory had dwindled to little or no construction, creating "a need for new ones."

With land values coming down and pricing for materials softening, developers are taking a look at jumping in again.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/realestate/15lizo.html?ref=realestate

Got A Question?

Ask Marlene: 413 717-0773

Email: marlene@berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

website: berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

Berkshire Real Estate - Buyer Tips - Homeowner Association

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:46:47 -0400

Dogs And Homeowner Associations

Do you have a dog? Are you thinking of buying a condo?

The ins and outs of homeowner associations and dogs are not always a happy mix, especially if you love and have a large dog. Our buyer tip for the day is to read the rules and regulations carefully.

Many homeowner association have limitations on pets, and one may be size.

Even though difficult sometimes to obtain a copy of the Master Deed, Declaration of Trust, and Rules & Regulations early in the game, do your best to get one.

Many times they are not given until the point of inspection when you are way in.

Even if you get a copy double check that they are up to date. If your agent gets it from the seller (if they still have their copy) it may be old and out of date.

Big Hug Fido!

Got A Question?

Ask Marlene @ 413 717-0773

Email: marlene@berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

Website: www.berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

The Berkshire Forum - Berkshire Country Homes

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:49:15 -0400

Berkshire Country Homes is looking forward to attending what sounds like an exciting event in September, it is called The Berkshire Forum. The forum will bring together forward-thinking doers and dreamers to learn, network and swap ideas. More than 40 featured speakers and session facilitators have signed on to participate in the 3 day event.

The conference has been designed to cultivate commerce and inspire ideas to help guide the future of Berkshire County.

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/ci_15690267

http://www.theberkshireforum.com/

http://berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com/berkshirehomesforsale/the-berkshire-forum-berkshire-country-homes/

Great Barrington Ma. Real Estate, Berkshire Country Homes

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:56:52 -0400

Berkshire Country Homes recommends Great Barrington, Ma. as a teriffic place for your second home. Whether you love antiquing, gourmet food, theatre, music, hiking, skiing or just hanging out with family and friends. Great Barrington Real Estate offers many opportunities for relaxation, culture and outdoor activities.

Great Barrington is the hub town for the Southern Berkshires. A very convenient location for a vacation and second home. It is considered a tri state community on the borders of NY and CT. Great Barrington and the satellite towns of Egremont, Sheffield, Monterey and New Marlborough attracts a robust second home owner population that likes the peace, serenity, and beauty of the Berkshires coupled with a unique town which is vibrant and sophicticated with superb restaurants, theatre and galleries. All this within the bucolic Berkshire Hills known for well over a century as a great place to have a vacation and second home.

There are many Real Estate opportunities to own a variety of distinctive properties in Great Barrington. Whether you want a home that is updated with up to the minute savy or one you create with your own style. An abundance of exceptional designers, builders and architects will help you to create the perfect Berkshire Country Home.

For your convenience, search Great Barrington Ma.Real Estate

http://berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com/great-barrington-ma-real-estate-for-sale/

To change the search parameters just click on edit search.

For more information: call marlene @ (413) 717-0773

Email: marlene@berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

www.berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

Ask me a question

Berkshire Country Homes - International Market

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:43:47 -0400

Berkshire Country Homes reports reading this interesting article on the Reuters Wire. According to the National Association of Realtors, International Home Buyers are increasingly attracted to property in the U.S. Referencing several factors, including the strength of the dollar, the value and desirability of U.S. Real Estate, and the emerging economic recovery. All these factors continue to drive international interest in owning a Luxury home in this country. Since the Berkshires is such a desirable spot for resort and second homeowners, Marlene Goldstein, Broker at Berkshire Country Homes is getting many new inquires for Luxury Berkshire Real Estate from the European and Canadian markets. As Nar President Viki Cox Golder said. "While all real estate in the U.S. is local, the same is not true for property owners,"

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS174381+07-Jul-2010+MW20100707

www.berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

search berkshire real estate: http://berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com/flexsearch/

ask me a question: marlene@berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

Great Barrington Ma. Real Estate - Town History

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 11:10:21 -0400

Great Barrington, Ma. is a town in Berkshire county. It is both a summer resort and home to Ski Butternut. It is the birthplace of W.E.B. Dubois, academic and famous civil rights activist. Great Barrington includes the villages of Van Deusenville and Housatonic.

The area was originally called Mahaiwe by The Mahican Indians meaning "the place downstream." It was located on a path that connected Albany with Springfield and then Boston. The village was first settled in 1726, and in 1761 was officially incorporated as Great Barrington, named after the village of Great Barrington in England

In the summer of 1774 what is now Town Hall was the center for the first open and armed resistance to British Rule., 1,500 men shut down the Berkshire County Court in response to British Oppression.

In the winter of 1776 Henry Knox passed through Great Barrington while transporting the cannon from Fort Ticonderoga to the Siege of Boston which established an agricultural interest in the area of Great Barrington.

With the arrival of the railroad, Great Barrington developed into a Gilded Age resort community. Many wealthy families wanting relief from the heat and pollution of the city built grand homes called Berkshire Cottages here, as others would in Lenox and Stockbridge. David Leavitt NYC Banker, industrialist and art patron had one of the earliest estates an elaborate 300-acre property, he was soon followed by those of his sons nearby. Leavitt was instrumental in the development of the Housatonic Railroad, serving as its president. Other later estates included Searles Castle, commissioned in 1888 by the widow of Mark Hopkins together with her second husband, Edward Searles, and Brookside which was built for William Hall Walker. Colonel William L. Brown, part owner of the New York Daily News, built Locustwood on Silver Street, and in 1895 presented the town of Great Barrington with a statue of a newsboy, now a landmark on the western edge of town

In March 1886 Great Barrington's Main Street was the first in the United States to have electric lights the water mill at Great Barrington was the site of an experiment that first used water to drive an alternating current generator. A transformer was used to increase the voltage and the current was transmitted over a mile away to the nearest town to power street lights..

Today Great Barrington is a vibrant small town which acts as the hub for "South County". Supporting not only a vibrant year round population but also a large population of second home owners in the surrounding communities. There are over 55 restaurants catering to a wide spectrum of tstes. The Mahaiwe Theater , which was recently renovated has become a center for year round music and cultural events. Lake Mansfield, a small lake located in town in the section called "On The Hill" has a beachfront for swimming and a lovely picnic area.

The Town is celebrating its 250th anniversary with a large parade in early July 2011. Details to be announced.

ask a question: (413) 717-0773

mailto:marlene@berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

www.berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com/berkshire-real-estate/

www.berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com/great-barrington-ma-real-estate-for-sale/

Great Barrington Ma Homes For Sale

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:41:36 -0400

Real Estate in Great Barrington Ma. is getting exciting. There are some great Homes For Sale in Great Barrington, MA. Todays featured home is a newly built 4 unit cluster condominium. The design concept of Maple Grove Condominium takes the Tradtional Saltbox and updates it for today's Contemporary Lifestyle. The designers wanted to create an Open Airy Space, and have achieved this by incorporating large windows, and 9ft ceilings into an open floor plan. An inviting Cooks Kitchen with crisp white cabinetry and Absolute Black Granite Counter Tops, flow seamlessly into a comfortable dining area, and then into the main living area. This condominium in Great Barrington, has a first floor master bedroom that includes an exciting oversized bathroom, beautifully tiled with an eye toward harmony with custom sink console, Kohler fixtures and a refreshing shower with a frameless glass door. A sparkling laundry area is tucked away behind a pocket door. The second floor includes two bright and cheerful bedrooms and bath with an oversized old fashioned pedestal sink and jet tub. There is an additional bonus room on the second floor that can be used for storage, or if finished can be a fourth bedroom, media room , office or so many other uses. This charming Condominium in Great Barrington has been beautifully sited to capture a tucked away feel, creating a hamlet with country charm in a very convenient in-town location. You are a short stroll to Great Barrington Main Street for theatre, fine dining, galleries and gourmet shopping. It is also a short drive to golfing, boating, and many other outdoor Berkshire Ma. activities including outdoor trails for hiking, and winter downhill and cross country skiing. Options include garage and screened porch. This Great Barrington Condominium is a great opportunity to live the perfect Berkshire Lifestyle in a maintenance free condominium. $339,000

More Photos: http://berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com/berkshirehomesforsale/category/berkshire-real-estate-featured/

For more info: call marlene @ 413 717-0773

e-mail: marlene@berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

Berkshire Luxury Rental - Stockbridge Contemporary

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:43:53 -0400

Berkshire Luxury Rental - Stockbridge Ma. Contemporary -Are you thinking about renting a Berkshire Luxury Rental in Stockbridge, Ma. the home of Norman Rockwell, his inspiration for hundreds of illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post. While renting this Luxury Rental in Stockbridge, Ma. you can enjoy the hometown feeling of this historic Berkshire town. This Luxury Rental in The Berkshires is newly renovated and set on over three private acres. Wonderful grounds and gardens for outdoor living and entertaining. A large screened porch where you can read a book, relax and look out at the view. The property has cathedral ceilings in all rooms, and features a luxurious and spacious master bedroom suite with jacuzzi tub & outdoor shower. Many skylights throughout the house let light and mountain views in from every room. A wonderful time experience awaits you when you spend time in this Berkshire Luxury Rental. You are about 3 miles from summer concerts at Tangelwood, and wonderful fine dining in the neighboring town of Lenox. Afternoons could be spent at the beach on Stockbridge Bowl, or shopping the many boutiques and galleries that line the streets of Lenox. Two miles down the road from this Berkshire Luxury Rental is Kripalu where you can get day passes to take a yoga or meditaion class. A magical time awaits you in the summers at this wonderful 3 bedroom, 3 bath Stockbridge, Ma. Contemporay.

For more information about Berkshire Luxury Rental - Stockbridge, Ma. Contemporary or many more Luxury Properties for Sale or For Rent call marlene @ (413) 717-0773 or e-mail me marlene@berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

More details and Photos: http://berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com/berkshirehomesforsale/berkshire-rental-properties-stockbridge-contemporary/#more-660

http://berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com/stockbridge-ma-real-estate-for-sale/

http://berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com/buyers-2/

Berkshire, Ma. Real Estate

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:46:14 -0400

You know it's summer in Berkshire Ma. when you want to jump right into this magnificent infinity pool. An outstanding Berkshire, Ma. Real Estate opportunity is being offered in the town of West Stockbridge, Ma. Vista Hill - is a luxurious home with spectacular views. Private and yet close to all Berkshire cultural events; Tangelwood, theatre, dance, museums. This special property is the perfect spot for enjoying the good life in the Berkshires. This home is an architecturally designed property that you will be proud to gather your family, and entertain guests. $2,300,000 For more information and more photos

berkshirecountryhomesrealestate.com

Great Barrington, Ma. Real Estate

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:23:57 -0400

Great Barrington, Ma is considered one of the best small towns in

New England by Boston Magazine..the articles focus is on Railroad Street

as a destination for terrific restaurants and shopping...

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/new_england_travel/articles/new_englands_best_small_towns/page8

Great Barrington, Ma. Real Estate / Living A Country Life

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:17:24 -0400

Great Barrington, Ma. Real Estate / Living A Country Life Restaurants have always been a big part of my lifestyle....Here in Great Barrington, Ma. we lost 2 good ones over the last few weeks...One was very sad and untimely, the chef/owner was killed in an automobile accident Our community has grieved the loss of the young and promising chef /owner Jonathan of Pearls restaurant in Great Barrington, Ma. . The other was Helsinki, although in that case there was talk for a couple years that Club Helsinki was expanding and opening another branch in Hudson. NY. although the original would remain in Great Barrington, Ma. Over the last couple months the word spread that Helsinki in Great Barrington, Ma. would be closing, and would soon be re-opening in Hudson. NY. It was such a well loved place that the tributes are still being blogged. These 2 restauants were no more then a block away, but were miles a part...Pearls, city slick chrome, leather, glass and rosewood interior, a well dressed, casual and coifed clientele, steaks and chops were their specialty. Helsinki was bohemian and exotic in its artsy thrown together decor, and patrons. 1 part restaurant/tea room with a finish spin, (think gravlax, borscht) 2nd part music/dance club bringing some of the best country and rock musicians to Great Barrington, Ma.

The one thing both these extablishments had in common though was delicious food. The food and ambience were so different that they served our community well by offering us different types of experiences.

I had great times at both Pearls and Helsinki, I will truly miss them...Although being true to form i can't stop thinking about what restaurants are going to open next in Great Barrington, Ma. Today i was walking around Railroad St, and noticed that the old Helsinki is being renovated. More to follow...

Berkshire Ma. Homes For Sale

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:46:58 -0400

Berkshire Homes For Sale Today i would like to talk about an outstanding property in West Stockbridge, Ma. It is a particularly wonderful Berkshire Home For Sale because the property has been designed to take in and capture the panoramic Berkshire view from every room. There are soaring ceilings, a wonderful spacious flow that will accommodate family gatherings and entertaining. with the addition of surround sound throughout the house. The centrally located living room has a dramatic stone fireplace and special lighting fixtures that adjoin a wrap around deck which overlooks the sparkling infinity pool. This Berkshire Home For Sale has a gourmet kitchen that will inspire meals to be shared in the adjoining dining room with a sensational bamboo peaked ceiling. The entertaining area is extended onto a large and impressive screened porch. This luxurious home has a fabulous master en suite on the main level with both his and her baths. There are four additional bedrooms, bathrooms, media and game room. The beautiful terrace that surrounds the pool and hot tub are perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining while taking in the captivating view of the mountains, a most special Berkshire Home For Sale in the wonderful town of West Stockbridge Ma. To request a brochure, or for more information leave a comment below. $2,750,000.

Berkshire, Ma to Kennebunkport, Me.

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:50:15 -0400

Berkshire,Ma. to Kennebunkport, Me. What a weekend..I love living in the Berkshires the mountains, the country roads, the exquisite scenery, but i also love the sea...so when i travel i love to visit the water...this weekend we left the Berkshires and drove east to Kennebunkport, Me. I am posting a photo i took of the Bush family summer compound.

We stayed at a terrific Bed & Breakfast, Bufflehead Cove Inn, on the Kennebunkport River...A very private and romantic spot, with excellent service and a full breakfast, our balcony overlooked the river, we sat out and took in the wonderful view. If you want you can see more photos on my facebook page.

Saturday was wet, so we decided to do a shoreline drive south to Portsmouth, NH..visited the John Paul Jones House, would of done more historic homes but we were getting drenched and decided to head back dry off, relax and head out for dinner. We had a great dinner at 77 Ramp on cape porpoise..

Sunday was beautiful...shoreline walks along the rocky coast, photos along the way, trolley tour to historic sites, shopping on the wharf, lunch was fried clams at the Clam Shack, they have the reputation as having the best fried clams in all of maine...we were happy with the chowder, fried clams, jumbo shrimp. We sat on one of the benches that overlooked the wharf...

The trip back to the Berkshires was a breeze, arrived home and started to edit my photos of our Berkshire, Ma. to Kennebunkport, Me weekend...

Today is Monday, I am off to work with new clients...Catch you later

http://www.buffleheadcove.com/

http://luxuryberkshirehomes.com/

New Marlborough, Ma. Historic Open House Tour

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:40:29 -0400

New Marlborough, Ma. Open House Tour Today is tuesday August 18th, and the realtor open house tour was in New Marlborough, Ma....It was a great day to take a drive in the country, the sun was shining, and i was excited about taking some photos of what i would see along the way...The open houses were terrific...there are many historic homes in New Marlborough,Ma. and the houses that i was going to preview were luxurious historic homes, one was a compound on over a hundred acres with 3 buildings a pool, tennis court and mature well maintained landscpaing and gardens...I thought to myself this would make a fabulous resort...The other was a totally renovated historic house that was beautifully finished and furnished...

In the meantime here are some photos that i took today as i was drivng to New Marlborough, Ma. There are many historic homes in this area of the berkshires...here are a couple that i photographed..there are many similar type properties that are for sale in New Marlborogh, Ma.

I stopped for lunch in the very chic southfield store, where you can get some delicious designer type sandwiches and salads...great local place anytime, dinners are delish..

http://southfieldstore.com

http://luxuryberkshirehomes.com

View From Berkshire, Ma.

Berkshire Country Homes LLC — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:32:05 -0400

View From Berkshire, Ma. I thought i would like to blog about my adopted home, Berkshire County..I will start by talking about the history of the county, and then we will see how and where it goes...

Before i begin though i would like to give you some background of how i chose Berkshire County as the place i decided to reside in... I have lived here for 8 years, i am originally from new york city where i was a designer of textiles, and home products.. after achieving many of the goals i had set out for myself i began to have a new vision, it was to live in the country, i wanted to experience what a small town country life was like......i began my research by talking with friends, and any one i met about their ideas of where a nice place would be to live a country life, that was withing 2 1/2 hours of new york city...long story short Berkshire County, Great Barrington, and Lenox, were names that kept coming up more then other locations...after 9/11 i knew if i did not make a move then, i probably was never going to do it...so i set out and began to exolore different areas that fit my criterior..Woodstock, NY., New Hope, Pa, and the Berkshires....i slowly eliminated the other areas for a variety of reasons, but kept coming back here...what appealed to me was the natural beauty of the landscape, the scenic roads, and how far all of it extended. It wasn't as if there was a town or two that looked good and then there was sprawl..the beautiful scenery just kept expanding from one township to the next...The next thing that got to me was the lifestyle, the people, and the culture, musicians, artists, writers, and healers who come here from all over to practice at canyon ranch or kripalu...Last but not least was the food...fabulous sophisticated restaurants that had top notch chefs..enough background...

Berkshire County, was originally a part of Hampshire County,and was incorporated April 24, 1761, and named from Berkshire County in England. It occupies the western extremity of the State, and is bounded on the north by Vermont, on the east by Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties, the south by Connecticut, and on the west by New York. It has an area of about 1,000 square miles,-not including water surfaces. The city of Pittsfield is the county seat. The Mahican (Muh-he-ka-neew) Native American tribe,were the first inhabitants of the county until the early 1700's when the first English settlers and frontiersmen appeared and began to set up farms and homesteads. On April 25 1724 "The English finally paid the Indians 460 pounds, 3 barrels of cider, and 30 quarts of rum for what is today Berkshire County" (page 5. Wood, David H. Lenox Massachusetts Shire Town. Published by the town of Lenox, 1969). This deal exempted Sheffield, Stockbridge, Richmond and Lenox, which were collected at various other dates into English territory. In the 1800s many of the towns of Berkshire County became popular with the country's elite as they built throughout the country side what they called "cottages". The gilded age ended in the early twentieth century with the income tax, World War 1, and the Great Depression. In the 1900s many of these cottages were torn/burned down, became prep schools, or were left uninhabited. Today the Berkshires is known throughout the east coast and even throughout the country as the summer home of the Boston Symphony orchestra. It is now a destination for second home owners, looking for the peace and relaxation the Berkshires offer... more history and tour will begin on another day...in the meantime here is a link to a great local magazine...this should begin to give you the flavor and richness of berkshire county... http://www.berkshirelivingmag.com/