My house...my B&B...

I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't excited by the news I just got. This is my original Lion Manor in Dalton, MA.
I can't tell you how many hours I obsessed over this house and the business plan for the B&B.
I sent my sister and her then boyfriend John to see it for me (because I don't get much time without the kids and Mike doesn't like it up there so I never get to go)
I had big plans for her.
Then she was gone. Sold or at least under contract. The whole winter and then the summer she was gone but I didn't forget about her. Every time we drove past her I looked at her with longing wondering who bought her and what they were doing with her.
Last night I got an email from the Realtor (This is the SECOND property this has happened to me with and I'm tempted to stab my finger in the air and VOW that she will not escape my clutches again)
So here she is. She's clearly in need of some help but I'm still seeing major potential...

We have a couch...

This is what we had...






I'm so happy with it. I keep turning around to look at it...

Bucksteep Manor

I have major history with this place. It's been a part of my summer Berkshire memories since...well, since I can remember.
This sketch of myself and the artists daughter Sara was done on a swing set the summer we went to camp at Bucksteep. 1982 or 1983 (I'm the one in the yellow sleeves)


The fact that it's for sale makes me both sad and excited. It's a BEAUTIFUL property but it's very out of the way and the road leading to it is often closed making it difficult to market. However they do have year round trails and do lots of cross country skiing...
I think much could be done with it to make it more beautiful than it is today.
The area has no decent restaurants and there is a ton you could do with that.
The photos are all out of order but I have no energy to fix them...















































R e s o r t F o r S a l e b y O w n e r
Bucksteep Manor

Cross Country Ski Center
Country Resort
Conference Center

Family/Outdoor Resort in the very heart of the Massachusetts Berkshires between October and Washington Mountains. Recognized as a premier cross country ski resort for over 20 years, this nostalgic turn of the century English Manor House was built as a summer home by C.F. Crane. Bucksteep Manor is a family-owned resort with 22 guest rooms, 8 in the main house and 14 in two separate lodge houses. It features a 1465 square foot Carriage House and Ski Center for banquets, weddings, concerts or just relaxing after a day of cross-country skiing. The main house has a dining room that seats 75 and an additional conference room/gathering room that seats 30 for smaller functions. There is an attached lounge and an upstairs sitting area for relaxing with a good book or watching television. The living room is warm and cozy with soft pillows and a stone fireplace, great for conversation or enjoying a warm cup of cocoa. A separate Owner/Manager house and garage is on the premises as well as a barn and storage area for the cross-country trail grooming equipment. Bucksteep has 25 km of maintained trails for skiing, hiking, snow shoeing and more. A camping area with central bath facilities and 9 rustic cabins are off to one side with an in-ground pool, tennis court and playground. This area works well for music camps, scout groups and the like. There is also an outdoor hot tub, gazebo, a large wrap around porch and many picnic areas. Bucksteep Manor sits on 400 +/- acres of open spaces and tranquil forests. Only 20 minutes from downhill skiing, our quiet, rustic setting is close to Pittsfield, Lenox, Lee and Stockbridge. We're also close to golf courses, museums, theaters, Tanglewood, Jacob's Pillow, and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

An excellent investment for the right person who doesn't mind living in the middle of paradise. Annual operating costs and vacancy data available.
Washington Mt. Road
Washington, Massachusetts 01223
413-623-5535
1-800-645-BUCK

Bucksteep Manor offers a total of 22 Guest Rooms.

The Manor house has 8, B&B style, rooms sharing 2 full bathrooms and 1 half bathroom located on the second floor.

The Lodge and Annex have a total of 14 rooms, each with their own bathroom. (Not shown)

History of Bucksteep Manor

Let our estate take you back to the yesteryears of Berkshire County. Feel the era of the late 19th century as you pass through the original stone wall and pillars bordering the nearly four hundred acres of Bucksteep. This turn of the century estate was built in 1897 atop Washington Mountain in the heart of the Berkshire Hills. Originally built by George F. Crane, a wealthy New York attorney, as a replica of a grand estate once visited in England. Bucksteep was used as a summer and vacation home for the Cranes’. During this time it was home to luxurious entertaining and some of the finest thoroughbred horses in Berkshire County. The family erected in 1899 St. Andrew’s Church, a small architecturally beautiful stone chapel located at the entrance of Bucksteep, now owned and operated by the town of Washington. The church was built as a memorial to Mrs. Crane’s parents, the Rev. Andrew Olivier D.D. and Adelaide Imlay. While the Crane’s were in residence St. Andrew’s was used to hold services. The Crane’s were well noted for the family’s elaborate Christmas parties for the neighboring children. Time passed, the children grew older, and the family’s need for Bucksteep lessened. For this reason, in 1927 Mr. Crane deeded over the estate to the diocese of Western Massachusetts. He did however; continue to reside at Bucksteep during the beautiful Berkshire summers, until his death in 1933.
Under the Episcopal Diocese, Bucksteep was used for a variety of functions. It was first run as a conference center and holiday house of the Girl’s Friendly Society, distinguishing it throughout New England. It was temporarily closed for two years and then reopened as a leadership training facility. The diocese later closed Bucksteep’s door once again in the 1960’s, causing the property to stand deserted, except for caretaker David Watson. Upon Mr. Watson’s death, the diocese sold the estate to the Judge Rudolph Sacco, with the exception of St. Andrew’s Church. Mr. Sacco and his wife, Kay turned Bucksteep into a family vacation center by combining the estate with the adjoining property, Camp Karu. Today Bucksteep manor is a family run Inn and Conference center. The estate now includes the large English Country Manor House, with classical dining room seating, a beautiful front porch, and eight guest rooms. Two cottages provide fourteen additional guest rooms. A Carriage Barn with its original hand hewn beams, wood plank floor, stone fireplace, and a reception lobby is used for wedding receptions, conferences and social parties. Also a secluded 100 acre campground with rustic cabins, tennis courts, children’s play area, is available for guest use.

Bucksteep Manor is a turn of the century estate nestled on Washington Mountain in the heart of the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. Our Facility has a rustic elegance and homey atmosphere not found in most resorts and the quality of our services is unmatched.
Bucksteep facilities include the large English Country Manor House, with classic yet casual dining room (seating 50), a beautiful front porch, and eight guest rooms sharing three baths. On the estate are two cottages with 14 rooms, each with a private bath, for a total of 22 guest rooms. Your special event can be held in our Carriage Barn with its original hand hewn beams, wood plank floors, stone fireplace, and a reception lobby. The Carriage Barn has a full service bar and restrooms. Bucksteep has a picnic area with tennis courts, plenty of open field space, tent camping, rustic cabins and playground. Outdoor events, such as company picnics, barbecues, and tent weddings or large parties on our wooden platform are also available.

St. Andrew’s Chapel is a small, non-denominational, turn of the century stone chapel at the entrance to Bucksteep. It is available for weddings, christenings, and other such occasions. On the property there is a large gazebo for a more casual ceremony. Another alternative is an outdoor garden wedding ceremony. Saturday weddings are still the most common choice, but Friday evening and Sunday afternoon weddings are growing in popularity.
Specifications
bullet Contact Information:
Telephone 413-623-5535
Toll Free 1-800-645-BUCK
Washington Mt. Road
Washington, MA 01223
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Accommodations - Manor Inn - 8 rooms with 3 shared baths - 2 beds or more to a room. Lodge Buildings have 14 rooms, each with a private bath-most have 2 beds. All rooms are comfortably furnished. Camping and rustic cabins are also available.
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Dining - Manor Inn-Large dining room, seats 75. Another smaller room seats 30. Cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Carriage Barn accommodates 100+ for banquets and special events.
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Recreation - Outdoor pool and hot tub, 2 tennis courts, basketball, hiking, fields for softball, volleyball & horseshoes. Team building, and ropes course available. Cross-country skiing - 25 km groomed trails on property. 400 acres property.
Town of Washington, Massachusetts
Berkshire County
Population (1996): 625
Square Miles: 38.20
Tax Rate (1997): $11.30
Government: Board of Selectman/Town Meeting

Directions: Exit 2 on the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) take Rte 20 east 4 miles.
Turn left onto Becket Road. Go 4 miles to stop sign, turn left onto McNerney Road. Go 4 miles
and Bucksteep is on your right. There is a sign, 2 stone pillars and a stone chapel at our entrance.
Asking Price: $2,300,000

Building/Room	Dimensions	Total Sq. Ft	Banquet
Manor Inn - Total	67' X 61'	4087
Manor Inn/Conference	17' X 25'	425	32
Manor Inn/Sitting Room	16' X 20'	320	NA
Manor Inn/Dining Room	54' X 12'	648	75
Manor Inn/Living Room-Office	22.5 ' X 16'	360
Manor Inn/Music Room	16' X 24'	384
Carriage Barn	41' X 35'	1435	100
Lodge House #1	120' X 19'	2280
Lodge House #2	23.5' X 58	1363
Owner/Manager Apartment	44' X 43'	1892
Equipment Barn	56' X 33'	1848
Gazebo (octagon)	10' X 8'	80
Cabins (4)	12' X 15'	180
Cabins (3)	8' X 10'	80
Centralized Facilities