Ventfort Hall - Berkshire Designer Showcase

BerKShire DeSiGner ShowcaSe An Exhibit of brilliantly decorated second floor rooms at Ventfort Hall • 2011

Please come in…

morris house antiques & interiors, llc Kate Morris 15 east ninety-third street new york, new york 10128 morrishousellc.com

To Benefit Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum

BerKShire DeSiGner ShowcaSe at Ventfort Hall, 2011 oPeninG recePtion Saturday, June 4, 2011, 3 pm – 8 pm

DaiLY ViewinG Sunday, June 5, 2011 – Sunday, January 15, 2012 Monday – Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm Friday, 10 am to 7 pm (summer) Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm Showcase Admission including Catalogue $20 Tour of Mansion First Floor $15 Tour of Showcase and Mansion $30 (Sorry no children under six)

for information: 413-673-3206

info@gildedage.org

Gildedage.org Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 5

taBLe oF contentS Welcome from the President of The Board ........................... 7 Welcome from the Chairman of the Planning Committee .... 13 History of Ventfort Hall ........... 16 Ventfort Hall Level Two Map .... 18 Karen Beckwith Art & Interiors ....................... 22 Karen Cedar............................ 26 Allison B. Crane & Carol Newton Rumph ............ 30 Eric Hilton ............................... 32 Evan Hughes .......................... 36 Vivian Kimmelman .................. 38 The Lenox Garden Club........... 40 Kate Morris ............................. 42 Cecil Pollen & Leslie Anne Snyder ............... 44 Carl Sprague ........................... 48 Thomas & Kathleen Tetro ........ 52 Barry C. Webber ..................... 54 Valerie J. Winig ....................... 58 Picnics on the Porch ............... 63 Open Marriage-Summer Play .. 65 Les Petites Dames de Mode- Exhibit ................... 65 Become a member ................. 70 Advertiser Index ...................... 73

ParticiPatinG ShowcaSe DeSiGnerS ParticiPantS Karen BecKwith

BerKShire DeSiGner ShowcaSe PLanninG coMMittee

Karen ceDar

Thomas Hayes, Chairman Kelly Wickliff, Opening Reception Chair Tjasa Sprague Karen E. Carhart Pamela Loring Gail Shaw Amanda Rae Busch Kristine Sprague Gini Marauszwski Beverly Rainey Martha Rose McDermott Deborah Detwilller Smith Nora O’Brien Adele Gravitz

Karen Beckwith Art & Interiors Karen Cedar Custom Interiors

aLLiSon B. crane Places + Spaces

eric hiLton Eric Hilton Ltd.

eVan huGheS

Evan Hughes, LLC

ViVian KiMMeLMan

Berkshire Home & Antiques

Lenox GarDen cLuB Kate MorriS

Morris House Antiques & Interiors, LLC

ceciL PoLLen & LeSLie anne SnYDer Kitchens & Interiors

caroL newton ruMPh The Comfortable Home

carL SPraGue Art Director

thoMaS & KathLeen tetro Corner House Antiques

BarrY c. weBBer Marlborough Cottage Arts & Antiques

VaLerie J. winiG Wingate Ltd.

exterior DeSiGnerS VaLerie Locher terrence traPP Webster Ingersoll

Maureen corcoran Dr. Laheys

roBin norriS anD BarBara BocKBraDer Campo de' Fiori Details from original wallpaper from Mr. Morgan’s suite.

Matt LarKin

Black Barn Farm Topiary

anDrew DeVrieS

DeVries Fine Art International, Inc.

aDeLe GraVitz 6

Ventfort Hall

BerKShire DeSiGner ShowcaSe honorarY chairMen Jane Fitzpatrick Ann Fitzpatrick Brown

VentFort haLL BoarD oF DirectorS Kristine Sprague, President Lorraine Becker, Vice-President Mary Howard, Recording Secretary Tjasa Sprague, Treasurer/Clerk Julie Agar Karen Beckwith Shelley Berend Kelly Blau William R. Bonsal, IV Holly Dobbins William S. Donovan John Jay Joanne Keator Alice Nathan Nora O’Brien

VentFort haLL ProGraM coMMittee Kelly Blau Cornelia Brooke Gilder Thomas Hayes Gini Marauszwski Janice Robinson Tjasa Sprague Birgit Vetromile

weLcoMe from the President of the Board A

s Ventfort Hall enters its second decade as the Gilded Age Museum, we are so excited to share with you our biggest endeavor to date: the Berkshire Designer Showcase at Ventfort Hall. I would like to give you a brief history of just how far we have come.

When we acquired Ventfort Hall in 1997, the structure lay abandoned, open to the elements, and completely shrouded by underbrush. It was quite a mysterious mansion to the residents of Lenox. The Ventfort Hall Association (VHA) was formed and we immediately embarked on the restoration and were able to open a portion of the first floor to the public in 2000.

Working with a small group of excellent and loyal craftsmen we continued a room by room restoration through the first decade, eventually opening approximately 12,000 square feet of exhibit space. We had tremendous support from our donors, many of whom would visit annually just to see the newly opened rooms: the dining room, the library, the verandah, the billiard room, the salon, and now most of the second floor bedrooms. The restoration effort has been so fortunate to receive a $1.5 million donation from the Manton Foundation

and several matching grants from the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund and the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund. To date VHA has invested $3.5 million in this extraordinary cultural resource offering you a glimpse into the Gilded Age and the changes it brought to American society.

Our intention for the museum is to use the building in ways that it was originally intended when it was completed in 1893. Thus we have developed a program including holiday tea parties, monthly ballroom dancing, a summer lecture series, an annual Medieval Faire, chamber concerts in cooperation with the BSO, an annual summer play, children’s programs, and even weekly bridge lessons.

Of course we also provide docent led tours describing the Morgan family history and the mansions’ architecture.

I sincerely thank you for visiting Ventfort Hall today and do hope you will take away fascinating memories of the Showcase that you will share with your friends.

Best Regards,

Kristine Sprague AIA VHA Board President

Our visitors are absolutely enthralled by the imposing stone and brick structure and the exquisite detailing of the interiors. What a natural extension of the interior dĂŠcor but to collaborate with 14 Berkshire based designers to furnish the newly completed second floor rooms? We are so thrilled with the results, unique and elegant spaces each one.

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 7

Recognizing the Talents of Local Designers and Artisans at one of the Berkshires Must-See Cultural Treasures Wave is Proud to Sponsor the Berkshire Designer Showcase at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum.

Simplifying Encryption and Authentication Wave Systems Corp.

480 Pleasant Street, Lee, MA 01238 (877) 228-WAVE • fax (413) 243-0045 www.wave.com

Kristine Sprague AIA LEED AP

Architect

kristinesprague.com

Find Chocolate Inspiration

Hand crafted in the Berkshires Famous Chocolate and Café Open 7 days a week

“Escape into Chocolate”

™

Route 7, Lenox MA 413-637-9820 chocolatesprings.com

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 9

Founded in 1928 in Stockbridge, MA

Founded in 1903 in Pittsfield, MA

May 27–28

I Got Sick Then I Got Better (Unicorn)

June 02

Sherri James Buxton and Friends: Songs from the Great American Songbook with Special Guest Matt Cusson (Colonial) 09 Ron White: Behavioral Problems Tour (Colonial) 11 The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats (Colonial) 18 Bobby Sweet: CD Release Party (Colonial) 28–July 16 Moonchildren (Unicorn)

July

06–16 Hansel and Gretel’s Grimm Tale (Berkshire Museum) 07–16 The Who’s Tommy (Colonial) 12–30 Sylvia (Fitzpatrick Main Stage) 18–30 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (The Mount) 19–Aug 06 Dutch Masters (Unicorn) 22 Talib Kweli (Colonial)

August 05 02–13 09–27 11 13

Bob Weir Solo Acoustic (Colonial) In The Mood (Fitzpatrick Main Stage) Finian’s Rainbow (Unicorn) Tommy Tune in Steps in Time (Colonial) Bakin’ with the Boss Tour starring Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss (Colonial) 16–Sept 3 Period of Adjustment (Fitzpatrick Main Stage) 20 Word x Word Festival (Colonial) 25 Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (Colonial) 30–Sept 3 Birthday Boy (Unicorn)

September

09–11 The Wizard of Oz (Colonial) 24 Berkshire Comedy Spotlight II (Colonial) 29–Oct16 Birthday Boy re-opens (Unicorn)

October 14–16; 21–23 09 15 19 21 28–29

Made in the Berkshires New Works Festival (Unicorn & Colonial) Frank Rich (Colonial) The Grace Kelly Quartet with special guest Phil Woods (Colonial) David Sedaris (Colonial) The Tartan Terrors (Colonial) Romance, Soul & Rock N’ Roll presents:THIS is Broadway! (Colonial)

November 09 12 19 30

Ani DiFranco (Colonial) Christopher O’Riley (Colonial) Arlo Guthrie (Colonial) Natalie MacMaster: Christmas in Cape Breton (Colonial)

December 04 17–30

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical (Colonial) A Christmas Carol (Colonial)

Pictured: Fitzpatrick Main Stage; Colonial Theatre; Unicorn Theatre; Talib Kweli; Lisa Emery in A Delicate Balance (BTF 2010); Bob Weir Solo Acoustic; David Sedaris, photo credit: Anne Fishbein; Southside Johnny; Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, photo credit: Thomas Kosa Photography; Jayne Atkinson and Michel Gill in The Guardsman (BTF 2010).

(413) 997-4444 (413) 298-5576 www.thecolonialtheatre.org www.berkshiretheatre.org 111 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 6 East Street, Stockbridge, MA 01262

A cultural partnership for the Berkshires and beyond presented on three stages in Stockbridge and Pittsfield.

Furniture designs by John Lomas Simon Pearce Glass, lighting and fine accessories for the home

Made to Order Made by Hand Made to Last



  Gallery: 25 Railroad St. | Great Barrington, MA | 413.717.4140 | cotswoldfurniture.com

j o e l h a y n e s a r t. c o m

413.214.5884 Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 11

weLcoMe from the Chairman of the Planning Committee M

ilanese architect Renzo Mongiardino, famous as a consummate creator of spectacular, atmospheric spaces, writes in his monograph, Roomscapes, “The first reality that rules a room is the space that determines its size. It is from the geometry of the shell that architecture emerges. The second reality is the function for which the room has been planned. The third is the decoration that, in harmony with the architecture, will be able to correct its defects, apportion its effects and create illusions.”

With this statement in mind, it has been of enormous pleasure for me to have witnessed for several weeks the developing work of highly talented Berkshire interior designers, artists, antique dealers and artisans. They have brought to life extraordinarily decorated rooms and spaces that compose the Berkshire Designer Showcase at Ventfort Hall.

Let’s take Signor Mongiardino’s first reality. We have for viewing on the second floor of Ventfort Hall what had been expansive master bedrooms, smaller bedrooms (possibly for guests, children, grandchildren?), generously sized bathrooms, meandering halls (as only Victorian houses could have!), elaborately designed fireplaces, bay windows overlooking the neighboring hills and valleys, ceilings 12-feet high.

The second reality: The designers have let their imaginations fly with thoughts of room functions, a bridal bower maybe, just maybe, with Kate Middleton in mind; a secluded paneled place for reading and games; a period replica of Sarah Morgan’s bedroom; a room designed with thought for meditation; a large closet magically becomes a debutante’s charming dressing room, and a bathroom is transformed into a gentleman’s dressing room, a glamorous private precinct.

The third reality: I believe this is the greatest talent our specialists of room décor have and all such professionals must have. How to take the architecture presented to them and “to correct its defects, apportion its effects and create illusions” – an Italian loggia within what was once the musicians’ gallery, a luxurious ladies’ lounge with enveloping warm tones, tall trompe l’oeil trees placed just so to frame the doorways of a hall, intimacy becomes paramount in a large room, a sitting room imaginatively filled with whimsy and humor(!) and an elegant setting of antique American wicker furniture to welcome all comers at the top of the stairs.

What amazing talent we have here in Berkshire County! Scenes of beauty and comfort have been created by using their experienced imagination and wit, transforming empty rooms

freshly restored in one of Lenox’s greatest Gilded Age cottages, itself only recently given a new lease on life after coming so close to disappearing.

While the imagination has taken hold within these “roomscapes,” the Berkshire Designer Showcase at Ventfort Hall also features landscapes created by designers in areas surrounding the mansion, settings of welcoming floral beauty.

At the same time that these rooms, these landscapes can inspire us to look with a more trained eye at our own surroundings, they can do more.

In Mark Hampton on Decorating, the legendary New York interior designer writes, “Yet to transform the bleak and the barren into welcoming places where one can live seems to me an important and worthwhile goal in life….our private worlds can reward us with peace and pleasure.”

I also want to take this opportunity to give recognition and great thanks to all those with whom I have come in contact, who over a series of weeks and months have helped in a myriad of ways to bring the Berkshire Designer Showcase to fruition. For me, and I hope for them, it has been a labor of enormous love.

Thomas Hayes Chairman, Berkshire Designer Showcase at Ventfort Hall

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 13

LITTLE DEER & CO • BUILDERS w w w . l d e e r. c o m

413-822-1536

14

Ventfort Hall

email: info@ldeer.com

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 15

hiStorY of Ventfort Hall V

entfort Hall, built by George and Sarah Morgan as their summer home, is an imposing Jacobean Revival mansion that typifies the Gilded Age in Lenox.

Sarah, the sister of J. Pierpont Morgan, purchased the property in 1891, and hired Rotch & Tilden, prominent Boston architects, to design the house.

VentFort haLL 104 Walker Street Lenox, MA 01240

GiLDeDaGe.orG

413.637.3206

16

Ventfort Hall

The town of Lenox was the center of the social season in the Berkshires during the Gilded Age, the period between the Civil War and the First World War. Drawn to the Berkshires by artists and writers such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Catherine Sedgwick, Fanny Kemble and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who had settled here early in the 19th century, as well as the beautiful countryside and scenic views of mountains and lakes, many prominent financiers and industrialists constructed luxurious and imposing summer homes in Lenox and the surrounding area. In fact, Ventfort Hall was one of about seventy-five Berkshire Cottages built in Lenox and Stockbridge during this period.

Rotch & Tilden had designed four other Berkshire cottages in Lenox and they were well known for their many city residences as well as public and religious buildings. They also designed many summer houses in Bar Harbor, Maine. Arthur Rotch played a pivotal role in the development of architectural training at both M. I. T. and Harvard, and is also known for the Rotch Traveling Scholarship, founded through the American Institute of Architects to provide European training for American architectural students. Ventfort Hall was completed in 1893.

Now on 11.7 acres, Ventfort Hall was originally the centerpiece of a large landscaped garden of 26 acres.

The mansion, constructed of brick with brownstone trim, has an impressive porte cochère covering the entrance while the rear of the house, which once had a long view to the south of the Stockbridge Bowl and Monument Mountain, has a wood veranda along its entire length.

Described at the time of its completion as “one of the most beautiful places in Lenox,” the house had “28 rooms, including 15 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms and 17 fireplaces.” Typical of the period, the interior features a soaring three-story great hall and staircase with wood paneling detailing. Other rooms include an elegant salon, paneled library, a dining room, a billiard room and bowling alley. It was designed with all the latest modern amenities, numerous ingeniously ventilated bathrooms, combined gas and electric light fixtures, an elevator, burglar alarms and central heating. The property contained several outbuildings, including two gatehouses, a carriage house/stable and six greenhouses.

After the deaths of both Sarah and George Morgan, the house was rented for several years to a young widow, Margaret Vanderbilt, whose husband, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, had died on the Lusitania.

In 1925, W. Roscoe and Mary Minturn Bonsal purchased

the house after seven years as tenants. Bonsal, a prominent figure in the expansion of railroads throughout the southeast, built the first cross-state railroad in Florida and served as president and treasurer of the North & South Carolina Railway and the South Carolina Western Railway.

After the Bonsals sold Ventfort hall in 1945, the house had a series of owners and was used as a dormitory for Tanglewood students, a summer hotel, the Fokine Ballet Summer Camp and housing for a religious community.

In the mid-1980s the property was sold to a nursing home developer who wanted to demolish the building. In response to this threat, a local preservation group, The Ventfort Hall Association (VHA), was formed in 1994. On June 13, 1997, with the help of many private donations and loans, and with a five-year loan from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, VHA purchased the property.

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 17

VentFort haLL LeVeL two

Stair haLL 3a

rooM 1

KathLeen & toM tetro Corner House Antiques

VaLerie winiG Wingate Ltd.

see page 52

see page 58

12

13

3a

14 1

rooM 6

18

rooM 8

haLL 9

rooM 10

carL SPraGue Kate MorriS see page 48 Morris House Antiques & Interiors

eVan huGheS Evan Hughes Design LLC

Karen ceDar Karen Cedar Custom Interiors

ceciL PoLLen & LeSLie anne SnYDer Kitchens & Interiors

see page 42

see page 36

see page 26

see page 44

Ventfort Hall

rooM 7

MuSician’S GaLLerY 2

haLL 3B

ViVian KiMMeLMan Berkshire Home & Antiques

rooM 5

rooM 4

aLLiSon B. crane Lenox GarDen cLuB 100th Anniversary Display Places + Spaces see page 40 caroL newton ruMPh The Comfortable Home

see page 38

see page 54

see page 30

8

11

BarrY weBBer Marlborough Cottage Arts & Interiors

7

10

6

9 3B 5

4 2

rooM 11

rooM 12

haLL 13

rooM 14

Karen BecKwith Karen Beckwith Art & Interiors

Karen ceDar Karen Cedar Custom Interiors

Karen ceDar Karen Cedar Custom Interiors

eric hiLton Eric Hilton Ltd.

see page 22

see page 26

see page 26

see page 32

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 19

A Country House Hotel Blantyre wishes Ventfort Hall and her designers bouquets of good wishes and great success for this wonderfully beautiful event, the splendid and creative Berkshire Designer Showcase, and 218 years of glorious gatherings.

Open year round for lunch, dinner and parties Reservations 413-637-3556 16 Blantyre Road, Lenox, Massachusetts 01240 www.blantyre.com

22

Ventfort Hall

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011  23

Karen BecKwith art & interiorS creDitS, reSourceS, GenerouS ParticiPantS

GeneraL contractinG, carPentrY Marty Ross Carpentry, Pittsfield, MA PaintinG Mountain View Painters, North Adams, MA LiGhtinG (For SaLe) Pendant, Berkshire Lighting Outlet (for sale), Lenox, MA also available through KBA&I Hartcorn Design, ‘House Lights’, Lee, MA also available through THORNE, West Stockbridge, MA SewinG worKrooM & inStaLLation Toni Massery, Pittsfield, MA

interior DeSiGn Karen BecKwith art & interiorS Lenox, MA A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to my husband Scott Barrow for all that he did to help, and feed, us throughout this project; to the Sprague family members— especially to Tjasa—for providing this splendiferous canvas; to Jobie Redmond for keeping the faith; to Toni Massery for her expertise & constancy; ditto Marty Ross; and to my project assistants, Kristin Burke and Baron Drumm. It takes a village to make a room.

And special thanks to Rebecca Barrow, my muse for this space.

24

Ventfort Hall

FaBricS, notionS (For SaLe) ‘The Willow Tree’ fabric designed by Karen Beckwith, with assistants Baron Drumm, Kristin Burke & Ardis Barrow, printed on 100% linen; custom color-ways available exclusively through Karen Beckwith Art & Interiors, or your trade professional.

Schumacher Fabrics, ‘Gweneth’ Linen in Ivy, Boston, MA Gray Lines Linen, ‘HF 0027’ in Off White, New York, NY Old World Weavers/Stark Fabrics, ‘Powell’ in Reed, Boston, MA Adaptive Textiles, West Chester, PA Martha Flood Design, ‘Savoy Birch’ & ‘Grass’, North Adams, MA FLoor coVerinG (For SaLe) Design Materials, “Tropics’ Sea Grass Flooring, Kansas City, KS Haddad’s Carpet (material, binding, pad & installation), Pittsfield, MA also available through KBA&I cuStoM Furniture (For SaLe) ‘Meditation Ottoman’ (& throw pillows) designed by Karen Beckwith, custom made by TCS, available exclusively through Karen Beckwith Art & Interiors.

‘Drawing/Writing Desk’ with ‘Storage Cabinets’ in White Oak, designed by Karen Beckwith, exclusively available through

Karen Beckwith Art & Interiors, are custom made by Tim Stevens. Stevens Cabinet Shop, Morgantown, NC ‘Altar Table’, and the ‘Side Table’ designed and custom made by John Hartcorn.

Hartcorn Design, Lee, MA Also available through THORNE, West Stockbridge, MA ePheMera, acceSSorieS (For SaLe) Karen Beckwith Collection, Lenox, MA Local, Lenox, MA The Kripalu Shop, Lenox, MA THORNE, West Stockbridge, MA Berkshire Flower Company, Pittsfield, MA Dabney McAvoy Home, Great Barrington, MA Hammertown, Great Barrington, MA Country Swedish, Inc., New York, NY BooKS (For SaLe) The Lenox Bookshop, Lenox, MA Create the Space You Deserve

by Jill Butler (with the personal library of Karen Beckwith), Essex, CT art Paintings by Karen Beckwith (for sale), Lenox, MA Photography by Scott Barrow. (for sale), Lenox, MA cLeaninG & eVent SerViceS Sweeping Beauties, Lenox, MA

     

CHRIS MAY

BUILDERS INC.



    

   

Best Wishes on Your Designer shoWcase!

P.O. Box 468 | 85 Pine Grove Drive Richmond, MA 01254 cmay@berkshire.rr.com

  

   

  



With our compliments.

(413) 698-2702 69 Church Street, Lenox, MA 01240 413-637-0340 marystuartcollections.com

NEW EXPANDED & REVISED EDITION!

Ò With more than 300 archival photographs, Houses of the Berkshires allows us to peek through the sort of keyholes that until now required a stepladder and written permission.Ó Ñ Berkshire Home & Style

525 So. Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230 413.528.4871

Perfect to give and to receive Available now in Ventfort HallÕ s Shop

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 25

Karen ceDar I

n the lateral and vertical confines of the space we round out our lives in the space we make our home. From decades of designing interiors I have always believed that balance is the key to a room’s success.

There is no free form, everything has shadow and counterpart.

To bring about a sensibility to a living space we determine the events, as things are, no matter how small, and tie them intimately and sensibly together.

Karen ceDar cuStoM interiorS

KarenceDarinteriorS.coM

413.446.3444 k.c.custominteriors @hotmail.com

26

Ventfort Hall

There is no free form, everything has shadow and counterpart.

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011  27

Karen ceDar DeSiGn reSourceS Ambiance Systems, Clifton Pk.,NY Country Curtains Innerasia Tibetan Rugs

28

Ventfort Hall

Lenox Tile and Stone Michael Filmus Paul Rich and Sons Home Furnishings

Polo Antiques Roger Mason Sue Leal

Pop in for a movie!

50 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA

w w w. i m age s c i n e m a . o r g movieline : 413. 458. 5612

aLLiSon B. crane & caroL newton ruMPh A

llison B. Crane is the founder and owner of Places + Spaces (www. placesspaces.com), a design and home staging company based in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts.

Allison focuses on creative, client-pleasing design solutions that transform living and office spaces into eco-friendly, harmonious and peaceful environments, enhancing home values and increasing workplace productivity.

aLLiSon B. crane PLaceS + SPaceS 233 Holmes Road Pittsfield, MA 01201

caroL newton ruMPh- the coMFortaBLe hoMe 47 St. Ann’s Avenue Lenox, MA 01240

413.637.2298 carol@thecomfortable home.net

30

Ventfort Hall

PLaceSSPaceS.coM thecoMFortaBLehoMe.net

413.441.2235 allison@placesspaces.com

A native of Berkshire County, Allison was born with a love of color, textiles and fine craftsmanship. As a child, she learned the skills of knitting and sewing and developed a lifelong understanding of fabrics and structure.

She serves on the Board of Directors of Berkshire Grown and Berkshire Creative, and is a member of the Berkshire Garden Club and the Garden Club of America.

C

arol Newton Rumph, principal of The Comfortable Home, has been designing interiors in the Berkshires and the Tri State area for over 20 years. The Comfortable Home is a full service interior design studio and custom drapery workroom.

Carol’s ability to assess a space, envision how it would work better and execute a plan for change has been of great help to clients whose older homes need modernizing and updating. She also works with completely new spaces as evidenced by the “Studio”, a home office and on-site workroom she designed and built on her property.

Carol’s great strength is in her ability to work with clients to help them define their own taste and style and bring a completed design to fruition.

aLLiSon B. crane & caroL newton ruMPh DeSiGn SourceS Kravet Fabrics Stout Fabrics Henry Calvin Fabrics Paul Rich & Sons Benjamin Moore

Berkshire Lighting Outlet Sabine Vollmer von Falken Photography Judy Bates - The 5th Wall Decorative Painting

Norman Wilmont Building & Carpentry Michael Wainwright Michael Nardi Carpentry Gary Storti Electric

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 31

eric hiLton E

eric hiLton LtD.

330 E. 59th Street 8th Floor New York, NY, 10022

erichiLtonLtD.coM

212.542.8400 info@erichiltonltd.com

32

Ventfort Hall

ric was born and raised in the middle of the Finger Lakes region of New York.

When he found his country home in the Berkshires, he felt like he was coming home.

Eric is trained as an architect and an interior designer, and feels equally at ease in both disciplines. He also studied in Florence and has a Master’s degree in Italian Renaissance Fine Arts. This training gives him a unique appreciation for the spatial element of design, as well as the colors, textures and light qualities of the furnishings.

Eric had the great good fortune of starting his career working with such designers as Angelo Donghia, Patrick Naggar and Thierry Despont. While there, his clients included Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Mickey Drexler, Michael Douglas, Bill Gates, the Getty Museum, and the Carlyle Hotel, with many other high end projects around the world. Over ten years ago, he made a few changes in his life, including purchasing property in the Berkshires and starting his design firm based in New York. He has recently completed projects in Houston, San Francisco, New York, Rhode Island and in Paris, France. He has also recently launched a furniture

my goal was To capTure an aspecT of The Berkshires & elevaTe The mysTical aspecT of our exisTence...

and lighting line which is carried in the Holland & Sherry fabric showrooms around the world. His heart remains in the Berkshires where he does some of his best work and enjoys the diverse offerings that the region has to offer.

I

have been a resident of the Berkshires for over ten years.

In that time, this place has been like a mother welcoming her son to her bosom, like a beautiful and somewhat distant lover that only allows you to know a portion of their intimate self, and like a long time friend who gently but persistently makes you aware of both your strengths and of your shortcomings.

The design of my room is based upon three aspects of that local environment.

First, I looked at the historical images of Ventfort Hall showing the way that it was furnished and how it was used to convey the character of its residents. I wanted to design a room which

would evoke these images and memories without being a literal recreation of that era.

Second, I wanted to draw upon the local culture and its quirky appreciation of the arts.

This helped me to tap into the whimsical and fantastical aspects of a cultured life in a beautiful country setting.

Third, I wanted the room to be based on good design principles which an educated public has come to expect in the Berkshires.

The combination of all of these elements creates a setting that is visually stimulating, thoroughly comfortable and inviting.

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 33

“i looked aT The hisTorical images of venTforT hall showing The way ThaT iT was furnished and how iT was used To convey The characTer of iTs residenTs. i wanTed To design a room which would evoke These images and memories wiThouT Being a liTeral recreaTion of ThaT era.” ERIC HILTON

eric hilton’s inspiration for Ventfort hall

eric hiLton LtD. SourceS Barbara Sherman Bardin Palomo Antiques Barry Davidson Bond Bedding Broome Lampshades Inc Carlos de la Puenta Antiques Country Curtains Couture for Homes 41 Main Antiques Galbraith & Paul

34

Ventfort Hall

Hillary Beadell Antiques Holland & Sherry Hunter Bee Inchworm Design Inc. Jay Rhind Builders Joseph M. Dunn Julia’s Traditions Kravet Inc. Lamptouch Antique Repair Inc. Maison de France

MAK Design Manzanares Furniture Corp.

Rick Lemolini Santo Spirito Restorations Group Inc. Sarah Thorne Interior Design Synlawn TLT Carpet Corp.

VCA Inc.

30

Hearvoices the of summer!

�ears

Hear great choral masterpieces performed by a chorus of 200 voices, prominent soloists, renowned conductors and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

July 16 7:30pm Carol Barnett–The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass Bernstein– Chichester Psalms Hailstork–Break Forth July 23 7:30pm Mendelssohn–Elijah

BOX OFFICE 413-229-1999

July 30 7:30pm Elgar–The Music Makers Vaughan Williams–Magnificat Brahms–Alto Rhapsody

TICKETS $15-$45 PREPs: Free pre-concert talks at 6:15pm

August 6 7:30pm Monteverdi–Vespro della Beata Vergine (Monteverdi Vespers)

245 North Undermountain Road Sheffield, Massachusetts www.choralfest.org

eVan huGheS E

van Hughes has completed projects throughout Chicago, New York City and Fairfield County.

There are designers who replicate their own distinct “look” for a variety of clients and spaces – Mr. Hughes prefers to collaborate with his clients to understand their needs, tastes and the intended use of spaces and then to bring to bear a wide influence of design styles and inspiration to create spaces attuned to customers’ needs and wishes.

eVan huGheS DeSiGn, LLc 2 Kemble St Lenox, MA 01240

eVanhuGheSDeSiGn.coM

413.637.4113 evan@evanhughesdesign.com

36

Ventfort Hall

The Evan Hughes Design concept and vision is respecting the history, architecture and grandeur of the buildings, and drawing inspiration from how the people lived at the time these buildings were constructed.

In keeping with this concept, adjacent to the master suite, the second floor powder room - formerly George and Sarah’s private lavatory receives a makeover.

Despite Sarah’s very hands-on role in the design of Ventfort Hall, George has been more in mind with this design. We’re

considering our room an anteroom to a larger fictional lavatory which would be used for dressing, freshening up or escaping from social chatter that’s turned less interesting.

Exuding a bit of glamour and a touch of decadence by playing off the idea of a gentleman’s private lounge - a place to loosen ones tie, enjoy a quick nip of scotch, and catch ones breath before another late night.

Fashions, trends and social conventions evolve and change, but what transcends time and social class, is the desire for connection with each other, the need to take a quiet moment, to be grateful for the health, happiness and love we are afforded, and then diving back into our lives with intensity.

UNDERMOUNTAIN FARM Riding Instruction  Boarding  Sales  Training  Guided Trail Riding 400 Undermountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240 (one mile from the main entrance to Tanglewood) 413-637-3365 undermountainfarm.com

Classical Excursions Exclusive National and International Tours Exploring the Classical in Architecture, Interiors, Gardens and Archeology.

P. O. Box 1676, Lenox, MA 01240 413-528-3359, 413-243-4155 classicalexcursions.com

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 37

ViVian KiMMeLMan F

or the past 15 years, Vivian Kimmelman has been honing her skills as an antiques dealer, interior designer and custom furniture maker.

Since its opening, Vivian’s 7000 sq. ft store in Great Barrington has always featured a large inventory of antiques, decorative objects and furniture for the home and garden. As her business has evolved, it now includes furniture designed and made by Vivian for the store as well as her clients throughout the U.S.

BerKShire hoMe & antiqueS

107 Stockbridge Rd Great Barrington, MA 01230

BerKShireantiqueS.coM

413.644.9262 berkshireantiques@mac.com

38

Ventfort Hall

“incorporaTing The use of planTers & planTs always helps To add aTmosphere...”

Among her recent projects was a set of dining chairs custom made for the 2010 Meryl Streep movie, “It’s Complicated”. The chairs have become so popular that many duplicate sets have already been made and sold.

Wanda Furman, Vivian’s associate, is a designer and stylist in her own right. Wanda started her career in fashion and worked as a home interior photo stylist for major interior design magazines.

among her recenT projecTs was a seT of dining chairs cusTom made for The 2010 meryl sTreep movie, “iT’s complicaTed”.

Creating the illusion of a grand terrace at an Italian villa by making the loggia light and airy so it gives the feel of an inviting alfresco dining area.

Use of sheer fabric to cover the dark paneled walls to achieve a sense of airiness.

The use of a stone and metal dining table topped with decorative elements to give it a sense of drama and style.

Stone SuPPLier For ViVian KiMMeLMan: Jay Swift Bedrock Design And Fabricator Middlefield, MA 413.623.0023 FAX: 413.623.2307 bedrockdesignandfab.com

Use of architectural columns and other elements to suggest an Italian villa.

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 39

the Lenox GarDen cLuB centenniaL ceLeBration 1911 – 2011 T

he Lenox Garden Club was founded in 1911, two years before the Garden club of America. It joined the GCA during its inaugural year of 1913. Drawn together by a mutual love of plants, these extraordinary ladies joined forces “to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening among amateurs . . . to aid in the protection of native plants and birds, and to encourage civic planting.” All of this in a country where landscape architecture was in its infancy, conservation was unheard of, hybridizing was a virtually untried science, and women did not have the right to vote.

the Lenox GarDen cLuB

LenoxGarDencLuB.net

The 21st Annual Garden and House Tour will take place in Richmond and West Stockbridge on July 9, 2011, from 10 am to 4 pm – rain or shine.

40

Ventfort Hall

Needless to say, we are very proud of our many accomplishments over the years. During World War I we sponsored a Red Cross ambulance, and our “Land Girls” planted vegetable gardens where flowers once grew, canning and preserving the harvest.

Later, in tune with the growing awareness of conservation and the environment, the LGC sponsored the Pleasant Valley Bird Sanctuary; seconded the purchase of Bartholomew’s Cobble; and was first to sponsor the Berkshire Garden Center (now the Berkshire Botanical Garden).

Our Centennial Project is our most ambitious effort to date: we have donated $100,000 to the Berkshire Botanical Garden

for the construction of a new classroom. This was a joint venture with Trustee members of the Botanical Garden, who matched our contribution.

The project was funded by profits from our annual Garden and House Tour, “Hidden Treasures of the Berkshires.”

Net proceeds from the Tour have enabled us to give away more than $300,000 in support of local horticultural, educational and civic beautification projects.

We were instrumental in the restoration of Lilac Park. We have given generously to the restoration of the Chinese Garden at Naumkeag, to Elm Watch, Great Barrington River Walk, Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and many, many other worthy projects.

We are delighted to celebrate our Centenary by taking part in the Berkshire Designers Showcase at Ventfort Hall. Members are also busily preparing for our GCA flower show in the fall: “Then and Now, The Lenox Garden Club Celebrates 100 Years.” Ventfort Hall, September 15-16, 2011, 10 am to 4 pm. All are welcome.

In the years to come, The Lenox Garden Club will continue to play an active role in our community, enhancing life in the Berkshires in ways that would surely make our Founding Mothers proud.

ESTATE & GARDENS

TOURS, PROGRAMS, TERRACE CAFÉ & BOOKSTORE

OPEN DAILY MAY 7-OCTOBER 31 KIDS & TEENS FREE EVERY DAY

Classes anD workshoPs For all ages

r o f s i t Ar !

E n o y EvER

iCs • Jewelry m a r e C • g in w a Painting • Dr aPhy • Fiber anD more r Photog visit

IS183.org

13 Willard Hill Road Stockbridge, Mass.

ROUTE 7 AT PLUNKETT STREET, LENOX 413-551-5111 EDITHWHARTON.ORG

To regISTer call 413-298-5252 x100 Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 41

Kate MorriS K

Kate MorriS MorriS houSe antiqueS & interiorS, LLc 15 East 93rd Street New York, NY, 10128

MorriShouSeLLc.coM

917.353.0990 kate@morrishousellc.com

42

Ventfort Hall

ate Morris describes her design style as transitional, mixing contemporary and traditional elements. “I try to achieve a sense of timelessness in a space by layering periods to create a subtle harmony while satisfying the desires of my clients. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t tinkering with rooms -- be it as a little girl decorating doll houses or rearranging my own living room, much to my husband’s consternation!” So, after an active and successful career in finance, Kate Morris decided to pursue her lifelong passion for interior design and founded Morris House Antiques & Interiors. Morris is happy to participate in this, her first, showcase room exhibit. “I have designed interiors in a variety of settings, from ultra contemporary to early American, but one of my favorite periods is the Gilded Age, which is why I am delighted to have this opportunity to participate in the Ventfort Hall Designer Showcase.”

DeSiGn SourceS PW Vintage Lighting, Great Barrington, MA Lee Jofa (fabric house purveyor from NYC) Painted mural by Joel Haynes Decorative and Fine Art, Great Barrington, MA ABC Decorative Rugs, SF Sherry’s Antique Perfume Bottles Morris House Antiques

The intimate space afforded by the dressing room has been transformed into what she describes as “a little jewel box.”

"i imagine a very lucky young lady of any era dressing for a Ball amidsT The whimsical Backdrop of iTalianaTe gardens & period luxury. my inspiraTion was a series of 18Th cenTury prinTs, “venice scenes” By verneT."

the place to stay and play national geographic traveler

the art of hospitality trendsetting tradition

Supporting Local Farmers and Producers

dinstinctive lodging · artful cuisine · timeless elegance

30 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA | (413) 298-5545 | RedLionInn.com casual to elegant dining tavern

| main dining room | lion’s den pub

Red Lion Inn, Ventfort Hall, 7.25w x 10’h, color, Submitted April30, 2011

44

Ventfort Hall

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 45

Available through Kitchens & Interiors AKDO, Inc

Leslie Snyder

Glass tiles

Floral arrangements

Berkshire Eventworks, LLC

Full service event planning, invitations

Berkshire Lighting Outlet

Lighting fixtures, lamps

Berkshire Plate Glass

Le Trianon

Antique fine art, accessories & furniture

Lewis Mittman Furniture

Occasional fine furniture

M. K. Design Collection

Custom glass

Glass finials, drapery hardware

Ciel Bellefleur Burbidge

Marble and Granite, Inc. Onyx suppliers

Custom wedding cakes

Diedre’s Special Day

Museum Facsimiles

Wedding gown, accessories

Artwork, mirrors

Don Far Builders

Plain & Fancy Cabinetry

Fine carpentry

Custom cabinetry, furniture

Elise Abrams Antiques

Robert Allen

Antique tabletop accessories, objects of art

Drapery fabric

Isenhour Furniture

Rock Solid Marble and Granite

Upholstered chairs

Custom fabricators of onyx, marble, tile

June Allard Barte

The Martin Group

Fine art

Chairs, sidetables, metal furniture

June Waldman

The Slomin Family

Lefroy Brooks

The Tea Peddler

Edwardian gown, antique furniture

Vintage & antique purses Fine bathroom fixtures, accessories

Silver tea service, tea accessories, favors

Stephen Filmus, Fine Art

office: 413.637.9111

46

Ventfort Hall

Mobile: 413.441.0975

STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT • EXPERIENCE • SPEED • QUALITY • COMPETITIVE PRICES

I N C O R P O R A T E D

r Colo

• Full Color Digital Printing • Full Color Envelope Printing • Offset Printing • High Speed Copying • Color Copies • Laminating • GBC Binding • Folding 35 Bridge Street • NCR Forms Great Barrington, MA 01230 www.kwikprintinc.com • Perforating typesetting@kwikprintinc.com • Numbering t: 413 • 528 • 2885 • Mailing Services f: 413 • 528 • 9220 • Large Format Printing • Inline Bookletmaking Family Owned and • Graphic Design Services Operated for 37 Years

THE DRAPERY WORKROOM

Your taste, our expertise.

Affordable local craftsmanship. custom and semi-custom: window treatments table linens furniture bedding pillows and more Visit our showroom at

85 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA M-F 9am - 5pm, Sat. by appt.

(413) 528-5783 drapery-workroom.com Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 47

carL SPraGue W

hile there are a handful of 19th century interior photos of Ventfort Hall, none exist of the upstairs bedrooms.

As these grand spaces are restored, they cry out for the plush furniture, curtains, carpets and upholstery typical of a Gilded Age Berkshire cottage. But Ventfort’s contents were dispersed a hundred years ago. Where to start in creating a sense of what might have been?

carL SPraGue art Director 11 Yale Hill Stockbridge, MA 01262 413.298.5341

carLSPraGue.coM

73 Bedford Street New York NY 10014 212.924.8124 carl@carlsprague.com

48

Ventfort Hall

Here in the Morgan master bedroom all that survived the rocky passage of the 20th century were a few scraps of wallpaper. From these scraps - just barely enough to reconstruct pattern and colors - the VHA undertook last year to re-create the bedroom wallpaper - working with J.R. Burrows and Co. - leaders in the field of historic paper and textile production.

And thanks to Margaret Morgan the VHA posesses two invaluable house inventories - the first from 1896 and the second from 1911. Together these seemingly dry old lists offer a kind of stereoscopic view of a room which apparently didn’t change much over fifteen years of Morgan ownership.

From one inventory we learn that a chaise was red - from the other that it was silk and matched an easy chair.

Page from 1896 Inventory

Duveen’s signature on the 1911 appraisal

T

here are titles of books and engravings and overlapping descriptions of furniture and decorations. Putting the two inventories side by side, enough information emerges to develop a possible floor plan for the bedroom. Given twin brass beds, there is only one wall they could stand against. With the beds located, the armoire, dressing tables, writing desk, bureaus and seating fall into place around them.

This jigsaw puzzle of furniture was complemented by an array of cozy bedroom bric-a-brac - letter cases, pen-wipers, blotters, Spode dressing table sets, Japanese mementos (from George Jr.?), embroidered draperies, a gilt clock, and not one, or two, but three pin-cushions. The weighing machine speaks to the challenge of digesting the rich hospitality of the Lenox Season.

was either built-in electric hardware - like the surviving light socket in the south-east corner - or portable oil lamps requiring constant cleaning and maintenance in the dedicated “lamp room�.

The bedroom suite was, of course, a private space for the Morgans. In the hall outside you

can still see the old hardware for the velvet portiere that separated these rooms from the rest of the house. But now that we’re finally here, and though it involves a bit of conjecture, it is tempting to pull back the curtain for a glimpse into this magnificent room - filled with life and treasures a century ago.

These grand spaces cry ouT for The plush furniTure, curTains and upholsTery Typical of a gilded age.

Interestingly, no lighting is specified. This may reflect the facts of an era when lighting

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 49

2000 - Partitions have been removed, the floor uncovered and caution tape marks off the crumbling exterior walls.

The key fragment of bedroom suite wallpaper was found behind a 1970s shower removed from Mr. Morgan’s bath.

This photo of Mr. Morgan’s bath shows the call box which originally protected the wallpaper fragment.

A long search for a suitable pair of brass beds ended at Paul Martin Antiques.

Proof of one of the four color separations.

John Burrows details the color separations - April 2011

50

Ventfort Hall

Margaret Morgan’s roll-top desk rumored to have come from Ventfort another clue in the treasure hunt.

Photos of 19th century bedrooms are scarce. This 1884 view of the Lyman residence outside Boston is one of the better references for the Morgan bedroom.

Some of the pictures referenced in the 1896 inventory.

SPeciaL thanKS to SoMe oF the ManY contriButorS Peter & Tjasa Sprague Tom Hayes J. R. Burrows & Co. Peter Lilienthal Country Curtains Berkshire Fabric & Wallpaper

Osgood’s Textiles Kevin Sprague Paul Martin Antiques Kate Morris Dan Courchaine Margaret Morgan

Karen Beckwith Gini Marauszwski Mark Monette Berkshire Pedlar Antiques Country Dining Room Antiques

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 51

thoMaS & KathLeen tetro C

orner House Antiques specializes in American antique wicker furniture from the 19th and early 20th century.

Owners Tom and Kathleen Tetro opened their shop in 1977 and have become pre-eminent dealers in the field of antique wicker. Strands of reed have literally woven together their lives and their business, Corner House Antiques, for 34 years.

The couple has been sought out by museum curators for their knowledge as well as their expert hand-weaving restoration skills.

corner houSe antiqueS

aMericanantiquewicKer.coM

Route 7 Sheffield, MA 01257 413.229.6627 tetro@antiquewicker.com

52

Ventfort Hall

Their business is located in the Historic District of Sheffield, MA the oldest town in Berkshire County. A spacious 2-story barn is filled with a 300 – 400 piece inventory ranging from the traditional to rare and off-beat examples. A tour of their woven furniture is an education in the history of American wicker.

Corner House Antiques carries the 4 classic styles of antique wicker from the 1870s to the 1920s: Victorian, Bar Harbor, Stick Wicker and Art Deco.

Room setting vignettes include antique wicker furniture befitting all rooms of the home.

The Tetros have played an important role in the resurgence of interest and preservation of American antique wicker from the Gilded Age. The simultaneous local historic appreciation of Berkshire “cottage” preservation makes

the Ventfort Hall showcase a perfect venue for the display of late 18th and early 19th century wicker.

DeSiGn Source Cheryl Hutto Fine Decorative Painting Crow Hill Studios 3 Lahey Crossroad Glendale, MA 01229 413.298.0673

Distinctive Furniture For every liFestyle

Fine Furniture Interior Design Oriental Rugs Mattresses Outdoor Furniture

HOME FURNISHINGS

+DESIGN 242 North St. Pittsfield, MA 800-723-7424 www.PaulRich.com

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 53

BarrY c. weBBer B

arry C. Webber spent his youth surrounded by the creative and colorful world of his family’s Boston-area flower business, where he developed a keen eye for form and design.

His innate sense of beauty and an early passion for antiques and history naturally led to studying Interior Design in Boston. In 1986, he founded his own design firm, Marlborough Cottage Arts and Interiors, primarily working in residential design both in the Berkshires and all along the Eastern Seaboard.

30 Laurel Way #551 Norfolk, CT 06058 860.542.1907 860.379.2772 office barrycwebber @aol.com

the Source coLLection

BarrYweBBerDeSiGnS.coM SourcecoLLection.coM

BarrY c. weBBer MarLBorouGh cottaGe artS & interiorS

125 Price Road Winchester, CT 06098 860.379.2772

54

Ventfort Hall

Webber’s approach to “Good Design” begins with understanding the unique, individual needs of his Clients.

Through a series of thoughtful conversations and visits, he personally connects with each of his Clients and works with them to shape the specific goals of the project.

Webber takes pride in his ability to guide a client through the design process. “I thoroughly enjoy getting to know people and bringing design into their lives in such a way that works for the family’s lifestyle and environment.”

“classic and livaBle inTeriors have always Been my hallmark for good design.”

His latest endeavor as Design Director for The Source Collection, a home and garden web and catalogue-based retail business, has allowed him to bring his vision to a wider audience. His unique style and his expertise in interior design, continues to create rooms and collections for every décor.

Artist’s rendering by Ann Getsinger

J

ust as homes of the Gilded Age were ripe with the finest finishes, exotic woods and fine craftsmanship, our room brings a refined, luxe collection of eclectic furnishings and accessories back to Ventfort Hall. Although not a period restoration, our Traveler’s Study exemplifies a new traditional style befitting of period architecture.

Centering our room is an exquisite custom upholstered sofa in rich brown leather, a quilted velvet bench cushion, and spice-toned bespoke paisley and cat-print pillows

finished with a brush fringe.

The tight back of our sofa emphasizes the character of the room’s unusually shaped windows. We chose a traditional wing chair in non-traditional tiger print velvet to oppose the sofa and flank the period fireplace. A perching chair in brightly-hued Indian crewel motif alludes to fascinating travels and finishes the seating area. The generous fireplace and proportionate furniture grouping provides an ideal setting for what we can imagine are lengthy conversations about exploration, discovery, and enlightenment.

The room, once used as George’s dressing room, provides two distinct window alcoves. We designated one as a quiet corner to read the day’s paper, have afternoon tea, and enjoy the western sunlight.

A pair of canted armchairs upholstered in a warm plaid reminiscent of a smartly tailored suit is accented with versatile, yet unconventional leather-wrapped tables. The alcove is softened with touches of greenery and unassuming window panels finished in a geometric crewel design. (continued)

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 55

inspired By The world Travels of The morgan family, we envision The discerning and selecTive eye of sarah morgan seeking ouT superior examples of crafTsmanship ThaT shaped venTforT hall’s opulenT decoraTive appeal.

W

e love the juxtaposition of traditional Englishstyle furniture and the room’s unusual architecture.

The northern alcove beckons guests to pull up a chair and partake in a board or card game for lively entertainment. We’ve chosen a classic carved chair and an exotic inlaid games table as an ideal setting for both merriment and a little friendly competition. Once reserved for only those with the time and means for leisure, we envision games tables as a new tradition for modern homes.

Situated between the two alcoves, we’ve designated an area for an intricately hand-painted secretary. The scale and styling of this piece provides a striking focal point that harmonizes with the surrounding furniture and accessories. Numerous interior compartments and drawers for storage and a fold-down desk top allows for writing and conducting the day’s business.

We envision a seasoned world traveler storing curios, letters, and spending a few quiet moments sending invites to the Berkshire “cottage.”

Finally, upon exiting the room, note the hand-etched crystal barware created exclusively

by The Source Collection to celebrate the Ventfort Hall Designer Showcase. Named the “Baronial Collection,” our set of four, twelve ounce highballs features images from prestigious coats of arms.

The simple yet regal motif is perfect for Ventfort Hall’s family heritage, European roots, and early 17th century revival design.

– Barry C. Webber

56

Ventfort Hall

All items in room are provided

by The Source Collection and are available on our website: www.sourcecollection.com

Allow yourself to be inspired...

Receive 15% off your next purchase.

Use coupon code: VENTFORT www.sourcecollection.com 888-543-2804

VaLerie J. winiG I

t is with sincere honor and gratitude that Valerie J. Winig, principal of Wingate Ltd, an interior design and home furnishings showroom in Great Barrington, MA. , approaches the opportunity to design this distinguished space at Ventfort Hall. Pleased with the offering of the paneled room beneath the stair (henceforth named “the Oak Room”) Valerie sensed the space would serve as a fantastic “before dinner” gathering place for the evening’s residents to engage in games, cocktails, conversation and general relaxation.

VaLerie J. winiG winGate LtD.

42 Stockbridge Road Great Barrington, MA 01230

winGateLtD.coM

413.644.9960 wingateltd420@gmail.com

58

Ventfort Hall

Imaginably, as one engaged in such activities here in the Oak Room, dinner guests could be glimpsed arriving through the entry foyer below. Excited conversations as to who would later become that evening’s dance partner… rhapsodies from the adjacent music gallery gloriously filling the entire hall ….a carved figurine cleverly gliding along the chessboard. Can you envision some of this?

These are some of the thoughts Valerie contemplates as she stands at the top of the stairs and in painter-like fashion sketches the Oak Room’s furniture layout, lighting, décor and varied nuance.

The strong pigments of crimson red, sulfur yellow and emerald green found in the leaded glass windows will all be incorporated into the scene. A residence of Ventfort Hall’s stature will best be harmonized with a classical appointment of style…. perhaps with a modicum of Bohemia!

A registered landscape architect by trade, Valerie bases many of her design sensibilities on moving through space from an outdoor/ indoor perspective and visa versa.

Questions such as how does the architecture influence the setting?

Is there a strong sense of arrival and, more importantly, is there a strong sense of place? Does one feel welcome? And, finally, how can the interior become contextual to the architecture with which it is connected?

It is slightly ironic that an antique French bellows is used as the cocktail table here in Ventfort Hall’s Oak Room. Somehow the name of this residence seems so appropriate to the place wherein it was built. Ventfort Hall rather throbs as a big breathing life force with its large windows and doors opening up, directly off of the entry hall, to southwestern breezes and the Berkshires beyond. The design of the Oak Room is imagined as a predominantly masculine environment; therefore, the use of a Chesterfield leather sofa, Hudson River Valley oil

painting, mahogany game table, iron lantern, sconce lighting, bar and comfortable seating are all thought quite fitting for this effect. The earthy greens and sulfur yellows evident in the Oriental rug and velvet /silk drapery panels are considered prerequisite to serve as a richly hued and warming foundation for this entire setting. A vermilion red ottoman punctuates the entire room and bonds the setting to all the stained glass windows which primarily reflect that color.

Born and raised in the Berkshires, Valerie studied ballet from the age of six until she attended Skidmore College to study with Melissa Hayden, a retired prima ballerina of the NYC ballet.

While later studying landscape architectural design in Syracuse, Valerie realized that her sense of movement through space had been significantly influenced by her background in dance. A classical ballet performance is a fluid interpretation of the music.

Like water, the individual moves through his/her environment either encountering settings which encourage a sense of ease and flow or obstacles to counter that effect.

Professionally, Valerie’s background includes many years in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts as a registered Landscape Architect working closely with prestigious Architects, Engineers, Interior Designers, Real Estate Developers and various civic and public officials to effectuate

the completion of several urban and suburban projects. Moving back to the Berkshires in 1990 she was a partner in the old Twin Fires of Sheffield, MA and New York City. While at Twin Fires Valerie developed her interior and furniture design skills. Frequent travel to Europe to acquire special finds from England, Ireland and France further developed her sensibilities and aesthetic taste.

In 1999 Valerie set out on her own with the establishment of Wingate Ltd in Great Barrington, MA. The selected location was the historic marketplace of the Jenifer House Commons which to this day serves as the “Gateway” to the Berkshires.

Wingate Ltd presently serves as the premier home furnishings and interior design showroom of the Berkshires offering a wide range of fine furniture, American and European antiques, lighting rugs and decorative items including custom floral arrangements.

Many products are exclusive to Wingate, Ltd and are custom designed reproductions noted for

their exquisite craftsmanship and unique finishes. In Wingate Ltd’s 15,000 square foot showroom you can see their signature designs as well as items from other renowned labels.

Valerie obtained all of the furnishings used in the Oak Room at Ventfort Hall from Wingate Ltd. She gratefully wishes to acknowledge the assistance received from her team at Wingate Ltd. namely, Deborah Shippee, Lindsey Smith, Judith Stafford, Mitchell Farnum, Sammy, Fredd Merrill and Andrew Winig. Special thanks outside our immediate team go to George Washburn for fabulous window treatments, Ogden Gigli for photography, and Lisa’s crew, whose contributions are critical to much of what we achieve for our valued clientele. Finally, thanks to all the staff at Ventfort Hall whose generous cooperation was instrumental in helping us to achieve our goals for the Oak Room at Ventfort Hall.

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 59

Pateez Boutique Clothing • Gifts • accessories

© Aveda Corp.

25 Church St., Lenox, MA 413-637-2662

www.pateezboutique.com 141 North St. • Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-499-0008

WE COLOR YOUR WORLD

Aveda’s expertly trained colorists give you customized, vibrant, long-lasting hair color that’s 99% naturally derived,* so hair is essentially damage-free and feels silky to the touch.

Live a colorful life—call 413-637-2662 to book your appointment today. *From plants and non-petroleum based materials.

����� ���� � � � � � � � � �

����������������������

60

Ventfort Hall

Berkshire

GUTTER & ROOFING CO. 413-298-1029

www.berkshiregutterco.com Mike Linde, P.O. Box 436 Great Barrington, MA

SEAMLESS GUTTERS

OUT OF HAND

Copper - Aluminum - Gutter Covers

RESIDENTIAL ROOFING

Written Estimates • Fully Insured • Owner Installed • MA LIC #145878 “We like your smile when we’re done.”

Basketry • Women’s Fashions Trappings for the Home 81-85 N.Main Street-Route 7 Gt. Barrington, Mass. 01230

Proud Member of the Prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ Collection

Summer home of Capitol Steps.

Open to the public year-round.

Lenox, MA www.cranwell.com 1-800-CRANWELL Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 61

A Bag for All Seasons Bella Flora / Berger’s Specialty Foods Mazzeo’s Meat & Seafood / The Marketplace Kitchen Pittsfield & Great BarrinGton, ma

guidosfreshmarketplace.com

The new, UNIVERSAL calendar of ALL live theater in the Berkshires.

BerkshireTheaters.com.

Everything you want to see in one place.

A StudioTwo.com Production

For Her, For Him Accessories, Outerwear Jewelry, Travel Goods

Berkshire Classic Leather & Silver 74 Main Street • Lenox, MA 01240 • 413-637-0727 www.berkshireclassic.com

handmade originals designed by flight attendants, approved by travellers.

62

Ventfort Hall

Picnics on the Porch

Enjoy a gourmet plated lunch on the vernadah overlooking the great lawn Served Wednesday through Sunday 11:30 am to 2 pm and in the evenings one hour before the play with reservations Memorial Day-October 31st

Menu

Choose One: Tuna Salad, Egg Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Turkey Breast with Cranberry Mayo, Grilled Chicken, Ham with Deli Mustard Cheese: American, Cheddar, Chèvre On: Greens, Wrap, Hard Roll, Rye, Multi-grain Served with lettuce, tomato, pickle, salad du jour, sorbet with a sweet treat Beverages: Lemonade, Iced Tea, Water $14 plus applicable tax.Reservations Suggested.

12

$

98

BY THE BIG BROWN BRIDGE*GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 9:30 AM -10 PM * SUNDAYS 12-6 PM * (413) 528-0024

750ml net

gloria ferrer bubbly

90 Points: Wine Spectator, Top 100! more great specials right in your inbox! domaneys.com/join

all summer long.

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 63

"Every single mouthful was DELECTABLE, and this was reiterated by virtually every guest at the wedding. You create ARTWORK in the presentation of your food...the table looked like a Picasso painting."

Quite simply, we make and serve the Valley's finest catered food for all occasions and locations • Chef Alan Harris brings you over 30 years of experience preparing imaginative, delicious cuisine

• Our expert event planning makes your event a success

C A T E R I N G 413-337-0001 www.noblefeast.com

3162978

• Our congenial staff is attentive and profesional

Also at Ventfort Hall in 2011…

Les Petites Dames de Mode EXHIBIT

Open Marriage

RENEGADE WIFE OF THE GILDED AGE

1 0 T H A N N U A L S U M M E R P L AY Produced by Ventfort Hall in cooperation with Shakespeare and Company Written by Juliane Hiam • Directed by John Gould Rubin Starring Anne Undeland June 29 – September 3 Wed and Thurs 7:30 pm, Fri 8 pm, Sat 4 pm Tickets $25

Open Marriage: Renegade Wife of the Gilded Age, is based on the extraordinary life of Elsie Clews Parsons 1875-1941. She was a Lenox summer resident, radical thinker, PhD, Anthropologist, mother of four children, and author of several books. One early book in particular, "The Family," (1906) was considered an outrage in its time -- It was denounced for proposing the idea of "trial marriage."

Elsie's greatest irony was when her husband became interested in another woman, she became helplessly jealous. Unable to reconcile her feelings, she did not attend his funeral after a freak motorcycle accident in the family driveway. This is where our story begins. You will have to join us to see what becomes of this intriguing woman and her four children.

A world-class exhibit of delicate beauty and extraordinary craftsmanship featuring 60 stunning 29-inch tall “fashion dolls” that portray the history of women’s fashion from 1855 to 1914.

John R. Burbidge, retired Senior Designer for the famed Priscilla of Boston (where he created wedding gowns for the daughters of Presidents Johnson and Nixon), took 30 years to create his Victorian Ladies and each is a work of art! The exquisitelydetailed outfits are all original designs by Burbidge who, after extensive historical research, imagined himself working as a designer in a bygone era.

e t a D e h t e v Sa "There's

Nothing Like a Dame…"

Gala September 10, 2011 6 pm

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 65

B erkshireE legant CountryI nns

Luxury. Sophistication. Tranquility.

Applegate Inn 800-691-9012

Devonfield Inn 800-664-0880

Inn at Stockbridge 888-466-7865

Garden Gables Inn 888-243-0193

Old Inn on the Green 413-229-7924

BerkshireElegantCountryInns.com

66

Ventfort Hall

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 67

Berkshire Bank is excited to support Ventfort Hall

--- • berkshirebank.com Banking · Insurance · Wealth Management Banking products are provided by Berkshire Bank: Member FDIC. Member DIF. Equal housing lender.

Berkshire Bank is a Massachusetts chartered bank.

Insurance products are provided by Berkshire Insurance Group, a Berkshire Bank affiliate: insurance and investment products are not FDIC or DIF insured, may lose value and are not a bank deposit or guaranteed.

Daniel Bellow Porcelain Great Barrington, Mass.

Dinner Sets, Decorative Pieces, Custom Work www.danielbellow.com 413-429-7111

For all your personal and business graphic design and printing needs

36 Pittsfield Rd., Lenox, MA 01240

413.637.0500

ycc01240@aol.com

yourcolorconnection.com

68

Ventfort Hall

Henry’s Electric, Inc. 252 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238

Established in 1946

413-243-0690 • Fax 413-243-4609 www.henryselectricinc.com

We service most major brands.

Appliance Sales & Service The Appliance Specialist of Berkshire County

Henry’s Electric Inc. has been family owned, operated and committed to serving Berkshire County and beyond since 1946

We not only SELL appliances but most importantly we SERVICE them.

We offer a full service department that consists of equipped factory trained appliance technicians who are able to maintain your appliances long after your purchase

R

At The Red Lion Inn Main Street, Stockbridge, MA • 413-298-5565

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 69

BecoMe a MeMBer Please consider supporting

Ventfort Hall by becoming a member.

Please inquire with any staff or board member.

See our weBSite: GiLDeDaGe.orG

70

Ventfort Hall

HAND-PAINTED HAND-SILKSCREENED FABRICS Custom Overruns, Discontinued Patterns and Slightly Flawed Yardages in Cotton, Linen, Cotton/Linen Blends, Silks & Velvets

Priced by the piece, deeply discounted Hemmed 2-3 yard panels 48-54� wide, $20 each

Great Barrington Antiques Center 964 South Main Street Great Barrington, MA 413.644.8848 Open Daily 10am-5pm

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 71

the only

Lifecare Retirement Community in Western Massachusetts

Let us take the uncertainty out of your future Independent Living Assisted Living - Traditional & Dementia Care as Planning h ur o star ted for ter n e C s Wellnes

Skilled Nursing (413) 637-7000 (800) 283-0061 kimballfarms.org

Your site...

Plus Foresight Second nature garden deSign, LLc

...Great sight!

Design, Install, Sustain Dry Stonework Fruit Tree Pruning Plowing Organic/Native Principles

413 441-7836 MA Certified Horticulturist Richmond, Massachusetts

72

Ventfort Hall

Engineering • Surveying Planning Environmental Design and Permitting Pittsfield (413) 499-1560 South Berkshire (413) 528-8822 1496 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield MA 01201 www.foresightland.com

aDVertiSer inDex Ashmere Realty Inc .............................................. 68 Berkshire Bank .................................................... 68 Berkshire Choral Festival ...................................... 35 Berkshire Classic Leather & Silver ........................ 62 Berkshire County Antiques & Art Dealers Assn ..... 69 Berkshire Elegant Country Inns ............................ 66 Berkshire Gutter & Roofing Company ................... 61 Berkshiretheaters.com ......................................... 62 Blantyre ............................................................... 21 Charles Flint Antiques, Inc ................................... 66 Chocolate Springs .................................................. 9 Chris May Builders, Inc ........................................ 25 Clark Art Institute ................................................. 70 Classical Excursions ............................................. 37 The Colonial/Berkshire Theatre Festival ................ 10 Cotswold Furniture ............................................... 11 Country Curtains .................................................. 69 Crane and Co .......................................................BC Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club ...................... 61 Cupboards and Roses ......................................... IFC Daniel Bellow Pottery ........................................... 68 Dean Fulco Painting ............................................. 67 DeVries Fine Art International ............................... 71 Domaney’s ........................................................... 63 The Drapery Workroom ........................................ 47 Elise Abrams Antiques ......................................... 66 Erica Fay Interiors ................................................ 60 Foresight Land Services ....................................... 72 Good As Old Antique Repair ................................. 68 Graham Electrical Contractors .............................. 67 Gregory Cherin Photography................................. 60 Guido’s Fresh Marketplace ................................... 62 Henry Kirchdorfer III ............................................ 61 Henry’s Electric Inc .............................................. 69 Houses of the Berkshires ..................................... 25 Images Cinema .................................................... 29 Iredale Mineral Cosmetics .................................... 53 IS183 Art School .................................................. 41 Jay Rhind Builders, Inc ........................................ 31 Joel Haynes Decorative & Fine Art ........................ 11 John F. Graney Metal Design ................................ 67 Karen Beckwith Art and Interiors .......................... 71 Kemble Inn .......................................................... 74 Kimball Farms...................................................... 72 Kristine Sprague, Architect ..................................... 9

Kwik Print ............................................................ 47 Little Deer & Co .................................................... 14 Mary Stuart Collections......................................... 25 Meadow Wood Pedestals...................................... 68 Morgan House Inn & Restaurant .......................... 14 Morris House Antiques & Interiors, LLC .................. 4 The Mount ........................................................... 41 Mullin-Jones Antiquities ....................................... 25 Myron Schiffer Photography ................................. 61 Noble Feast Catering ............................................ 64 Norman Rockwell Museum .................................. 12 Out-of-Hand......................................................... 61 Painted Porch ...................................................... 68 Pateez Boutique................................................... 60 Patrick Gable Attorney ......................................... 68 Paul Rich & Sons, Inc .......................................... 53 Peter Fasano, Ltd ................................................. 70 PW Vintage Lighting ............................................. 62 Real Gustavian ..................................................... 67 Red Lion Inn ........................................................ 43 Roberts & Associates Realty, Inc .......................... 25 Rock Solid Marble and Granite, LLC ..................... 15 Second Nature Garden......................................... 72 Shakespeare & Company ....................................IBC Shear Design ....................................................... 60 Soma ................................................................... 20 The Source Collection .......................................... 57 Susan Silver ........................................................... 3 Undermountain Farm........................................... 37 Wave Systems ........................................................ 8 Your Color Connection .......................................... 68

Berkshire Designer Showcase 2011 73

2011 Summer SeaSon

What Think You of Falling in Love? “the most consistently impressive summer drama festival in America.”

FounDerS’ THeaTre AS YOU LIKE IT

JUNE 24–SEPTEMBER 4

ROMEO AND JULIET

JULY 8–SEPTEMBER 3

THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

JULY 21–SEPTEMBER 4

eLaYne P. BernSTeIn THeaTre WOMEN OF WILL, THE COMPLETE JOURNEY: PARTS I-V MAY 27–JULY 10

THE MEMORY OF WATER

JUNE 16–SEPTEMBER 4

THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA JULY 6–SEPTEMBER 3

THE HOLLOW CROWN JULY 12–24

RED HOT PATRIOT:

THE KICK-ASS WIT OF MOLLY IVINS AUGUST 3–SEPTEMBER 4

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS

SEPTEMBER 9–NOVEMBER 6

THE SANTALAND DIARIES Brittany Morgan and David Joseph

DECEMBER 2–30

THE LEARNED LADIES

FEBRUARY 3–MARCH 23

roSe FooTPrInT THeaTre THE VENETIAN TWINS

JUNE 29–AUGUST 27

EVERYMAN ACTOR

AUGUST 11–SEPTEMBER 4

70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA • For tickets visit

Shakespeare.org or 413-637-3353

o f f i n e c r a f t s m a n s h i p s i n c e 1801

30 s o u t h s t r e e t da lto n , m a 01226