Listing of the Day
Location: Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Price: $10 million
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, some of America’s wealthiest families built grand mansions in and around Lenox and Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
These lavish homes came to be known as "Berkshire Cottages," named after the nearby mountains. Most of them have been torn down or repurposed.
Built in 1914-15, Villa Virginia is one of the last of the great Berkshire Cottages to be built in Stockbridge, and it remains a significant example of Mediterranean Renaissance Revival architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and is now on the market for $10 million.
"I’ve seen a lot of high-end properties here," listing agent Patrice Melluzzo said. "This is a little bit of a different house for the Berkshires."
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"Most are either Adirondack-y or a farmhouse or Colonial looking," she said. "This is very much a replica of an Italian villa."
"It’s on a beautiful street with many other lovely homes," Ms. Melluzzo added.
The villa is quite private, she said, tucked behind a row of evergreens and an electronic wooden gate.
Marble steps lead into a foyer with black-and-white marble flooring. The vestibule is comprised of a reception area, coatroom, powder room and a graceful curved marble staircase. There are four wood-burning fireplaces on the main level.
The spacious and light-filled library features wood floors, French doors and two identical gray marble fireplaces. It is currently used as an office and family space. Bookshelves flank three walls, some with custom doors to hide modern amenities such as televisions.
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The spacious main salon, or living room, overlooks the terrace and gets morning light. It features polished floors, a large fireplace and coffered ceiling with hand-painted cherubs.
The dining room has an additional fireplace, two pink marble columns and multiple chandeliers. The second-floor master suite has a sitting room, fireplace, access to a rooftop patio, and easterly views of the Berkshire hills.
Ms. Melluzzo said that "95% of the house is original," but it has gone through a series of updates by recent owners.
"The chimneys have been redone so they are in good working order," she said. "The electric is all new and the house has a new slate roof and a new kitchen."
The country kitchen offers an oversized island, Corian counters, whimsical tiles, two Sub-Zero refrigerators and a full freezer, two dishwashers, two ovens, and a Gaggenau cooktop.
"It’s all in impeccable condition," Ms. Melluzzo said.
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Stats
The 7,773-square-foot house has 10 bedrooms, seven full bathrooms and three partial bathrooms. It sits on a 58.8-acre lot.
There is also a three-bedroom, three-bath cottage, called The Snuggery. This quaint building has had many uses over the years, including as a carriage barn, schoolhouse and guesthouse. The main level is now used as a garage and storage area. Villa Virginia was built by the New York City architecture firm of Hiss and Weekes, best known for their many notable Beaux Arts apartment buildings and hotels in Manhattan.
Design Pedigree
Hobart Weekes also worked during his career for McKim, Mead & White, the firm responsible for such iconic works as the Boston Public Library and the East and West Wings of the White House. The landscape was designed by Ferruccio Vitale, with formal features that include a lily pond, grotto and walled garden.
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Neighborhood Notes
The house is quite close to the center of Stockbridge, a "very quaint New England town," Ms. Melluzzo said.
"The claim to fame for Stockbridge is that is was the home of Norman Rockwell," she said. The late painter, who was famous for the cover illustrations of everyday American life he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine over nearly five decades, "lived within walking distance to this house."
"In summer, the town becomes a hub of activity," she said.
Agent: Patrice Melluzzo, William Pitt Julia B Fee Sotheby's International Realty
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