Luxury resort development planned for one of America's grandest Gilded Age mansions
In the picturesque town of Lenox, Massachusetts, the Vanderbilt Berkshires Estate's Elm Court is set to undergo a significant transformation. Originally built in 1886 for Emily Vanderbilt and her husband William Sloane, the mansion was designed by the prestigious architectural firm Peabody & Stearns and boasted 106 rooms, making it the largest shingled residence in the United States at the time [1]. The estate's landscape was meticulously designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, often considered the father of American landscape architecture [1].
The new owners, led by John Cecil (great-grandson of George Vanderbilt) and real estate developer Linda Law, aim to turn Elm Court into a luxury five-star resort. The redevelopment project will introduce 78 guest suites, 48 individual lodges, and 38 cottages across the estate's 89-acre grounds. The plan emphasizes preserving the Gilded Age architectural character of the estate while adapting it for modern luxury tourism [1].
Elm Court has a rich history, having played host to influential figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Woodrow Wilson, Oscar Wilde, Amelia Earhart, and Gloria Swanson. It also served as a centre of power, hosting the 1919 "Elm Court Talks" which significantly influenced the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations [2].
The estate was initially listed for sale at $12.5 million in 2020, but was later acquired by Law for $8 million in late 2022 [1]. The redevelopment represents a major real estate and preservation effort, carefully balancing historic preservation with new construction and hospitality uses. Law's previous experience with the Blantyre estate nearby is drawing on successful precedents in the Berkshires luxury market [1].
The transformation of Elm Court will not only offer luxurious accommodations but also incorporate modern wellness trends. Amenities will include thermal circuits and a Himalayan salt room, making it a wellness-focused hospitality destination [1].
Rachel King, a news writer at Town & Country, has reported on the transformation of Elm Court. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, Observer, Robb Report, Cruise Critic, and Cool Hunting, among others [3].
The library at Elm Court remains part of the estate, preserving a piece of its historical significance [1]. The banquet room will also be restored, promising to maintain the grandeur of this iconic mansion.
The resort is aiming for a soft opening in early 2028 and a full launch by late 2028 [1]. This transformation of Elm Court is a significant example of adaptive reuse and preservation in real estate development within the historic Berkshires region [1][2].
[1] The Berkshire Eagle. (2023, March 1). Elm Court to become luxury resort. Retrieved from https://www.berkshireeagle.com/stories/elm-court-to-become-luxury-resort,1155374
[2] Town & Country. (2023, March 1). Elm Court, the Vanderbilt Berkshires Estate, to Become a Five-Star Resort. Retrieved from https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/travel/a34454598/elm-court-vanderbilt-berkshires-estate-resort/
[3] Rachel King. (2023, March 1). About. Retrieved from https://www.rachelkingwriter.com/about
- The Vanderbilt Berkshires Estate's Elm Court, originally a mansion built in 1886, is being transformed into a luxury five-star resort.
- The redevelopment project, led by John Cecil and Linda Law, will introduce various accommodations like guest suites, lodges, and cottages, spread across the estate's 89-acre grounds.
- Notable figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Amelia Earhart have visited Elm Court, making it a significant part of American history and society.
- Elm Court's transformation also incorporates modern wellness trends, offering amenities like thermal circuits and a Himalayan salt room.
- Rachel King, a news writer contributing to Town & Country and other acclaimed publications, has reported on the project's progress.
- Preserving its historical character, the library and banquet room at Elm Court will be maintained, upholding the mansion's grandeur.
- The resort aims for a soft opening in early 2028 and a full launch by late 2028, marking a significant example of adaptive reuse and preservation in Berkshires real estate development.
