(STOCKBRIDGE, Mass., February 1, 2014) – Blantyre – the award-winning luxury country house hotel — is offering the opportunity for contributors to the Rogovoy Report to enjoy a free romantic getaway for two – a $2,000 value (!!!) that includes dinner, two spa treatments, an overnight stay, and breakfast — as a way to thank the community for its support of the Rogovoy Report’s curated e-newsletters and online stories it provides free to all.
For every $20 contribution made to the Rogovoy Report in the month of February 2014, participants will be enrolled in this thank-you giveaway program (every $20 increment counts toward another chance to win, e.g., $40 = 2 chances to win; $80 = 4 chances to win; $200 = 10 chances). One contributor will be selected randomly at the end of the month and be rewarded with the incredible experience of a romantic overnight for two at Blantyre.
All contributions made to the Rogovoy Report in the month of February 2014 will count toward the thank-you giveaway. No other enrollment is necessary. To contribute, please go to the Rogovoy Report and click on the PayPal “Donate” button in the right-hand panel. (Recurring payments made in February will be counted – another advantage of setting up monthly recurring payments to the Rogovoy Report.)
The promotion is all-inclusive, featuring food, spirits, spa treatments, taxes and household fee. Participation implies consent for winner’s name to be announced publicly. Offer must be redeemed before June 1, 2014.
With its lovely leaded glass windows, richly burnished woods and luxurious fabrics, the inside of Blantyre is exactly what you would expect upon seeing the outside of the building. In the Main House there are overstuffed chairs, fresh flowers, a light-filled music room and rooms for private dining — all designed with the comfort of guests in mind. The heart of the house, the baronial Main Hall on the first floor, is an eclectic mix of period pieces, treasured heirlooms, and enchanting art specially assembled under owner Ann Fitzpatrick Brown’s and her mother Jane’s discerning eyes.
Dining is a very special event at Blantyre. Late every afternoon, the Main House undergoes a lovely transformation, preparing for the delightful dining experience to come that evening. Linens are brought out, tables are set with sterling silver, fine china, crystal, and fresh flowers. Beautiful music fills the air and candles are lit. Under the knowing eye of Chef Arnaud Cotar, the kitchen is a hive of activity as the finest ingredients are used to create a memorable, outstanding dining experience. (Men: remember to pack a tie! It’s required at dining.)
About Blantyre:
Robert Paterson was introduced to the Lenox area in the late 1890s by his friend John Sloan (of W&J Sloane). Lenox already had many great estates, prompting the area to be known as “the queen of inland resorts,” or, as Cleveland Amory wrote, “the Switzerland of America.”
Paterson acquired the Lenox estate of 220 acres called “Highlawn” from the Dorr family. He tore down the modest house, keeping the outbuildings. Hence, the Carriage House Stables and Potting Shed date from the late 19th century. He set about building a property on a grand scale, although the initial plans were purported to be drawn on the back of an envelope by the architect, Robert Henderson Robertson. Robert Paterson’s concept was for no less than a castle of “feudal architectural features,” replete with towers, turrets and gargoyles. The house was modeled after his mother’s ancestral home in Blantyre, Scotland. Construction began in 1901, at times employing over 300 people on the grounds and buildings.
The main house was furnished in the English style with all the furniture being brought in from England. The family used the house for the summer and fall and entertained frequently, as was the fashion in those days. There were garden parties with musicians imported from New York and grand dinner-dances with each party becoming more and more lavish, befitting the “Gilded Age.”
When the end of the era came some 15 to 20 years later, hastened by the introduction of the income tax, so, too, ended a lifestyle that was never to be repeated. Over the next 60 years Blantyre went through several transitions, including a particularly destructive period in the 1970s.
In 1980, Jack and Jane Fitzpatrick fell in love with the abandoned Blantyre and organized to purchase it for their daughter, Ann Fitzpatrick Brown, who became the eighth owner. Determined to restore it to its former elegance, Ann reopened Blantyre in 1981, after extensive renovation. Blantyre achieved the vision of the Fitzpatricks – a beautiful country house, recognized as one of the finest hotels in the world, where guests can come and stay and experience the life and service of a bygone era.
Beginning in 2000, Ann and the staff of Blantyre planned and worked toward fully winterizing Blantyre. In May 2005, Blantyre opened its doors for the first time in 25 years as a year-round operation, with “the potting shed,” Blantyre’s cozy and intimate spa.
What they’re saying about Blantyre:
“Blantyre may be America’s best inn.” – Yankee Magazine
“It doesn’t get any posher than this sublime Relais & Chateaux hotel where the beautiful location, food and service all make you feel like you’re a guest in the Gilded Age…”
– Zagat Survey
Perennial winner of Condé Nast Johansens “Most Excellent Country House Hotel”
Perennial winner of Wine Spectator Grand Award