The Federal House Blog

Summer in the Berkshires.........Devine

2010-06-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

I thought autumn was my favorite season in the Berkshires but I have now decided it must be summer [of perhaps it is always the current season since we love living here!]. Being out in our gardens every free moment is indeed a treat. Observing all the wonderful seedlings in the garden, which came out of my greenhouse, is sheer joy. The arugula, spinach, chard and radishes we devour each night….delicious. The tomato plants are in blossom, the green beans seem to be growing before my eyes and the herbs…….yikes! I can hardly use them fast enough in our daily breakfasts but no complaints here. Thinking back to a year ago and reading my gardening journal notes, the basil was only inches tall, the chives miniscule and the parsley puny. Not to mention the fact that with the rain and mosquitoes in June 2009 we could hardly be outdoors any time of day whether we were gardening or simply walking to the compost pile! Even though we are out watering almost every evening, what a relaxing way to end the day.

Successful Culinary Weekend

2010-06-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

Our first Berkshire Culinary Weekend at the Federal House was deemed a great success! Our guests enjoyed dining Friday night across the street at Perigee Restaurant, a three hour cooking class Saturday morning back at the restaurant with Chefs Dawn, Jim and Eric, wine tasting at Hilltop Orchards in the afternoon and in the evening dined at the Federal House on the savory recipes they learned to prepare that morning [“sinful” spuds, minted mango martinis, Perigee paella and rose sabayon in chocolate tuile cups with candied strawberries]. What a pleasure it was to host this wonderful event and also be fortunate enough to enjoy the “fruits of their labor”. I immediately declared my favorite the decadent sabayon! We look forward to further Culinary Weekends with Perigee in late autumn.

2010-04-23T17:41:00.001-07:00

“Berkshire Living” Photo Shoot

Last Thursday, it was beautifully sunny and balmy outdoors, but in the Federal House we were bundled up for winter….well at least for a few hours! The talented photographer, Ogden Gigli from the award winning magazine “Berkshire Living”, was here at the Inn shooting pics for the January 2011 issue for an upcoming article on “cozy” places to stay in the Berkshires. [We were very honored to be chosen!] I hid all traces of springtime flowers [yellow tulips in the foyer and the dining room forsythia bouquets] and displayed plates of hot cookies just out of the oven, mugs of steamy coffee and trays of soothing brandy. Ogden was very easy to work with and an added treat was learning several “staging” tricks from him when preparing a room to photograph. Look for his latest cover shot on the March/April Food and Dining issue of “Berkshire Living. Now that’s a burger!

Preserving Naumkeg

2010-04-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

I recently read in The Berkshire Eagle that preservation work at what has become my favorite historic home in the area, Naumkeag, has begun. It was bolstered by a grant from the National Park Service and the work includes restoration of art on display, repairs to the exterior garden fences as well as the addition of a new welcome center.

This 46-acre estate, located on Prospect Hill in Stockbridge is a classic example of a Gilded Age resident. It was occupied by two generations of the Choate family, and will reopen May 22 for the summer season. A visit is $10 very well spent and conveniently located only 10 minutes from the Federal House!

Ahhhhh.........spring in the Berkshires

2010-03-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to be back blogging after a month’s absence. As some of you are aware, we closed the inn during March and headed south in search of warm temps and lots of sunshine. Feeling rested and rejuvenated, we are thrilled to be back in the gorgeous Berkshires where spring has indeed arrived.

I took a “walkabout” in our yard yesterday with my gardening journal excited to see so many of the numerous bulbs I planted last fall showing their little faces. The cleaning of the greenhouse is on my “to do” list so I can begin to sow a few early seeds. [Parsley, basil and dill are a top priority as they appear in our signature breakfast frittata.] Since this is my first attempt at this undertaking, and being a former educator, I have been completing my “homework”! One of the best gardening websites I have found is Margaret Roach’s [www.awaytogarden.com] and when I emailed her asking for planting suggestions, she responded within the hour. So, after my research is complete, the greenhouse is open and aired and the new seeds are sorted, I will slip on my new bright red gardening gloves and get to work!

Romance in the Berkshires

2010-02-27T05:51:00.000-08:00

February has been the month for romance at the inn! We have had numerous guests celebrating anniversaries [the longest being 32 years], two marriage proposals during the Valentine's weekend and a wedding! Numerous guests have also stayed this month just wanting to get away from their busy lives filled with long working hours, children's schedules, etc. Some have come to explore our many [Rockwell, the Clark, Berkshire ] unique museums, stroll charming main street in Great Barrington, ski and snow shoe nearby or to simply sleep in and enjoy a good novel and sip tea all day feeling rested and rejuvenated when they depart. We feel blessed they chose the Federal House where we do everything possible to make their stay relaxed and memorable from candlelight gourmet breakfasts to wine and appetizers in front of a cozy fire in the early evening. Guests always enjoy perusing menus and sharing their dining experiences before they head out to dinner at one of our numerous excellent restaurants in the area with the closest being right across the street [Perigee]!

2010-01-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

I have to be honest, prior to moving to the Berkshires almost a year ago, I had not heard of the incredible summer dance festival, Jacob’s Pillow, in nearby Becket. Fortunately, we were able to make the time during our busy summer to attend three performances at the Pillow and what an incredibly amazing landmark!

Firstly, it is located deep in the woods in a perfect setting. It is an exciting place where people can learn, socialize and participate in dance. One can spend the day, enjoy free talks and performances, observe classes at The School or take a community dance class.

Their mission statement is powerful “To support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation; and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance.” We just received their 2010 brochure with everything from ballet from the Republic of Georgia to Jazz Ballet from Canada to the Dance Theater of Harlem so it proves to be a provocative and energizing season! We will definitely be returning and certainly more than three times this season. [An added perk for being a member of the Pillow is to be able to purchase tickets as early as January 29.]

Free admission at The Clark

2010-01-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

After living in four countries overseas, we have visited many phenomenal museums, but the Clark in Willamstown, ranks as one of the best. Opening February 14 is Giovanni Boldini in Impressionist Paris and admission is free through May!!

Upcoming Culinary Weekend

2010-01-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

We are VERY excited about our upcoming Culinary Weekends with Perigee Restaurant, right across the street from the Federal House. They are scheduled for Feb. 19 and 20 and also April 16 and 17. See our website for more information but it surely will be a relaxing weekend escape spent with two experts in the field of cooking, Chefs Dawn LaRochelle and Jim Lambert. You will take home three delicious recipes you can easily prepare in your own kitchen. In just the two months it has been open, Perigee has gotten rave reviews from our guests with their fish and chips "always a winner"! [Their new tapas menu, evenings from 5-6pm and 9-10pm, also receives 5 stars.]

Happy New Year!

2010-01-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

SO happy to be back to blogging! The holidays were very eventful and truly memorable. We closed the Inn for 10 days and my family came in from all over the US. The kiddies who live in LA particularly LOVED the snow and being able to sled for the first time ever!

The Berkshires is truly quite beautiful this time of year and there is still so much going on. This past weekend, we checked out the new cross country trails at Hilltop Farm and Orchards in Richmond…..a gorgeous setting. They also have snowshoe rental and free wine tasting on the weekends. On Sunday, we attended the Winter Classic Sleigh Rally at Orleton Farms sponsored by the Colonial Carriage and Driving Society in Stockbridge. We watched dozens of single and paired horse-drawn sleighs compete in a variety of classes such as negotiating an obstacle course. I have never seen such gorgeous horses.

New Neighborhood Restaurant!

2009-11-25T07:09:00.000-08:00

For months we have waited in anticipation for Perigee to open right across the street from our Inn and two weeks ago Dawn de Laroche, a local successful caterer, proudly opened her tasteful establishment. It has received only positive reviews from all of our guests who dined there this past weekend…….”comfortable ambience, very attentive service, loved the lighting, perfect choice of music and most importantly “ great food!”. We too snuck over twice and personally speaking the potato leek soup was creamy and very tasty, the calamari light and crispy, the balsamic glaze on the rib eye steak unique, and the beer battered haddock in the fish and chips the best I have had in quite some time. We are very anxious to return and since it is literally a two minute walk it will surely be often!

Cozy fireplaces everywhere!

2009-11-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

We created a lengthy "to do" list when we purchased the inn 6 months ago. At the top of the list was to make sure all 9 of our guest rooms had either a gas or electric fireplace installed by the time the leaves fell in autumn. We are happy to report we have ticked it off our list! ALL of our rooms now are toasty warm and cozy with a fireplace that is clean, efficient and perfect for guests with allergies. With the flick of a switch, the fireplace turns on instantly. We have received only positive comments from our guests who are content and cozy in their rooms where they can happily control their own heat and enjoy the ambiance at the same time.

Swiss connection

2009-10-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

The world continues to be so so small at times. We have had numerous guests from 12 different countries since we bought the inn 5 months ago, but we are always very excited when we have guests from any of the four countries [Peru, Venezuela, the Netherlands and Switzerland] in which we have lived and worked. In the past month to our delight, we have had different sets of Swiss visitors. Just this weekend, we had a lovely young couple, Stephan and Martina, who actually work in Basel, our home for three years. What fun it was to chat with them about our "Swiss life". Then a few weeks ago, Enrique and Mara, from the Ticino area of the country, stayed with us and after chatting realized we have a mutual Swiss friend in Lugano! The crossed paths of those in our lives certainly is magical.

The greenhouse has arrived!

2009-10-06T14:29:00.001-07:00

After a few frustrating moments with confusing directions [!], Brian and our son Justin finally were able to set up my new greenhouse. I laugh that I did not have a playhouse as a child so now I finally do! Currently, I have cool weather crops-arugula, radishes, Swiss chard and leaf lettuces all coming up nicely. Many of my herbs have been transplanted to their "new home" so I hope to continue using fresh chives, parsley and rosemary in breakfast recipes. Also, some of my tender annuals continue to blossom in this cozy warm spot.

My numerous visits to the Berkshire Botanical Gardens this summer helped to educate me on what it takes to be a "four season gardener"!! One of the many helpful employees at the garden recommend I read Eliot Coleman's FOUR SEASON HARVEST, which has taught me how we can successfully use the sun to raise a wide variety of traditional winter veggies without supplementary heat [in plastic covered greenhouses]...........now we are hoping for that winter sun!!

Beautiful autumn colors

2009-10-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh, fall is upon us and the colors across the street from the Federal House on Beartown Mountain are spectacular! So much to do in the area this weekend.......Berkshire Botanical Gardens Harvest Festival, the "County Fair" at Hancock Shaker Village and of course apple picking! We spent a wonderful afternoon last weekend at Windy Hills Farm picking a variety that ended up in a delicious apple cobbler for breakfast the next morning! We so enjoy being able to use local in season produce in our meals....today it was roasted plums with honey, yogurt and chopped pecans which received rave reviews from our house full of guests!

The Prisoner of Second Avenue-BTF

2009-08-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Check out the Wednesday August 5 edition of the NYC Times [page C1] for a glowing review of THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE playing until August 9 at the Berkshire Theater Festival just 5 minutes from our Inn. Brian and I were able to get over to see the show this past Monday and it was truly a delight. Stephen De Rosa, who happened to stop here the other night hoping to book a room for his mum who was coming in from the city to view the show, was outstanding "with his tortured eyes and Groucho-worthy comic inflections". Veanne Cox, whom I recognized [as soon as she entered the stage] from her Seinfeld appearances, with her brittle comic style was a perfect match for Stephen's character. The BTF has added another performance on Sunday August 9.........not to be missed!

Capitol Steps

2009-07-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week at the Inn with Tony Bennett in town......rave reviews from our guests who saw him at Tanglewood Tuesday night. Tony is truly a legend and one truly cannot see him too many times in concert.

The Capitol Steps are always a delight. We were able to get away to Cranwell Thursday night and once again enjoy the political satire and their odd way of looking at the news. As they declare "When they hear of a scandal, they don't think about whether it is good or bad for the country. Their two questions are -is it funny and what rhymes with it?"

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet at the Pillow

2009-07-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we had numerous guests attend the World Premier of Orbo Novo performed by the Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet at Jacob's Pillow. Their excitement upon their return to the inn was contagious. After listening to their rave reviews, I was able to nab a ticket for the Sunday afternoon [and final] performance [thank you Brian for "holding down the fort" :)] and was so thrilled I could attend. In my fourth row seat, I was spellbound. Choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the dance incorporates the words of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor from her original work MY STROKE OF INSIGHT, where she expresses her experience of having a stroke. The live music composed by Szymon Brzoska, played by the Mosiac String Quartet who are based in NYC and perform extensively for dance, only added to this unusual and powerful piece. It is a "must see"!

I might add we were thrilled to have Margaret Selby, CAMI Spectrum LLC, who did all the booking for the performace, as our guest at the Inn!

Federal House Inn
Route 102, P.O. Box 248, South Lee, Massachusetts 01260
(800) 243-1824
Brian & Kolleen Weinrich - Innkeepers

So much to do in the Berkshires and not enough time!

2009-07-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

How wonderful the past two weekends to have a full house and it has been exciting to hear our guests' reviews of Prarie Home Companion at Tanglewood [Thank you Arlo for your guest appearance!] and Diane Krall's exceptional 4th of July "dry" concert! After all the rain, everyone was worried of a very wet evening but Mother Nature cooperated.

Our guests continue to be such a delight and a joy to meet. We have had folks from Germany and the UK in the past week as well as numerous towns in New England and San Francisco.

One of our guests' favorite pastimes is just tooling around the Tanglewood grounds during the afternoon listening to the BSO practice and taking in the gorgeous surroundings.....all free of charge!

Guests this week who have attended the EINSTEIN PROJECT have given it raves reviews [playing at the Berkshire Theater Festival until July 18 which is ideally located 3 minutes from the Inn].

The Georgia O'Keefe exhibit at The Clark in Williamston also has been popular and we hope to view it ourselves before its closing in September.

The Berkshire Bontanical Gardens continues to thrill all who visit. "Great Gardens of the Berkshires" tours are sure to delight. In July one can visit "Under the Hemlocks" on July 10
and "Good Dogs FArm" on July 24.

The sun, the sun where is the sun?! Since we have only lived in the Berkshires for 3 months, we are beginning to wonder but the locals assure us this is VERY unusual and we of course do believe them.......we think! Our garden continues to thrive with the wet weather but many of the annuals are just not willing to produce new blossoms without some warmth. We so enjoy using the 12 different herbs we grow in our morning breakfasts. Basil is the only one which is crying for some sun. We now have had 2 straight day of lovely sunshine...........hooray!

Our new chapter

2009-06-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Brian and I have owned the Inn now for 11 weeks and each Wednesday we "celebrate" another "birthday". My sister, Aimee, shared a perfect analogy for being a new innkeeper..... it is like giving birth to a first child.....interrupted days, not having time to get a haircut, being on a steep learning curve, waking up in the middle of the night worried we will run out of baked French toast at breakfast, etc. and most importantly, just like the love for a new child, we have fallen in LOVE with innkeeping!
The best part is truly the guests. In our short time we have owned the Federal House Inn, we have had such wonderful people walk thru our door. Amazingly, we have had guests from eight countries in just the two months we have owned the Inn.....China, Germany, Rwanda, France, England, India, Nigeria and Brazil. We so enjoy meeting new people from all walks of life. That is the reason we enjoyed working in international schools overseas for 10 years...........the people, the people, the people. Our inn truly feels like "home" to us.

2009-06-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Federal House Inn's new BLOG.

We're located in the heart of the Brekshires and just a stone's throw away from Stockbridge, Norman Rockwell's home town, and Lee in Mass!

The Federal House Inn is a wonderful place to relax while enjoying the sophistication of the historical atmosphere. It was built in 1824 by Thomas O. Hurlbut who built this gracious brick beauty with gorgeous wood floors and large windows that invite you to admire the scenery of the surrounding lawns.

Our rooms are well appointed and so charming and the candle light breakfasts are to 'live' for.

So, next time you're visiting the Berkshires, stop by the Ferderal House and say hello, you'll be glad you did!!!