Historic Merrell Inn

The Historic Merrell Inn is one of New England's most historic inns, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the only inn to be found in the American Historic Buildings Survey. The building is also under a 500-year historic preservation covenant through the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.

The inn was built more than two centuries ago around 1794 and built to last with brick walls that are 18 inches thick. It was a stagecoach stop during most of its early history and is still a welcome retreat to the weary traveler. Come and visit this special place and enjoy the coziness of one of the inn's ten original wood-burning fireplaces, sit by a crackling fire at breakfast in the original old Keeping Room with its huge cooking fireplace and beehive oven.

Recommended by

The New York Times, USA Today, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald,
Country Living Magazine, Historic Preservation Magazine
and Rough Guides to New England.

 This beautiful brick stagecoach inn welcomes you today just as it has welcomed guests for over 200 years. Enjoy breakfast served in the original Tearoom. The Tavern Room, with its own great fireplace, invites you to sit in its copious wing chairs by a crackling fire or write a letter to a friend at the two hundred year old secretary desk.

The Pineapple is the symbol of welcome.
We welcome you to this rare architectural gem -
the only American Inn to be included in the
Historic American Buildings Survey.

In warmer weather relax in the inn's two acres of grounds and gardens which extend down to the banks of the Housatonic River - and find yourself agreeing with Mark Twain when he said, "There is no tonic like the Housatonic." Come and enjoy many of the inn's early and exquisite antiques, some of them dating back to the time that the inn was built.

In the morning enjoy a hearty breakfast from the inn's menu which includes items such as blueberry pancakes and sausage, French toast, or one of the house's special omelets all served at your own table. Enjoy the special history of this place, but do so as a person who appreciates television and phones in the rooms. All private baths and central heat in winter (the fireplaces are for atmosphere) and room air conditioners in summer. If you are coming to New England, come here and stay in comfort in rare history.

In Lee, the heart of the Berkshires, near Stockbridge and Lenox Massachusetts, the magic of the Berkshires lies all around us. Down the road is Stockbridge Massachusetts, with the Norman Rockwell Museum, to the south is Great Barrrington. North of us is Lee, with its charming town square, and Lenox. We're a good base for trips to Mass Moca and the Clark Institute in Williamstown. Whether it's glorious countryside that interests you or the Berkshires' famous culture, we're an ideal tour base. Come spend some time in this special place where history really does still live.

Our Rooms are individually decorated in New England country style. All have private baths. Four have original wood burning fireplaces. Free Wireless Internet Access is Available.

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Enjoy the splendid outdoor activity the area provides: hiking and biking in these scenic hills, skiing (six ski areas within a fifteen minute drive), swimming in cool and clear mountain ponds, drive through the areas many forests - all seasons splendid, but in the fall, spectacular. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum (4 miles), Tanglewood Music Festival - Summer home of the Boston Symphony (7 miles), Berkshire Theater Festival (1 mile), Williamstown Theater Festival (35 miles), or Jacob's Pillow Modern Dance Festival (12 miles). Shop in the area from the Prime Outlets Lee (3 miles) to the quaint shops of Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge.
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Love the pristine but not stuffy atmosphere, the warmth & friendliness of the staff energies & imbues the true hospitality. Our room & breakfast were gorgeous. Outgoing & willing & able to answer all our questions. Will recommend to others. Aug 07, 2009,

Florida Again as is your custom, you have made our stay here a most pleasant and enjoyable time. You are truly a “cut above” the rest. Thank you. ~ Carole & Phil, July 30, 2009, Methuen, MA

We had a wonderful stay at your lovely inn and both look forward to coming again for a get a way next summer. ~ Susan, Middleboro, MA, July 2009

Extremely friendly and helpful hosts. Great historic authenticity. Comfortable, clean and nicely decorated room. Excellent breakfast. We will return again if we are in the area. ~ Chris, June 09, 2008, Flemington, NJ Warm, comfortable and spacious room, with everything required for an enjoyable stay. Hospitable and helpful hosts who both cook a delicious breakfast and create a beautiful surrounding. Felt very welcome at all times and would recommend this inn highly. ~ Mervyn & Jill, Sheffield, England, May 07, 2008

A great recommendation! Thank you for everything, we had a wonderful rest and a fabulous meal. ~ Meghan & Jon, N. Conway, NH, April 04, 2008

This was my “first” B&B and I found it to be most enjoyable. It lived up to the reputation you hear about B&B’s. The room was inviting and being able to build a fire in the fireplace in the room made it special. Breakfast and the hospitality were perfect. Thank you! ~ Marsha, Florida, March 22, 2008

We had a great time, as usual, there this weekend. Lovely rooms, each decorated differently, with period-inspired furnishings. Comfortable, with friendly helpful hosts. Breakfast was delicious. A nice feeling to the pace all around. We've stayed there before and will stay again! Best regards, Deb & Joe, Bedford, MA, January 27, 2008

This is our third year coming to Tanglewood. Merrell Inn has been the best lodging so far. We enjoyed our room, the breakfasts, the history of the inn and the garden. Great location for our activities. ~ Ed & Frances, Falmouth, MA, August 27, 2007

If you are coming from the New York City area you may wish to take the Taconic Parkway North to I-90, go East on I-90 to the Massachusetts Turnpike. Exit at Lee (Number 2). Look for the signs for Route 102 and Stockbridge at the bottom of the ramp. Follow Route 102 about three miles, the Inn is on the left side.

If you will be coming from the Boston area, take the Massachusetts Turnpike to Exit 2 and then follow the directions shown above from Exit 2 to the Inn.

If you will be traveling other routes, keep in mind that the Inn is a mile East of the village of Stockbridge and plan your route accordingly.

Celebrate your wedding or special event at The Historic Merrell Inn in the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Our two acre riverfront property can accommodate outdoor groups of 25 to 150. Visit our website for links to assist with tent rental, lodging, catering, and other useful information.

The Historic Merrell Inn must be notified in writing a minimum of 30 days in advance of all outside providers (caterers, photographers, florists, musicians, etc). Visit our website for a list of people / companies who have seen our property and both they and The Historic Merrell Inn know what to expect. We do allow others to assist with your wedding or special event and all that we ask is that we have an opportunity to meet with them at least 21 days prior to the event on the grounds.

Enjoy the splendid outdoor activity the area provides: hiking and biking in these scenic hills, skiing (six ski areas within a fifteen minute drive), swimming in cool and clear mountain ponds, drive through the areas many forests - all seasons splendid, but in the fall, spectacular.

Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum (4 miles), Tanglewood Music Festival - Summer home of the Boston Symphony (7 miles), Berkshire Theater Festival (1 mile), Williamstown Theater Festival (35 miles), or Jacob's Pillow Modern Dance Festival (12 miles). Shop in the area from the Prime Outlets Lee (3 miles) to the quaint shops of Lee, Lenox and Stockbridge.

Theaters & Museums

Herman Melville's Arrowhead 12 miles
Barrington Stage Co. 15 miles
Berkshire Museum 14 miles
Berkshire Opera 7, 9, 14 or 35 miles
Berkshire Choral Festival 16 miles
Berkshire Theatre Festival 1 mile
Bidwell House Museum 9 miles
Chester Theatre Company 19 miles
Chesterwood 4.5 miles
Clark Art Institute 35 miles
The Colonial Theatre 14 miles
Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio 7 miles
Hancock Shaker Village 15 miles
Jacob's Pillow Modern Dance Festival 12 miles
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center 9 miles
Mass MoCA 35 miles
The Mount by Edith Wharton 5.5 miles
Naumkeag 2 miles
Norman Rockwell Museum 4.5 miles
Shakespeare & Company 7 miles
Tanglewood Music Festival 7 miles
Ventfort Hall 7 miles
Williams College Museum of Art 35 miles
Williamstown Theater Festival 35 miles

Dining (Advance reservations recommended)

Aegean Breeze in Great Barrington
Allium Restaurant in Great Barrington
Baba Louie's in Great Barrington
Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington
Bizen (Japanese & Sushi) in Great Barrington
Blantyre in Lenox
Cakewalk Bakery and Cafe in Lee
Castle Street Cafe in Great Barrington
Chez Nous Bistro in Lee
Church Street Cafe in Lenox
Cork 'N Hearth in Lee
Dream Away Lodge in Becket
Jacks Grill in Housatonic
John Andrews in South Egremont
Nejaime's Wine Cellars ~ picnics/wines/cheeses available
Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough
The Old Mill (Contemporary) in South Egremont
Once Upon a Table in Stockbridge
Pearl's Restaurant in Great Barrington
Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge
Salmon Run Fish House in Lee
Shiro Sushi & Hibachi in Great Barrington
Sullivan Station Restaurant in Lee
Viva in Glendale
Wheatleigh in Lenox
Xicohtencatl (Mexican) in Great Barrington

Activities

Arcadian Shop - Outdoor Specialty Store 9 miles
Berkshire Arts Festival 9 miles
Berkshire Botanical Gardens 4 miles
Berkshire Canoe Tours 11 miles
Berkshire Crafts Fair 7 miles
The Berkshires Green & Healthy Living Expo 9 miles
Berkshire Scenic Railway 9 miles
Bicycle Fest 27 miles
Bosquet Ski Area 12 miles
Butternut Ski Area 9 miles
Canterbury Farm Ski Area 20 miles
Catamount Ski Area 16 miles
Cranwell Resort Golf Club 7 miles
Egremont Country Club 12 miles
Greenock Country Club 3 miles
Jiminy Peak Ski Resort 27 miles
The Great Josh Billings Runaground Triathlon 7-9 miles
Pontoosuc Lake Country Club 18 miles
Skyline Country Club 18 miles
Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas 1.5 miles
Stockbridge Summer Arts & Crafts Show 4 miles

Health & Beauty

Austen Riggs Center 2 miles
Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield 15 miles
Berkshire South Regional Community Center 8 miles
Body & Soul Thera-Spa 10 miles
The Spa at Cranwell 7 miles
Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington 10 miles
Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health 7 miles
Lenox Fitness Center & Spa 10 miles
SEVEN Salon & Spa 2 miles, inn guests receive discount, please inquire
Soul Spa 4 miles

And...

Albany International Airport (ALB) 56 miles
Bard College at Simon's Rock 11 miles
Becket Land Trust 17 miles
Belvoir Terrace 8 miles
Bradley International Airport (BDL) 63 miles
Close Encounters With Music
Hoffman Pottery 8 miles
Howard's Antique Lighting 15 miles
Historic Railroad Arch Bridges 18 miles
Laurel Hill Association - trails in Stockbridge 2 miles
Marian Fathers National Shrine of Divine Mercy 2 miles