Years ago, when people went for leisurely Sunday drives, a friend took me to show me "the house of (my) dreams" and said I'd know it when we got there -- I sure did! Santarella is an art museum/studio hidden in the Berkshire hills and like nothing I've ever seen.
I shared this with Irene on our way to Hancock and she was awed. However, it was closed to the public as its 3 buildings and acreage are on the market for the second time since I came to know it.
This masterpiece was built in the 30s by Sir Henry Hudson Kitson, sculptor of Lexington's "Minuteman" and other notable works. Apparently, he was a bit of a crank and workmen, generally imported from England, quit his heavy-handed domination quite readily. The roof is an 80-ton mass of shapely shingles designed to resemble both thatch and the surrounding rolling hills. They rest on secure and weighty chestnut beams. The floor is concrete with a tiny gift shop just inside the entrance. The windows are primarily lovely stained glass. There are acres of gardens, basically planted with wildflowers to attract birds and a small lily pond, which was stocked with goldfish.
Santarella has 3 floors with a trapdoor to lower sculpted works from the working studio to the ground floor. It has B&B accommodations ($125-150/night), complete with antiques and Kitson-type artifacts in the rooms.
Several years ago it was marketed for $850,000 and was bought by the Atkins family. While we were disappointed it wasn't open, we enjoyed the local mountain scenery and look forward to a new owner's keeping it up and reopening it for the viewing of area artists' works. This is an out-of-the-way gem, a fairytale structure, sure to remain in the heart of every visitor.