Wheatleigh

In the tradition of the grand French country chateau, Wheatleigh combines exceptional personal service and extraordinary cuisine with the elegance and comfort of the 21st century.

On 22 acres overlooking the Berkshire mountains and lake, Wheatleigh is two and a half hours by car from New York and Boston, with easy access by private plane. Built in 1893, Wheatleigh was completely renovated for the new millennium to create one of the most unique luxurious small hotels in the world.

The 19 suites, guest rooms, and baths set a new standard of style and sophistication, exquisitely combining antique and architect designed furnishings with original museum quality contemporary art.

History: Wheatleigh was built in 1893 by Henry H. Cook as a wedding present for his daughter, Georgie, who married Carlos de Heredia, a Spanish Count. Cook was a New York financier, banker, director of railroads and real estate tycoon. He was a descendant of Captain Thomas Cook, founder of Portsmouth, R.I., and the son of Constant Cook, who helped build the Erie Railroad. It is said that Cook built Wheatleigh as a “summer cottage” for his daughter because she had brought a title into the family.

Wheatleigh was designed by the prominent Boston architectural firm of Peabody and Stearns based on a 16th century Florentine palazzo. Many of the materials and over 150 artisans were brought from Italy to accomplish the intricate carvings both interior and exterior. Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York, was responsible for creating “Wheatleigh Park” on the land surrounding the palazzo.

For many years the largest portion of the 380 acres Wheatleigh estate was used as a working farm. The Count and Countess resided in their “summer cottage” – along with forty in help for only six weeks a year. Their permanent residence was on Fifth Avenue in New York City. During the “Gilded Age” Wheatleigh was the site of many grand parties and musical events.

Today, Wheatleigh is privately owned and is one of the smallest member of the Leading Hotels of the World featuring one of the best dining rooms on the east coast. Wheatleigh is open year-round.: 

Location: Wheatleigh is approximately two and a half hours by car from New York or Boston, about an hour from the Hartford/Springfield or Albany airports, and easily accessible by private plane.

Idyllically situated on a Berkshire knoll overlooking mountains and lake, Wheatleigh is located in a 22-acre park originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Wheatleigh is a short walk from Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony, and an easy drive to a multitude of other performing arts venues that present dance, theater, and music throughout the season.

For detailed directions, maps of the area, and selected attractions.

Dining: The Dining Room at Wheatleigh is the perfect setting for an intimate dining experience. The setting and attentive yet unobtrusive service conspire to create a relaxed and refined atmosphere.

The innovative cuisine of Chef Jeffrey Thompson is infused with a subtle intensity and passion that is an ideal complement to the elegance and sophistication of Wheatleigh dining. His exquisite presentations, accompanied by the finest wines, are served flawlessly by our European trained staff. From the first glass of champagne to the last espresso, there is nothing more important than the pleasure of our guests, and there is no more extraordinary way to spend an evening.

Library –  The everyday alternative to the world class Wheatleigh dining room. Serving simpler fare based on our longstanding commitment to using the finest ingredients.

Travelwizard.com Guests Receive:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
• $100 USD Food & Beverage credit, to be utilized during stay
  • (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out
  • subject to availability