These homes and gardens reflect the people who impacted the region either as residents and architects and garden designers, particularly those built around the turn of the 19th century. These “Berkshire cottages” were built as vacation homes for wealthy city dwellers who spared no expense to make their personal marks. These homes also are testaments to the many talented immigrant craftsmen and artisans whose labor brought vision to life.
The region of the Berkshires has been a hotbed for cultural and political revolutionaries, as well as the aristocracy, dignitaries and icons alike. Much of that history has been well preserved in the built and natural landscapes dotting these hills and valleys. The cultural magnetism of the region brought with it some very impressive horticulture as well as a local community that deeply valued the character of its historic homes and villages so that great efforts were made to preserve this rich heritage.
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