A new destination in Western Massachusetts opens this week: Prospect is a year-round retreat situated on the shores of Prospect Lake, nestled on 30 acres in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains. Originally a picnic ground enjoyed by families in the late 1800s, the setting expanded to a camping ground in the mid-20th-century, and is now reimagined as a peaceful landscape hotel. Building on a 150-year tradition of communion with nature and loved ones, and re-envisioned by a local design team with deep roots in the community, Prospect will usher in a new era of lakeside recreation and reconnection. Guests at Prospect are given the luxury and space to explore and rediscover the joy of connecting with nature.
Upon arrival and throughout every visit, guests are fully immersed in the wooded lakefront setting, settling into individual “nature cabins” that are designed to provide a comfortable and calming refuge. Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian “hyttas,” the cabins are intended to disappear into the landscape while offering a rich architectural experience. The 49 hand-built cabins at Prospect offer dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, each thoughtfully placed to maximize lake and forest views. There are two styles of accommodation on offer: (40) 400-sf Cabins for small families and couples, and (9) intimate 135-sf Hideaways that share a luxurious Bath House. The climate-controlled cabins are thoughtfully appointed with organic Sister Moons bedding designed in the Berkshires, Sangean Bluetooth speakers, coffee & Rishi tea provisions, camp chairs, and biodegradable bath amenities. The focus on the natural setting remains a priority throughout; each cabin offers lake views and internet service but no TVs or phones.
At the heart of the property is the 5,000-square-foot Cliff House, originally built in 1876 and newly restored incorporating original timber. Offering panoramic lake views, The Cliff House is both the physical and social heart of Prospect. While the original 1876 building – also called Cliff House – could not be preserved in full, its spirit was the inspiration for the new building. The new Cliff House references the historic architecture through exposed timber framing and natural materials, including original timber from the former Cliff House that sat on this land. The building was designed and constructed by Alander Construction, with interiors by Jade-Snow Carroll. Designed to evoke warmth and welcome while showcasing the lake, the building is home to The Cliff House restaurant and bar as well as the Prospect check-in desk, a small retail area and flexible indoor-outdoor spaces for gathering. The Cliff House is a central destination for guests to commingle and refuel, or simply to while away the afternoon with a good book.
The comprehensive culinary program at Prospect was created in collaboration with Nancy Thomas. Built with acclaimed entrepreneur Bo Peabody, Nancy’s Mezze Hospitality Group has been committed to the local food movement in the Berkshires for three decades. Nancy and the culinary team are creating a comprehensive menu that is contemporary, welcoming, and true to the region’s heritage as an agricultural center. Prospect is home to The Cliff House Restaurant, opening to guests and locals in June, and The Pool House, which will be open to guests on a seasonal basis.
The Cliff House will also host a dynamic calendar of events such as wine tastings, readings, art exhibitions, and wildflower workshops open to locals and guests.
Located just outside Great Barrington in the town of Egremont, Massachusetts, Prospect is 2.5 hours from New York City and Boston, 1 hour from Albany, and minutes from skiing at Catamount and Butternut. On-property activities center around getting outside including lake activities such as swimming, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing as well as tennis and pickleball. Prospect is also home to a seasonal saltwater pool, Finnish-style saunas and lakeside saunas, and communal fire pits for recuperating after skiing or tubing at nearby winter resorts. Steps from The Cliff House is a nature preserve, home to meandering hiking trails. With a focus on restorative design, native habitat, biodiversity, and soil fertility, the property includes pollinator gardens, wetland gardens, diverse hardwood forest, hardwood forest, an orchard, bee hives, and resident sheep.
The possibilities at Prospect extend to larger gatherings and meetings, as well as family and social events, with spaces to suit 40 to 200 guests and in-house catering provided by the Cliff House. A separate wedding pavilion is available for events.
