Real Estate News & Market Insights:
- Historic Gilded Age "Great Estate" The Kemble, hosted notable figures including Chester A. Arthur and the J.P. Morgan family.
- 9,500 square feet with 13 bedrooms and 13.5 bathrooms, modern renovations, and expansive outdoor patios for summer entertaining.
- Located in downtown Lenox with rare walkability, flexible zoning permitting venue use or private residence, positioned for a next chapter.
A striking blue mansion steeped in Gilded Age history has returned to the market in the Berkshires with an asking price of $4.85 million—145 years after it was built for former Secretary of State Frederick T. Frelinghuysen.
Known as The Kemble, the Lenox, MA, property is described in its listing as one of the region’s last remaining “Great Estates,” a term used to describe the extraordinary mansions that were built for the country’s rich and privileged during the height of the Gilded Age.
Built in 1881, the property is what’s locally known as a Berkshire Cottage, an ironic misnomer used to describe the enormous country piles used as weekend retreats or vacation homes by the 1 percenters when the city became too stifling.
Unlike the quaint properties that most would imagine when picturing a cottage, these sprawling seasonal homes offered a level of opulence that remains largely unrivaled, even to this day.
This particular “cottage” was commissioned by Frelinghuysen and completed in 1881, the same year that he was appointed secretary of state, a position that he held until 1885.
But it isn’t just the name on the title that’s impressive, it’s also who passed through its doors.
“The home had a number of notable occupants over the years, reflecting its role within the broader Berkshire summer colony,” says listing agent Cameron Volastro of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.
Historical accounts suggest that Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president of the United States, spent time at the residence, as did members of the J.P. Morgan family, who reportedly stayed there while their own nearby manse, Ventfort Hall, was being built.
“Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, who served as secretary of treasury under Chester A. Arthur, built this house in 1881,” the Lenox Historical Society notes.
“The house was handsomely furnished, and the Frelinghuysens entertained lavishly, with former President Arthur among their many guests. The house was subsequently owned by Thatcher Adams, who renamed it ‘Sundrum House.'”
Over the years, the property’s different owners have used it for several purposes, including a boys school dormitory, as well as an inn.
“R.J. Flick purchased the property in the early 1930s and lived in it while his estate ‘Uplands,’ was under construction. It was then sold to Mrs. Charles F. Bassett who gave the school to the Lenox School for Boys for use as a dormitory,” the historical account continues.
Over the years, it’s hosted private events, weddings, and group stays, perfectly mirroring the original purpose of these grand homes: entertaining.
Today, the property blends the grandeur of its origins with modern functionality, spanning roughly 9,500 square feet, including 13 bedrooms and 13.5 bathrooms, with accommodations for up to 20 guests.
“Architecturally, the home carries the scale and symmetry typical of the era, with a layout that supports both formal and informal gathering,” Volastro says, noting “a strong sense of arrival and flow throughout the main living spaces.”
Inside, gathering areas unfold across multiple levels, including expansive living rooms and a well-appointed kitchen suited for large groups. Outdoor living is equally central to the estate’s appeal.
“The outdoor spaces are especially compelling, with expansive patios and covered deck areas that lend themselves well to summer entertaining,” Volastro notes.
Recent improvements have enhanced both comfort and visual appeal while maintaining the estate’s historic charm.
“The current owners have made thoughtful updates, including fully renovated bathrooms and a brighter, more cohesive interior palette,” says Volastro.
Located in the heart of downtown Lenox, the home also offers rare walkable access to many of the town’s most beloved destinations.
“The location is a major part of the appeal,” Volastro says. “Situated in downtown Lenox, you have immediate access to restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops.”
Flexible zoning adds another layer of opportunity, allowing the estate to continue functioning as a venue or private residence.
“The property is positioned for its next chapter,” says Volastro. “Lenox is widely considered one of the most desirable towns in the Berkshires, offering a blend of walkability and classic New England charm.”
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