Cranwell Sold For $18 Million

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The resort's sale was completed on Wednesday, according to land records.

LENOX, Mass. — Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort was sold Wednesday to CampGroup LLC. and L.D. Buildings for $18 million.
 
The resort will now be managed by Hay Creek Hotels, a New England hotel management company. GampGroup owns a number of local properties including Camp Winadu and Camp Danbee and L.D. Builders has developed local properties including The Pines at Bousquet and Lenox Woods. 
 
"With camps in operation in the Berkshires collectively for over 300 years and hundreds of camper families who have enjoyed staying at Cranwell over the past 40 years, we have long admired Cranwell's position of prominence in the community and are thrilled to be a part of such an important Berkshires establishment," Andrew Benerofe, CampGroup chairman, said in a statement released Thursday.
 
"We plan to elevate the already outstanding guest experience and enhance the resort's position as a destination."
 
The historic property has been a landmark in the Berkshires and features 114 hotel rooms, an 18-hole golf course, three restaurants, a banquet hall and large spa. The company hosts not only visitors but also conferences, weddings and other large scale events. The property expands some 380 acres. It has been owned by Berkshire Cranwell Limited Partnership since 1993 and operated by Dan and Carol Burack.
 
"We're very proud of our accomplishments and the community relationships we've established over the years," said Dan Burack.  "We plan to continue our involvement with the vital cultural institutions, including Carol's work on the boards of Barrington Stage Company and Jacob's Pillow.  We're especially pleased that the new ownership has also had strong ties to the Berkshires for many years and will continue to be stewards of this premier New England resort."
 
J.D. Builders plans to expand Cranwell's offerings. The company specializes in buying and developing properties throughout Massachusetts. The company has previously built and managed numerous condominium complexes.
 
"As local builders we are committed to making living, working and playing in the Berkshires more enjoyable," said Dave Ward, L.D. Builders president. "We have a hands-on family approach and plan to bring our careful attention to detail to upgrading and enhancing Cranwell's historic facilities."
 
CampGroup is based in White Plains, N.Y., and operates a number of summer caps. The company owns 16 camps in New England. They also operate retreat locations and off-season camp rentals for conferences and events. 
 
 Hay Creek Hotels is based in Westport, Conn., as a management company for various hotels in New England.
 
"The Buracks created a family atmosphere for both the employees and the guests that we intend to continue. We recognize the importance of valued employees to provide superior service and inspire an exceptional experience for our guests. The current employees at Cranwell are a key ingredient to the resort's success and we look forward to working with Carl Pratt, general manager, and his whole team," said Norm MacLeod, Hay Creek Hotels, president and CEO.

Tags: commercial purchase/sale,   

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Ventfort Hall: Baseball in the Berkshires

LENOX, Mass. — Larry Moore, Director of the nonprofit Baseball in the Berkshires, and a retired Physical Education Specialist, will tell about the history of baseball in the Berkshires at Ventfort Hall on Tuesday, July 16 at 4 pm. 
 
A tea will be served after the presentation.
 
According to a press release:
 
The game of baseball has a long and storied history in the Berkshires. From the broken window by-law of 1791 and the first college game ever played in 1859, there were 60 years of minor league teams calling the Berkshires their home. There are 40 major league players coming from the Berkshires and two of them are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Over 220 minor league players were born, raised or settled in the Berkshires. Just when you think you have a grasp on those stories someone asks about women's baseball and black baseball in the Berkshires. Going back to the late 1800's both the history of women and people of color have strong roots here. The long list of famous baseball visitors that left parts of their stories here contains the names of "Say-Hey Kid," "Joltin' Joe," "The Iron Horse" and of course, "The Babe."
 
Larry Moore worked as a Physical Education Specialist in the Central Berkshire Regional School District for 37 years. He taught a popular yearlong unit about the history of baseball for 25 years, along with his regular Physical Education program, to his fifth graders culminating with a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He now volunteers at the National Baseball Hall of Fame as an Outreach Educator. Nine years ago he, along with Tom Daly, Jim Overmyer and Kevin Larkin, established a group of baseball enthusiasts who established the nonprofit organization, Baseball in the Berkshires. Its mission is to tell the fascinating stories of baseball in the Berkshires through exhibits and educational programming.
 
As director of this group he, and his fellow volunteers, have created numerous exhibits and educational programs throughout the Berkshires. He co-authored the book "Baseball in the Berkshires: A County's Common Bond." 
 
He is a resident of Lenox and has spent many years working with the young people of the Berkshires, as an educator, coach, official, and business owner.
 
Tickets are $40 for members and with advance reservation; $45 day of; $22 for students 22 and under. Ticket pricing includes access to the mansion throughout the day of this event from 10 am to 4 pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged as seats are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call at (413) 637-3206. Please note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
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