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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Ghost Tour at Ventfort Hall

LENOX, Mass. — Join Robert Oakes, author of "Ghosts of the Berkshires," who will lead participants through the rooms and halls of Ventfort Hall sharing tales of its alleged hauntings.
 
The tour will take place at 8 pm on Saturday March 16.
 
Admission is $30 and minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are strongly recommended as tickets are limited. Walk-ins accommodated as space allows. For reservations visit https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or call at 413-637-3206. All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event.
 
This is not an active investigation.
 
Robert Oakes is an author, teacher, storyteller, and singer/songwriter originally from northern New Jersey and currently residing in the Berkshires.. Since 2010 Robert has led the ghost tours at Edith Wharton's The Mount in Lenox, and has represented the museum and its ghosts on Syfy's Ghost Hunters, Jeff Belanger's New England Legends series on PBS, and The Apple Seed show on BYUradio. 
 
In 2020, Robert's debut book, "Ghosts of the Berkshires," was published by Arcadia Publishing and is on sale now in our gift shop. Robert's latest book, "Ghosts of Northwestern New Jersey," was released in September 2022.
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