Biz Briefs: Canyon Ranch Unveils Luxury Residences in Lenox
Luxury living: Canyon Ranch has launched Canyon Ranch Residences at Bellefontaine, a collection of exquisitely-designed condominiums at its 120-acre Lenox. location. William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Great Barrington, Mass., agents Gladys Montgomery and Marc Bachman will serve as the exclusive sales and marketing agents for the property.
Located on the grounds of the historic Bellefontaine Mansion in the heart of the Berkshires – approximately two hours from Boston and three hours from New York – the Residences at Bellefontaine will be comprised of 19 beautifully-appointed luxury condos ranging in price from $1.35 million to $3.5 million, all of which will have access to the renowned facilities and programming that have earned Canyon Ranch its global following. The first residential community in the Northeast region from the life-enhancement brand, the project will round-out Canyon Ranch’s portfolio of residences across its destination resorts. The company also offers residences for purchase at its Tucson, Ariz., and Kaplankaya, Turkey, locations.
In addition to gourmet, health-minded meals prepared by top chefs, residents will have complete access to celebrated experts in medicine, nutrition and exercise. Additional signature Canyon Ranch services and amenities also include Spiritual Wellness, a Guided Labyrinth Experience; Sports Performance, that offers comprehensive exercise assessments; Complementary Medicine, including sleep studies; and the Executive Health Package, where an integrative health team develops an individualized wellness plan. Buyers will also have access to cultural offerings and local events in the Berkshires that include the iconic music venue, Tanglewood, The Norman Rockwell Museum and The Mount, the home of noted American author Edith Wharton.
Designed by Architect Robert E. Harrison, with interior design by William Caligari Jr., the stunning, eco-friendly residences will boast open, spacious floor plans and high, architecturally-detailed ceilings. Each home features walnut-paneled entry doors, hardwood floors, custom-designed cabinetry, GE Monogram kitchen appliances, a full-size, side-by-side washer and dryer, gas fireplaces in the living room and master bedroom, and 24-hour on-site security. A climate-controlled underground parking garage provides elevator access to units, and private balconies and terraces offer sweeping views of the Bellefontaine grounds. Just steps away from the resort’s extensive dining, spa, fitness and wellness facilities, residents will have access to a climate controlled walkway leading to the entire resort without having to step foot outdoors.
Firefly facelift: Longtime Berkshire resident and restaurateur Laura Shack has just guided her restaurant, the Lenox mainstay Firefly, through its first successful summer season following an extensive, three-month remodel and rebranding. Calling to mind the sage advice of her father to "reinvent yourself every 10 to 12 years," Shack worked with Northampton-based architect Tom Douglas, interior designer, Shoshannah Wineburg and general contractors, D&S Builders, to realize her vision of a more casual, lounge-like restaurant.
Firefly Gastropub & Catering Co. offers the relaxed, gastropub concept, which focuses on high-quality comfort food and a commitment to serving both loyal and local customers, in an open and welcoming atmosphere. Shack has revamped her offerings to include an expanded craft beer menu, creative cocktail selections, and her signature, fresh take on pub fare. The venue hosts live music every Friday (with more days to be added) and entertaining events, and has maintained Firefly favorites like its ever-popular $5 Burger Wednesdays. Shack will be introducing seasonally curated specials to enhance Firefly’s primary menu. Kitchen hours have been extended from 4 to 11 p.m. — times customers have demonstrated as favorite gathering times — with the bar remaining open after that. Hours will be further extended during the summer months.
Renovation specifics include opening up the dining area to allow for a larger, 360-degree bar — the centerpiece of the restaurant footprint. A new lounge area with a fireplace and comfortable couch seating that replaces the former, more formal banquets, giving the interior an intimate, lively club vibe. The introduction of custom crafted, multi-toned wood walls and stenciled design-work results in an atmosphere that is contemporary, warm and inviting.
Firefly Gastropub & Catering Co. is open seven nights a week, year-round, and also offers full-service catering on or off premise at Firefly or the venue of your choice.
New menu on North: Ron Reda, chef de cuisine at Eat on North, Hotel on North's seasonally inspired restaurant, introduces a new menu for fall and winter. Reda supports and promotes regional growers and producers in his newest seasonal dishes, offering guests a balance between community favorites, All-American fare and international inspiration.
Incorporating a mix of bold flavors, cultural flare and local inspiration, Reda pulls from his experience as a former White House chef and Pittsfield local, adding to the small plate menu with options like steak fries with grilled tomato aioli and deviled eggs, as well as new entrees such as roasted half chicken and chickpea with quinoa. Tapping into his Italian heritage, Reda introduces a pasta Bolognese, roasted pumpkin risotto and a new Sicilian flatbread, which features Italian sausage, pesto and mozzarella cheese.
This season's featured menu items are a Waldorf salad and pierogis with kielbasa a dish inspired by Reda's wife. And, the Eat on North Raw Bar has also added a blackened tuna dish, served with wasabi crème, seaweed salad and pickled ginger.
