PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Local business organizations will host an LGBTQ+ Business & Professional Networking Event on Wednesday, March 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wander Berkshires.
The event recognizes the launch of nine LGBTQ-owned businesses in the region within the past two years.
The businesses being honored include Steeple City Social, Hexagon Bagels, Wander Berkshires, J.S. Bryant School, Indie Readery & Records, Brazzucas Market, Galleries at Knollwood Antiques, Barrington Hall, Dollhaus Berkshires, and the J.S. Bryant School.
In addition to regional growth, the event highlights a specific business cluster in downtown Pittsfield. This walkable district includes six LGBTQ-owned entities: District Kitchen & Bar, Brazzucas, Wander Berkshires, Berkshire Pride, and Indie Readery & Records.
"The Berkshires are becoming a magnet for new business and innovation because diversity is a long-held value in the region and is good for business," said Alexandra Eberhardt, Executive Director of the Mass LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Eberhardt noted that leaders are relocating to the area from other parts of the country due to the region's welcoming environment.
Bart Church, Executive Director of Q-MoB, stated that Western Massachusetts maintains a higher per capita concentration of LGBTQ residents and businesses than Boston.
"For at least a hundred years, the Berkshires and Western Mass have been a magnet for creative and LGBTQ people," Church said.
The event is expected to draw representatives from various local chambers of commerce and regional business owners. Scheduled speakers include Eberhardt, Church, and Berkshire Magazine Editor in Chief Anastasia Stanmeyer.
The gathering is jointly sponsored by the Mass LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Q-MoB, and Berkshire Magazine, with funding provided by the Berkshire United Way Venture Fund and the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Registration is open to LGBTQ business and community leaders and allies.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Friday Front Porch: Luxurious Lakefront Property
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a lakefront estate to spend your days? Then this might be the home for you.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 140 Hancock Road.
This house was built in 2015 and has eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It is 6,986 square feet on a little over an acre.
The house sits on Pontoosuc Lake and includes private lake access and a pool with an expansive deck.
The kitchen is equipped with Wolf and SubZero appliances and there is a full outdoor kitchen as well. The property has three additional separated living quarters, each with a kitchen and its own living room.
The house also includes a big garage for multiple cars or more.
It is on the market for $4,900,000.
We spoke with Elisha Poirier from Stone House Properties LLC, which has the listing.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
What truly sets this property apart is the incredible scale combined with its premier lakefront setting. With over 7,400 square feet of space, eight bedrooms, multiple independent living quarters, and extensive garage capacity, it offers a level of versatility that is very rare in the Berkshires. The sweeping views of Pontoosuc Lake and Mount Greylock, along with private lake access, a pool, and exceptional indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, create a lifestyle that feels more like a private resort than a traditional home.
What was your first impression when you walked into this home?
My first impression was the sense of openness and how immediately your eye is drawn to the water. The layout was clearly designed to highlight the views, and the natural light combined with the scale of the space makes the home feel both grand and welcoming at the same time.
How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?
The atmosphere is both luxurious and relaxed. It has the presence and amenities of a high-end estate, but the lakefront setting and thoughtfully designed living spaces make it feel comfortable and inviting. It's a home that works just as well for quiet mornings by the water as it does for hosting large gatherings.
What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?
This home would be ideal for someone who loves to entertain and host family and friends, or for a multi-generational family looking for both shared space and private living areas. It could also appeal to someone looking for a true retreat in the Berkshires, whether as a primary residence or a luxury getaway.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
It's easy to picture spending your mornings looking out over the lake, afternoons enjoying the pool or taking the boat out from your private dock, and evenings gathered around the outdoor kitchen or fire pit with friends and family. The property is designed so that everyday life feels like a vacation.
What do the current owners love most about this home?
What they love most is the incredible connection to the lake and the views. The property offers privacy while still feeling open to the natural beauty around it. They've also enjoyed the ability to host large gatherings while still offering guests their own comfortable and private spaces.
Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?
Some of the standout features include the chef's kitchen with high-end Wolf and SubZero appliances, multiple private living quarters with their own kitchens and entrances, and expansive outdoor entertaining areas with a built-in kitchen, pool, and fire pit. The home also includes a whole-house audio system, five laundry units, and premium Pella iron-clad windows and doors, all thoughtfully designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. The property is insulated with spray foam throughout, maximizing energy efficiency while also providing superior protection from the strong winds often experienced on the lake.
You can find out more about this home on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 140 Hancock Road.
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