16-Room Lodge Opening At Historic Amee Farm

16-Room Lodge Opening At Historic Amee Farm

A two-year restoration has created a new, eco-friendly, 16-room lodge called The Amee Farm on Rt. 100, one mile north of Pittsfield’s village green.

The restoration, which included relocating an 1800s farmhouse, was undertaken by Michael Halovatch of New York City.

Amee Farm is designed for "sustainable yet luxurious living," the owners say. It offers spectacular views of the Green Mountains and the property includes two ponds and a waterfall. The property is managed by Becky Mcmillian, chef/caretaker, and Chris Orosz, farm manager.

The lodge enjoys the Vermont Green Hotels’ designation for its sustainable design and infrastructure including on-site heating via hydroelectric, geo-thermal and solar, soy insulation throughout, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) milk paint interior, and organic linen, laundry and toiletries.

Art Gallery

Of special note are hand-crafted furnishings in guest and common rooms by Barre Pinske. Pinske will be the resident artist of The Art Gallery, a special space within the facility, which opens Oct. 18. The works, crafted from various woods and resins, will be on permanent display at the Amee Farm lodge.

Pinske began his career as a chain saw carver in Minnesota, winning the Chain Saw Carving World Championship at age 24. His chain saw carved bears—more than 1000 of them—have been his "bread and butter," but he has expanded into many other kinds of structure and furniture-making. He has owned three galleries on Cape Cod and has an avid set of collectors, including Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Prince, and Barry Manilow.

Across Rt. 100 from the Amee Farm lodge is an evolving organic farm with an on-premise farm stand and a solar greenhouse. A new barn is designed to accommodate a small herd of dairy animals.

Orosz said that years ago it was common for Pittsfield and Stockbridge residents to buy their milk and eggs from Gordon Amee's Farm, according to a release.

"My goal is to bring back that community spirit and provide a place to find great, local and organically grown produce and milk, honoring the history here.

"I hope that Pittsfield will be my permanent home in the future and I wanted to live in an eco- conscious and sustainable residence," he said.

Amee Farm is designed to host corporate events, themed retreats, and competitive sporting events. Its 4000 square feet of event space includes a private dining room.

The original homestead dates to 1793 and the grounds once housed a whiskey distillery and equipment for producing potash, highly regarded for its chemical qualities and today as a staple ingredient of fertilizers.