The Bellefontaine Mansion, in the heart of the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, became the second location of Canyon Ranch Wellness Resorts in 1989, but its history can be traced back a hundred years before.
Built in 1897, Bellefontaine had been a private home, seminary and then a boarding school, but when the founders of Canyon Ranch, Mel and Enid Zuckerman saw it, it was empty and gutted by fire. Applying their philosophy of creating harmony with the surroundings, the Zuckermans decided to restore the mansion while adding New-England-style buildings in keeping with the local area, a classic vacation destination that was once home to Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Edith Wharton and Norman Rockwell.
Canyon Ranch architects worked with the local historic preservation board to be sure that their restoration of the Mansion’s exterior and gardens was fully authentic, using materials and techniques consistent with the turn of the last century. In addition, they meticulously restored the beautiful Library, the only room that had not been destroyed by fire, to its original dignity.
By opening day – October 1, 1989 – Bellefontaine Mansion had recaptured its former glory. The Integrative Health Center, a state-of-the-art Spa and new guest accommodations were in the plans from the start. Today the health resort provides an unsurpassed vacation experience in an atmosphere steeped in New England grace and hospitality.
