Our History

Historic black-and-white photograph of "The Old Homestead" in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, with a caption listing the occupants from a 1879 gathering.

The Beginning

1766

The historic building that is now The Berkshire Mountain Inn, formerly known as The Wainwright Inn, has been welcoming people for generations. Originally built in 1766 by Captain Peter Ingersoll on the site of an earlier 1720s structure, it began as a private Massachusetts home at the heart of early life in the Berkshires.

A large group of 19th-century individuals poses together in formal attire for a family portrait.

A House at the Center of History

1700s

In the years leading up to the American Revolution, neighbors gathered here to share news and make plans, and during the war the house served as both a fort and an armory—playing a small but meaningful role in our nation’s early history.

Black and white postcard featuring Wainwright Hall in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, built in 1766.

The Wainwright Legacy Begins

1790-1792

Between 1790 and 1792, the property was purchased by David Wainwright, beginning a long family chapter that shaped the home for generations. In 1890, his descendant Franklin Pope—an accomplished engineer who worked alongside Thomas Edison—renovated the house, adding many of the features still enjoyed today and renaming it Wainwright Hall. His work reflected the excitement and experimentation of the early electrical age.

Historic black-and-white image of Wainwright Hall on South Main Street, circa 1900.

Becoming an Inn

Early 1900s

By the early 20th century, the home transitioned from a private residence into a welcoming inn, hosting travelers drawn to the beauty of the Berkshires. Over time, it became known as The Wainwright Inn, a beloved destination with a deep sense of place.

A large, Victorian-style house surrounded by snow-covered trees on a snowy winter day.

Honoring the Past, Welcoming the Future

Today

Today, we proudly continue its story as The Berkshire Mountain Inn. While the name has changed, our respect for the history within these walls has not. We are honored to care for this remarkable home and excited to add our own chapter to its long and meaningful history.