Homes
September 25, 2018
Inside J.Crew Alum Frank Muytjens’ Charming New Inn At Kenmore Hall
Former head of menswear design at J.Crew, Frank Muytjens, and his partner, Scott Cole, an artist and restaurateur, have opened a country inn in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts. Flush with period character and soulful vignettes, the storied 18th-century house, where the famous composer Leonard Bernstein once summered, is a place you’ll want to check out and check into. Click through for a virtual tour of the handsome, vintage-inspired space.
Set on expansive grounds, Kenmore Hall has a symmetrical façade typical of Georgian architecture. Its balanced proportions please the eye. Simplistic yet stately, it’s the sort of bygone dwelling that feels like guests should arrive with a vintage suitcase.
This is the north façade that greets you upon arrival. Remnants of formal gardens, designed in the 1930s by Noel Chamberlain, are represented by the brick walls. The orchard has century-old heirloom apple, pear and cherry trees, as well as blueberry bushes.
This grand hall runs the depth of the building, both downstairs and upstairs. A sense of sophistication, and of not trying too hard to be trendy, is the first impression upon arrival.
In the Center Hall, the crimson leaves of a Japanese maple are sublime and painterly. Leave the digital world behind and flip through a selection of travel books from the hoteliers’ adventures, instead.
The light-drenched upper hall has a serene seating area made up of unfussy traditional furnishing. Outside the spectacular Palladian window are a pair of mature Katsura trees, diffusing the light with their beautiful heart-shaped leaves.
Of course there’s a parlor. A gilded mirror above the fireplace and a pair of camel chairs have a timeless, antiquated charm.
The front parlor has menswear-inspired dark navy walls and army green furniture.
Climb into the king-size bed in Room One, where luxurious Matteo linens, a down comforter and an ultra-soft Faribault wool blanket await.
The hoteliers say that of the nine fireplaces in Kenmore Hall, this one is their favorite. The overmantel panel features hand-carved woodwork that dates back to 1792 when the house was built.
In Room One’s bathroom, square subway tile is a classic choice. Radiant-heated mosaic tile floors will make you feel pampered, especially after you wrap yourself in a plush robe.
A maple-hued, mid-century modern Paul McCobb dresser and a grey wing chair in Room One feel right at home in the Georgian building, though they’re from different time periods.
Room Two has fetching brass sconces by Clark Vintage Lighting and minimalist side tables. Note the detail above the door, adding to the room’s grandeur.
Room Two has a velvet sofa and mid-century modern chairs, a motif carried throughout the property. There’s also a beautiful fireplace in this room with crenellated detailing (not pictured).
A king-size four-poster bed lends drama to Room Three. Charcoal walls contrast classical molding and period styling. Sweeping full-length curtains feel royal. Bedside lamps are by Clark Vintage Lighting.
Room Three has a sultry master bathroom. Twin porcelain console sinks and polished nickel fixtures feel like an escape into the past. But the oversized soaking tub, a fireplace and fancy toiletries from Aesop are creature comforts for today. Through the archway is a two-person shower and a separate water closet.
Room four is accessed through a private hall between the double arches of the grand staircase landing. Inside, a masculine color palette and a disparate mix of new and old furnishings give this room a quiet elegance.
Facing east and south, Room Four has the best views and an oversized rear window makes the most of the vantage point.
Awash in breathtaking blue, Room Five features a vintage Persian rug, more books and comfortable seating for reading a novel or surfing on a device (if you must).
A simple etagere in Room Five has more tomes to inspire the analog set.
The American composer Leonard Bernstein spent many summers at this cottage, the Carriage House, which is cozy and private. It’s located across the courtyard from the main house. This reading alcove near the bed is dreamy and has views.
In the Carriage House Cottage, the beadboard on the kitchenette has a farmhouse feel. The quaint custom unit features soapstone counters and an under-counter refrigerator. All of the usual suspects are available to make breakfast.
A sink with tapered legs and moss green tile walls give the Carriage House bathroom a retro ambience. A wavy mirror and flanking sconces feel suitably old-timey, too.
Courtesy of The Inn at Kenmore Hall