Romantic Delights in the Massachusetts Berkshires

at the Devonfield Country Inn

“From the moment you walk through the front door, the flowers, the crystal, the furnishings, the antiques, the candlelit living room, all of that creates a mood, depending on the season: it may be sunny skies and flowers everywhere, or it may be a..." says Innkeeper Ronnie Singer.

Lee, Massachusetts (Berkshires) -- Imagine popping the question while sojourning at the Devonfield Country Inn and being chauffeured in a Model A 1931 Ford, the inn’s official automobile, through the idyllic setting of Lee, Massachusetts. Haven’t set a date yet? Who knows, upon encountering the 200-year-old elegant English country inn nestled on 29 acres, guests may be coaxed to do all sorts of madcap things in the name of amore!

Opportunity knocks with the proprietors Bruce and Ronnie Singer being able to officiate at weddings. Whether intimate weddings, engagements, anniversaries or simply time reserved for rest and rejuvenation, Devonfield Country Inn delivers.

Centrally located in what is known as the “Gateway to the Berkshires,” the inn’s pastoral meadows unroll breathtaking views under graceful birch trees that enhance the tranquil sophistication harbored at the inn. Ronnie uses one sentence to sum up the milieu: “Old world, classic charm that is hard to beat.”

Self-admitted romantics, long before the Singers purchased the inn nearly two years ago, they spent years vacationing at bed and breakfasts. Now, their adventures have transcended into their environs.

“From the moment you walk through the front door, the flowers, the crystal, the furnishings, the antiques, the candlelit living room, all of that creates a mood, depending on the season: it may be sunny skies and flowers everywhere, or it may be a snow-covered meadow and the beauty of winter on the birch trees,” Ronnie says.

The 10-guestrooms and suites, Ronnie declares have “wonderful modern amenities.” Wood-burning fireplaces keep the wintertime chill away. Quilts, down comforters, and impossibly deep beds provide the perfect excuse for cocooning, especially with the ever-present handmade chocolates and bottled water. A bit of soft music wafting from the in-room CD player or a romantic flick on the TV or VCR and who needs to talk? For those who absolutely must contact the outside world, he or she can tap into the wireless Internet services.

Devonfield not only does it right, it does it in style with “everything from luxury linens and beautiful terry robes and Jacuzzi tubs (for two) in many of the rooms,” Ronnie explains.

The cottage that the innkeeper depicts as a “separate apartment that is completely self-contained” is another getaway option. It has a spacious master bedroom, living room, big wood-burning fireplace, a small kitchenette and “overlooks the meadow, which is the ideal view,” she adds.

In keeping with a couple in search of romance, Ronnie says, “There are lots of things we try and do at the inn before arrival.” Prearrangements can be made for such guestroom additions as flowers, chocolate-dipped strawberries, champagne and massages.

“We offer wonderful concierge services, too; everything from making your dinner reservation to planning your daily activities, or in some cases, just perfectly leaving you alone, which is important to many couples who just want some peace and privacy,” she says.

Guests can recline in a hammock outside the inn and further enjoy nature’s wonderment. In season, flower-filled gardens, a game of tennis or a few laps in the heated pool create flawless days that fold into star-filled nights. Day or night, the area is known for its robust culture and myriad activities, whether it is spending summers at Tanglewood Music Center, or winters at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, or visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum year round.

Fall brings out the leaf peepers. Spring and summer means lots of hikers, bikers and folks bent toward outdoor recreation. Winter, of course, signals skiers and snow enthusiasts.

So why did the Singers make the switch from their fun in the sun Florida existence and, instead, purchase an inn and a four-season lifestyle? “We left different careers and different lifestyles and moved from Miami Beach up to the Berkshires and have loved it. We have somewhat hospitality orientations. Bruce ran the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce with 1,700 members that was very much involved in tourism for Miami Beach. And I was an assistant city manager for our city. We’re very people oriented,” Ronnie elaborates.

As far as the outcome? “It’s been a great change for us, we have loved it, and it’s translating very nicely to our guests, and I can say that to you because we are seeing people back for the second and third and fourth time. That’s a very important message to us.”

A single sniff of the banana nut bread or raspberry crumb cake or whatever Ronnie may be baking that morning, and guests are hooked! “Beautiful, bountiful breakfasts,” that’s how she describes the a.m. goodness in which the fare may include her own homemade yogurt or a hot dish like orange yogurt pancakes.

The Singers are a devoted pair of innkeepers, upgrading, improving the inn, always focusing on the guests’ needs. “We leave all of our beautiful crystal and things out, I’m not one to pack that stuff away, this is my home, and I look at you like a guest in my home.”

If you visit, don’t be surprised that instead of announcing: “Check in,” you arrive with the proclamation: “I’m home.” If apropos, don’t forget to bring the engagement ring!