Berkshire Cottages facts for kids

The Gilded Age was a special time in American history, right after the Civil War and the period called Reconstruction. This era, from 1865 to 1901, saw a huge boom in the economy and in industries like factories and railroads. Because of all this new wealth, some of the richest families in the country built amazing summer homes. They chose a beautiful area called the Berkshires in Massachusetts for these grand estates.

What is a Gilded Age "Cottage"?

When you hear the word "cottage," you probably think of a small, cozy house. But during the Gilded Age, the word "cottage" meant something very different! For the super-rich, a "cottage" was actually a massive and fancy summer house. These homes were often as big and grand as palaces, built for comfort and showing off wealth during the warmer months.

Building Grand Summer Homes

Many of these incredible "cottages" were built in the towns of Lenox and Stockbridge, both in Massachusetts. There were about seventy-six of these huge estates in the area. Each one was unique, designed to be a luxurious getaway for families who had made their fortunes during this time of great prosperity. They were places where families could relax, entertain guests, and escape the heat of the cities.