Tyringham, Massachusetts

According to their mission, "The Trustees of Reservations preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts."

One of the Trustees' properties is "Tyringham Cobble," located, naturally, in Tyringham, MA.

This type of "cobble" when used as a placename in New England, New York, and New Jersey is basically a quaint term for a rounded hill. A friend of friends, who enjoys local hiking, recommended we hike there. We had asked a question similar to "If we were to go on only one local hike in Western Mass, something in the under five mile range, where would you recommend we go?" Tyringham Cobble was the the very informed response: many types of interesting terrain along with pleasant scenic views can be enjoyed over a relatively short distance. A portion of the hike is on the Appalachian Trail.

We were fortunate to get a wonderfully sunny fall day to explore the "cobble."  All photos in this post were taken on November 6. Despite the somewhat "after peak" fall date, there was still some foliage to admire.

Between the Trees

Pinkish

Warming

Cotton Candy

On the Way Down

As an aside, just before arriving at the turnoff to park our car for the Tyringham Cobble hike, we drove past a unique place called "Santarella." It was *so* unique that we just had to stop, take a few pictures, and find out more about it. A sign, seen on the property, provides some additional information:

Santarella is the historic home of the sculptor Sir Henry Hudson Kitson, who lived and worked here until his passing in 1947. He spent over 20 years transforming the carriage house of a colonial homestead into his sculpting studio, creating the incredible rolling roof using handcut asphalt shingles of different colors to mimic the surrounding hills in the fall. In addition to the roof, Kitson added many other whimsical architectural details, and maintained a beautiful, exotic garden with the help of his full-time gardener, Awoki.

Santarella is a private residence and is not open to the public. We host guests for vacation rentals as well as for weddings and special events. Detailed information is available on our website. Rental enquires can also be made by phone:

(413) 243-2819 http://www.santarella.us

Here are three representative photos I took of the "residence":

All photos © 2019, all rights reserved.  Contact philslens@gmail.com for licensing or to order prints.

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