Sandisfield is a woodland retreat in the southern Berkshires
Sandisfield, Massachusetts, is secluded in the forested mountains of southern Berkshire County. Despite its rural location, it has become a popular outdoor escape for residents of the Northeast’s large coastal cities. “A lot of buyers from the bigger cities have found this area because of its accessibility,” says Realtor Jeff Wilkinson with Stone House Properties, who’s been selling in the Berkshires since 1986. “It’s about the same distance from Boston and Manhattan.” The beauty of these rolling mountains has led to large, cabin-style mansions and private lakefront communities. Still, luxury cabins haven’t changed Sandisfield’s rural woodland atmosphere, where seasonal and full-time residents can access abundant outdoor activity.
Small cabins, lakefront homes and country estates
Sandisfield’s median price is about $540,000. This is typical for large contemporary cabins and 1800s farmhouses with multiacre lots, but small older cottages can start around $200,000. Some community options have become popular with seasonal residents who prioritize recreation. “Plenty of people come out here for privacy, but options like Otis Woodlands are unique because it’s a community that people can be involved in,” says Wilkinson. “They have a private lake and beach, a clubhouse, pickleball courts and trails into the state forests.” Otis Woodlands is on the north end of the Sandisfield area. Its lakefront homes can cost up to $900,000. The opulent New England countryside lifestyle can also be found in Sandisfield on multimillion-dollar, early-1800s country estates and private lakefront properties.
Hiking, paddling and fishing in Sandisfield State Forest
This section of the Berkshires is part of the Sandisfield State Forest. Residents can access miles of trails etched across this expansive forest. These include easy wooded trails and elevated treks to views of the forest. Clam River Reserve is a popular hiking area on the east end of the area, offering trails along the trickling Clam River. Large ponds in the mountains, like Lower Spectacle Pond and Upper Spectacle Pond, are popular for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
Berkshire County’s oldest inn and local farm shops
Part of Sandisfield’s appeal is that there’s almost no commercial activity. This, of course, means that residents must drive a few miles for substantial shopping. “There are country stores here and there, where you can little things,” says Wilkinson. “But the nearby towns with supermarkets aren’t too far.” The New Boston Inn is one of the area’s few restaurants and has served locals the longest. The inn was founded in 1737, making it Berkshire County’s oldest inn. The Farmington River General Store offers convenient items near the inn. Farm shops like The Farm New Marlborough — a few miles west in New Marlborough — offer fresh produce and other farm products. Cantina 229 is a dining option in New Marlborough, known for its upscale farm-to-table dishes. The Southfield Store is just south of Cantina 229 in Southfield. This café serves traditional brunch items, baked goods and coffee drinks. Supermarkets can be found 15 miles northwest in Great Barrington or under 20 miles north at the Berkshire Outlet Village in Lee. The outlets are just over 10 miles from north-end areas like Otis Woodlands.
Farmington River and Southern Berkshire Public Schools
Most homes are miles from the nearest schools. Many students begin at Farmington River Elementary, an independent kindergarten-through-sixth grade school, rated a B-plus by Niche. It’s located in Otis, about 10 miles north of Sandisfield. Middle and high school students often enroll in Southern Berkshire Public Schools. They attend Mount Everett Junior and Senior High, less than 20 miles west in Sheffield and rated a B.
Less than 150 miles from Boston and Manhattan
Sandisfield has become a seasonal retreat for many Boston and New York City residents because it’s almost the same distance between them. Boston is just over 120 miles east, and Manhattan is 135 miles south. Springfield, Massachusetts, is the nearest decent-sized town, just under 40 miles east. Hartford, Connecticut, is a larger metro area 45 miles south. Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington is the nearest healthcare facility, about 15 miles west.
