Tyringham's quiet countryside and scenic landscapes
Tucked between the Beartown State Forest and October Mountain State Forest, Tyringham is a rural town known for its tranquil landscapes, historic charm and 13-mile strip of the Appalachian Trail in the Southern Berkshires. "Tyringham offers a bucolic, country setting and is more rural than the surrounding towns. But it's just outside Lee, so you're still close to amenities," says Lori Rose, a broker and partner at Stone House Properties, who has been in the industry for over 20 years.
Incorporated in 1762, Tyringham- named for Jane Tyringham, a cousin of the then-governor - is the only town in Massachusetts named after a woman. Expansive woodlands, meandering streams and large ponds once fueled cider, rope and paper mills in this former bustling village. Industries eventually moved to the neighboring town of Lee after the expansion of the railroad in the late 19th-century, and today, fewer than 500 residents call this rural town home, drawn to its seclusion and natural beauty. A small village center with historic homes, a town hall, a post office and one church line Main Road. Less than 10 miles away, lakefront properties encircle the 263-acre Goose Pond on the northeast corner of town. While waves of Appalachian Trail hikers make their way through Tyringham every year, this hidden gem has long been a retreat for those seeking privacy and natural beauty, drawing second-homeowners, retirees and nature enthusiasts alike.
Town parks, state forests, lakes and historic estates
Open meadows, rolling hills, dense forests, streams and lakes provide residents here with ample outdoor recreational opportunities. In the heart of town, Tyringham Cobble is a 206-acre prominent geological formation managed by the Trustees of Reservations. The park features a two-mile loop trail that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the valley and distant peaks. "It's beautiful," Rose says of the trail. "It's a well-known hiking spot across the Southern Berkshires." Three miles south, Ashintully Gardens is another public space managed by the Trustees of Reservations. In Gaelic, Ashintully translates to "on the brow of the hill," a fitting name for this 120-acre historic estate that sits perched atop an overlook that offers views of the Tyringham Valley below. Visitors can explore the former ruins of a stately Georgian Colonial, stroll through its formal gardens or meander through trails at the adjacent 594-acre McLennan Reservation.
Additional paths, including a 13-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, cross through the town's forests and farmlands. Tyringham residents enjoy direct access to two of Massachusetts's largest protected natural areas. Beartown State Forest offers over 10,000 acres of woodland trails, Benedict Pond for swimming and paddling, and opportunities for hunting and fishing. October Mountain State Forest provides additional trails and camping areas. "Hiking is a common pastime, and in the winter, all of these trails are open to snowmobilers and cross-country skiers," Rose says.
Tyringham's natural beauty has long attracted writers, musicians and artists, including Sir Henry Hudson Kitson, an English sculptor who designed Santarella Gardens. Referred to as Tyringham's Gingerbread House, this whimsical storybook-like cottage today serves as a private event venue.
Classic colonials and mid-century modern lakefront homes
Historic 19th-century colonial-style farmhouses are scattered along Main Road. Jerusalem Road features several preserved homes from the area’s Shaker village, established in 1792, that have been turned into private residences. Mid-20th-century ramblers, Cape Cods, and Colonial Revivals are scattered in between. Farther north, a network of tree-lined streets encircles the southern tip of Goose Pond. Hidden behind a canopy of towering pines and maples, mid-century modern and custom-built lakefront homes feature private docks and roomy yards. Home prices generally range from the high $300,000s to the mid-$900,000s, depending on size, age, location and acreage. "The taxes are also low, which is another draw," Rose says. New construction is rare, but several plots of buildable land are available, ranging from $90,000 for 2 acres to over $300,000 for nearly 60 acres.
Amenities and entertainment in surrounding towns
Tyringham has no commercial shopping district or restaurants. However, local homesteads like Woven Roots Farm offer fresh produce and flowers in town. For larger shopping hauls, residents typically travel to nearby Lee or Great Barrington for shops, restaurants and entertainment. Approximately 5 miles away, Lee features chain grocers, specialty markets, casual dining options and an outlet mall. Great Barrington offers additional amenities about 15 miles away. Stockbridge, 8 miles west, features a charming village center with local businesses and entertainment options, such as the world-renowned Norman Rockwell Museum, home to the famed artist’s original studio and the world’s largest collection of Rockwell-related art and memorabilia, and Tanglewood, a performing arts venue and summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Small town pride
Tyringham’s community pride is apparent through its active social clubs. The Hop Brook Community Club produces the annual newsletter, Tyringham Topics. The volunteer fire company draws residents to volunteer and offer support through its fundraising efforts. The fire company hosts a pancake breakfast every year on the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends, with proceeds going towards equipment.
Education in Lee Public Schools
Lee Public Schools, which earns an overall B rating from Niche, serves Tyringham students through a special tuition arrangement, which includes school bus service. Pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders may attend Lee Elementary School, which earns a C-plus. Seventh through twelfth graders may then attend B-rated Lee Middle/High School.
Rural commutes in Tyringham
Tyringham is a car-dependent community with no public transportation.. The Town of Lee is about 5 miles north via Main Road. Great Barrington's Fairview Hospital is about 15 miles west. Albany International Airport is about 60 miles west via Interstate 90, while other regional arteries include U.S. Route 20 and Route 7.
