Fire destroys historic Carriage House

LENOX, Mass. (WWLP) - The State Fire Marshal will be in Lenox on Thursday to try to help figure out what caused the historic Carriage House at the Cranwell Resort, Spa, and Golf Club to burn down. Fire destroyed the Lenox landmark, which was one of Berkshire County's oldest buildings.

Pittsfield Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski told 22News that the fire started some time around 2:00 Wednesday afternoon. Fire departments from 10 other area cities and towns were called-in to help put it out.

The Carriage House was built in the late 1890's, and contains 18 guest rooms, but according to Chief Czerwinski, no one was hurt in the fire. Firefighters worked through the night to put the fire out. Firefighters had to use caution, as the roof and walls collapsed.

"It's so sad. There's so much history; beautiful building. But we're thankful on one got hurt, either staff or guests," Cranwell General Manager Lew Kiesler said. Kiesler told 22News that he believes the fire started in the building's attic, and Great Barrington Deputy Fire Chief Ed McCormick confirmed that.

No other buildings on the resort grounds were damaged in the fire.

While no one was staying in the 18-room Carriage House at the time of the fire, Kiesler told 22News that it was "pretty much booked" through New Year's day.