UPDATE: The Southern Berkshire Hysterical Society has just announced the 10th Annual and FINAL Satirical Holiday House Tour, a beloved local tradition that has delighted residents for a decade. This year’s tour, featuring a series of whimsical and fictitious homes, aims to spread holiday cheer one last time.
Residents can now access a range of imaginative properties located in the Southern Berkshires. Although these homes are purely the product of creativity, they remain rooted in local geography. Presented virtually, the tour offers a light-hearted escape from holiday stress, a mission the Society has succeeded in over the years, as reflected in the enthusiastic feedback from the community.
This year’s tour features several unique locations, including the storied Stockbridge A-frame, recognized as the first A-frame cottage built in Massachusetts. According to architectural research, this quaint cottage has a fascinating backstory, having originally been designed as a V-frame before strong winds altered its fate. This property is a private residence, and visitors are reminded to respect the no-trespassing policy.
Another highlight is Handy Andy’s House, the last remnant of a once-thriving home improvement chain founded in 1971 in Chicago by Sherwood Forest. The business peaked at 72 stores but filed for bankruptcy in 1995. Now, Sherwood’s legacy lives on through his son Robin, who continues to serve the local community with parts and repairs.
The tour also features the historic Otis Elevator house, once owned by the innovative inventor Elisha Otis, who revolutionized building design with his passenger elevator. The house, located in the town of Otis, is a testament to the legacy of safety in architectural advancements. Tragically, after years of neglect, the original elevator crashed, pulling down part of the house during its last years.
Another fascinating entry is the Panoramic Picture Window house, which was recently demolished. This structure was home to the very first convex panoramic picture window in the U.S., installed in 1947. The historic window has since found a new home in the White House ballroom, showcasing the local contribution to American architecture.
The tour wraps up with a nod to Elias Van Shaack, a Dutch trapper whose lineage inspired the quirky term “ramshackle.” His great-great-great-grandson Vinnie Van Shaack’s abandoned home became a local legend, inspiring the famous song “Love Shack” by a nearby group of songwriters.
As the Southern Berkshire Hysterical Society concludes this cherished tradition, they hope to leave residents with a final array of smiles and laughter. This year’s tour is set to be a memorable farewell, celebrating a decade of creativity and community spirit.
For those interested in exploring previous tours, links to all past presentations are available online. Don’t miss out on this last chance to experience the joy and humor that the Southern Berkshire Hysterical Society has brought to the holidays!
