designer interiors elevate TOURISTS homes in massachusetts' berkshires

curated retreats open by TOURISTS Welcome

TOURISTS Homes in Massachusetts, marks the latest expansion of the hospitality group TOURISTS Welcome. Known for its innovative approach to lodging, the group has created a retreat that blends contemporary design with the natural beauty of the Berkshires. The homes, which officially opened in July 2024, are located at 1388 and 1392 Mass Ave. in North Adams.

Architect Hank Scollard and interior designer Julie Pearson led the design efforts for TOURISTS Homes. The spaces takes shape with modern architectural elements and carefully selected furniture pieces, lending their warm and inviting interiors. The spaces were designed with both functionality and relaxation in mind, providing guests with a serene environment that encourages connection to nature.

1392 Mass Ave. | images © Chris Mottalini

Thoughtfully Renovated homes

Materiality is vital in the design narrative of the TOURISTS Homes in Massachusetts. Working with the team at TOURISTS Welcome, interior designer Julie Pearson and architect Hank Scollard make use of locally-sourced white oak cladding. This material is chosen at once for its visual warmth along with the significance of its regional identity and environmental consciousness. The wood’s natural weathering will enable the buildings to further camouflage into their forested backdrop over time, embracing the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in impermanence. Inside, custom cylindrical sinks and Dornbracht fixtures reflect a close attention to craftsmanship, transforming everyday routines into moments of understated luxury.

Particular recognition is due to studio Reed Hilderbrand’s landscape architecture, which skillfully unifies the property’s varied elements. The 220-foot suspension footbridge, crafted by Gerhard Komenda, serves as both a bridge and a gateway — it turns the journey across the site into an experience of transition between built space and nature.

1388 Mass Ave.

A History of Hospitality arrives in massachusetts

The TOURISTS Welcome group has a history rooted in reimagining hospitality experiences. The group’s name pays homage to America’s first scenic byway, where roadside establishments once catered to travelers with signs simply reading ‘tourists.’ Since opening their first hotel in 2018, TOURISTS Welcome has received widespread acclaim, including recognition in the Michelin Guide.

The dynamic team behind TOURISTS Welcome includes Ben Svenson of Boston-based Broder, John Stirratt of Wilco, Nina Zacek Konsa (formerly of Bunkhouse and The Standard), Eric Kerns (formerly of MASS MoCA), and Scott Stedman (founder of Brooklyn’s The L Magazine). Together, the trio is dedicated to creating distinctive travel experiences that marry classic hospitality with contemporary sensibilities.

1392 Mass Ave.

The TOURISTS Homes complement the nearby TOURISTS Homes, a cluster of 19th-century houses in the Blackinton Historic District. These homes, originally built in 1860, have been thoughtfully renovated to reflect the team’s modern aesthetic. Each includes full kitchens, entertainment areas, and bedrooms, making them an ideal place for a comfortable and design-minded retreat.

Guests staying at the TOURISTS Homes can enjoy a variety of nature-focused activities. A 220-foot suspension footbridge connects the properties to a network of walking trails, meadow vistas, and forest clearings. The Art & Adventure program, curated seasonally, offers experiences such as Appalachian Trail hikes, snow-shoeing, open-air yoga, and foraging walks.

Music and art are integral to the TOURISTS experience. The Airport Rooms, a restored 1813 farmhouse, serves as a venue for riverside cocktails and culinary pop-ups. The team also hosts Sing For Your Slumber, a music series where touring musicians exchange performances for lodging. Since its inception, the series has welcomed over 150 performers, creating a vibrant community for both artists and guests.

1392 Mass Ave.