When an inn credits the contemporary art museum across the street for its inspiration, you can’t help but expect a well-designed stay.  The Porches Inn, in North Adams, MA delivers on that expectation with “47 rooms of retro-edgy, industrial granny chic ambiance”, wrapped-up in the classic exterior of a renovated row of Victorian-style mill worker homes.

When the first stage of MASS MoCA was completed in 1999, and the ‘revitalization’ of North Adams had begun, it became apparent to the minds behind Porches that the town could use a great boutique place to stay; and where else to look for this location other than the row of “dilapidated but sturdily built” mill worker homes adjacent to the MoCA mill complex?  After what I can only imagine from the pictures and article clippings of the old homes, was a lengthy and complex renovation, Porches opened to provide visitors of North Adams with a delightfully comfortable place to relax after a day of gallery browsing and delicious dining. In fact, I would consider Porches itself to be worth the visit to North Adams, even without the town’s other attractions.  With an interesting blend of old and new in its decorative style, an endless variety or art and historical trinkets adorning the walls, and some spectacularly comfortable and spacious rooms and bathrooms (get a room with it’s own porch and clawfoot!), Porches has all of the makings of a full-service “destination stay”.  Did I mention the heated pool (hot-tub and pooldeck), short woodland trail, and outdoor fireplace gathering areas?  To top it all off, Porches even makes the “truly dog friendly” list with a water bowl waiting in your room and a personalized (with your pet’s name) welcome note, listing area pet services.

Next time we’re in the Berkshires, you can bet we’ll spend at least one night at The Porches.