Our historic inn is located in Lee, Massachusetts, directly on Main Street, with easy access to all that the charming town has to offer. We are proudly family-owned and operated, and we thrive on treating you, our most valued guests, like one of the family. Welcome to your home in the Berkshires!
About Our Historic B&B in the Berkshires
Spacious, Beautifully Restored & Charming
About the Inn
A Berkshire landmark since inception, Chambery Inn offers impressive lodging in the Berkshires in that we offer the most spacious rooms in the area. At approximately 500 square feet each, with 13 foot ceilings, they are more than twice the size of any room in the Lee or Lenox area. The 8 foot windows, king canopy beds, and gas fireplaces are just some of the things to impress your significant other when you first open the door. Attention to detail is a Chambery staple and upon further inspection the largest smart tv’s, most spacious private bathrooms, and originally preserved 1885 details contribute to the elegance of your romantic night away. High quality linens, Alexa enabled alarm clocks, cruiser bikes, and the areas finest restaurants within a short walk are awaiting your leisurely stroll along wide uncongested sidewalks.
A Moving Story
The Chambery Inn is the result of a monumental preservation effort which began in the fall of 1988. Once a financial nemesis to a local parish, the building’s fate of demolition was imminent as reported in a Berkshire Eagle article entitled; “Old St. Mary’s School in Lee is Candidate for Wreckers Ball.” Constructed in 1885, as the Berkshires first parochial school, its usefulness to the parish ended in 1957 when a new school was built. Knowing of its certain demise, a Lee businessman agreed to relocate the 300-ton structure. It was moved one block to its present location at the corner of Main and Elm Streets in Lee. After months of pondering the best use for the imposing orphan, the idea of a European-styled country inn struck and the Chambery Inn was born.
Chambéry, France-(hence the Inn’s name)-is the native city of the teaching order of The Sisters of Saint Joseph. This small group of five nuns from the order, arrived at Lee’s train station (across from the Inn) in the summer of 1885 to teach six grades of young American students. Only two of the nuns could speak English at the time. Building of the school was made possible through the effort and generosity of Jane Sedgewick, of the politically and socially prominent Sedgewick Family of New York and Massachusetts, and a convert to the Catholic faith. Miss Sedgewick labored for many years to establish a parochial school without success. Only after an audience with Pope Leo XII in 1880, was permission granted. “This is the work of GOD daughter, and I say to you, persevere in spite of all obstacles” were his words and blessing to the persistent and courageous Sedgewick.
The Town That Stood Still
On May 23, 1989 the old St. Mary’s School rolled off its sturdy marble foundation to travel to a new resting place, one block North, at 199 Main Street. The small town of Lee, the quintessential “Hometown America” hamlet, nestled in the world-famous Berkshire Hills, literally stood still. The new St. Mary’s, built in 1957, released its classes to witness the event. Curiosity seekers, journalists, proud “Old S.M.S” Alumni, clergy, small town politicians, nay-sayers, well wishers, tree trimmers, utility pole movers and amateur photographers all played a part.
About the Innkeepers
After a couple years of stateside service to the Air Force, Bob found himself back in the Berkshires where he met Olia, who came to the area to study the language as an exchange student from Siberia, Russia. Their paths crossed at the Chambery where they both were doing a part time job at the time. The Great recession came in 2008 and presented an amazing opportunity to the then 23 year old couple to purchase the Chambery Inn in 2009. Then the adventure began…
For the natural born host, Olia, and adventurer at heart, Bob, Chambery Inn in the Beautiful Berkshires was a perfect fit where they host and meet people from all over the world.
Truly in love with the Berkshires and each other they are now running the Inn while raising 3 children and staying involved with the business community promoting the Berkshires and delivering excellent customer service to their guests and to all Berkshire visitors. If not, at the Inn you can find Bob at the Lee Chamber Booth keeping busy wrangling the minds of Lee Chamber of Commerce or flying his little Cesna around the Berkshire Hills. They truly enjoy so many spectacular places, hikes, lakes, glorious art centers and fine dining that the Berkshires has to offer and love to share them with you all!
Get Directions to Our Berkshire Bed & Breakfast
Where to Find Us
Chambery Inn is located at 199 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238. We offer plenty of free parking, and you can walk to several great restaurants and shops in town.