about
We believe the experience of running a Bed & Breakfast is more personal than transactional, and the foundation of that experience begins with building a relationship with our guests. With that in mind, here are a few details about our story that we wanted to share with you. We look forward to sharing more and learning about you during your stay with us.
about the innkeepers
In 1998, Terry met Terri. Six months later, he finally got up the nerve to take her on a date. During that first date, he asked her “What is your dream in life?”. She responded by saying “One day, I want to own a Bed & Breakfast”. Having never given that a thought but knowing he was already in love, he responded by saying “That’s my dream as well!”. Since that moment, Terry and Terri have prepared their entire lives to realize this dream. They married in 2000 and spent their honeymoon in Great Barrington where the dream became location specific. Since then, they have worked a combined 32 years with Danny Meyer’s award winning Union Square Hospitality Group. Terri spent over a decade as the lead Maitre D’ at Gramercy Tavern. Terry spent 22 years as a Director of Operations and Managing Partner, overseeing such celebrated restaurants as Union Square Cafe, Maialino, Marta, and Daily Provisions. Their greatest accomplishments came in 2006 and 2008 when they welcomed their daughters, Rosemary and Grace, into the world.
about the house
The house we now lovingly refer to as Granville House was originally built by “Captain” Isaac Laird Van Deusen VII in 1825. Captain Isaac, the third generation of Van Deusens in the region, made the first modern improvements to the area, including the erection of wool and cotton mills, as well as a store and tavern, employing many local townspeople. In recognition of his contributions and enterprises in the area, the village of Van Deusenville was named in his honor. The next proprietor of the home, John Henry Coffing (pictured above), was often described as one of the most significant and influential leaders in town business and government during the mid-1800’s. Among his many accomplishments, he helped build the Trinity Church (now the Guthrie Center) and was one of the delegates present at the 1860 National Convention in Chicago that nominated Abraham Lincoln as the Republican presidential candidate. As well, he designed and funded the beautiful Civil War memorial that currently stands in front of City Hall. Most recently, the Harwood family owned the home, operating it as a Bed & Breakfast (The Coffing-Bostwick House) in the 1980’s and 90’s. We are thrilled to take the baton from the Harwoods and provide the next chapter in the illustrious history of this special property.
about our name
In the 1946 Frank Capra classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, Bedford Falls legend has it that if you throw a rock and break a window in the old Granville House, your wishes will come true. George Bailey and Mary Hatch do just that, and the Granville House eventually becomes their beloved home. While there was no rock throwing at our Granville House, we truly feel like our wishes and dreams have come true!
about our philosophy
Four months into the pregnancy of our second child, we found out that our daughter Grace would be born with Down Syndrome. We had no idea at the time what an incredible gift this would be to our lives, as she provides unparalleled joy to those who experience her infectious smile. While raising a special needs child isn’t always easy, we have been fortunate to be the beneficiaries of an extremely supportive community surrounding us. We believe it is important to acknowledge that good fortune by giving back to that same community, and Granville House is committed to reinvesting a portion of our proceeds to various organizations that support the special needs community in the Berkshire region.