For the latest news and pictures go to Project Update

Whitcomb Summit Condominium

COMPLETE RENOVATION OF THE HISTORIC WHITCOMB SUMMIT: The historic Whitcomb Summit Motel/Cabins and Café is ready for its better days.  A wonderful financing concept is in place to totally upgrade and renovate all of the facilities, and to once again have the restaurant be a place for residents and visitors alike, to enjoy .

CAROL AND ED DRUMMOND, the owners of the Summit, are pleased to announce the revitalization of the entire facility into the new Whitcomb Summit Resort.  In addition to the new resort -including swimming pool and spa, a full range of outdoor activities including nature hikes, horseback riding, and use of winter trails - we will transform the restaurant into a moderately priced tavern serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a special selection of wines and beers.

FIRST CONDOMINIUM MOTEL IN THE BERKSHIRES:  Best of all, as a way to finance this transformation and preservation, as well as to maintain everything for years to come, the motel rooms and cabins are being offered to individual users and investors as the first condominium-motel in the region.  In a similar way that Marriott manages but does not own most of their properties, this form of financing has worked well in motels and hotels from Florida to New York City, but this offering is the first in the Berkshires. 

This is not a time-share.  This is full ownership of the units, where owners can enjoy all the facilities.  When the units are not in personal use, the expert management will rent out their units.  The expected income from these rentals will not only pay expenses, but might also give an attractive return/income.

MOTEL UNITS STARTING AT ONLY $54,995; CABINS STARTING AT $119,995.  Starting at only $54,995 for the spacious motel rooms and $119,995 for one or 2 bedroom cabins, we expect to sell the units quickly because it’s almost inconceivable that comparable accommodations can be purchased anywhere in the Berkshires.

Whitcomb Summit has the most amazing views in the entire Berkshires.  People come to the Berkshires to enjoy nature and to escape the cities.  Most Berkshire inns and motels are located in busier areas.  The Whitcomb Summit Resort offers the best of both worlds - incredible views and nature, while just 7 minutes away from culture.

The Entire Summit is Getting a Facelift

from Our New Logo to Our New Modern Condominiums

Come and Be Part of Our Exciting Expansion!

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?  A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO OWN YOUR OWN CONDOMINIUM RETREAT IN THE BEAUTIFUL BERKSHIRES OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS, AND NOT PAY A DIME! 

ALL NEW WHITCOMB SUMMIT RESORT

CONDOMINIUM MOTEL AND CABINS

LOCATED ON THE MOHAWK TRAIL

AMAZING VIEWS!

TAVERN  ON PREMISES!

STARTING AT ONLY $54,995!  

Enjoy your own New England condominium retreat in the Berkshires, with the best views for miles!  The best part?  We will rent out your condo when you are not using it and if all goes as expected, you won’t have to pay a dime!  The rooms and individual cabins of the all new/expanded Whitcomb Summit Resort (www.WhitcombSummit.com) will become part of the resort’s rentals. Our staff will maintain your condominium room or cabin, and then you will receive the net income. 

You will own a carefree weekend/summer/all-season escape, with restaurant and entertainment facilities on premises.  We will serve reasonably priced breakfast, lunch and dinners, with a selection of interesting and affordable wines and a fine variety of beers.

When you are here, you will get to enjoy all the attractions and benefits - just like a paying guest- including daily maid service, free swimming pool, free nature hikes/trails, free nearby tennis, plus access to Berkshire offerings - horseback riding, rafting, golf and golf lessons, theater, and many more fun things to do.

For a fraction of the price of other condominiums, the Whitcomb Summit Condominium Resort offers you the best of the Berkshires and country living. 

AND there’s more!  We are only 7 minutes from the hot town of North Adams - lots of restaurants and movie screens and the world-renowned Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art – the largest exhibition and performance arts center in the country.  A few minutes farther is the Clark Art Institute, Williams College Museum of Art, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Williamstown Film Festival and lots more.  And we haven’t even begun to tell you all about the great outdoor recreational and cultural attractions of the Berkshires.

Northern Berkshire is the place to buy; between North Adams and Williamstown with two colleges, several museums and festivals, there’s something to do all-year long.  And the Berkshires offers you active summers of outside activities, incredible colorful fall foliage, and don’t forget the stunning winter wonderland scene- offering you nearby downhill skiing, as well as cross country ski and snow mobile trails right to your door.   Not to mention ending the day with warm romantic dinners.

Just 2 1/2 hours away from Boston and 3 hours from New York City.

Whether for your own personal use, for your friends, family or associates, come visit and see for yourself.  These bargain prices won’t last.  Enjoy appreciating values and reserve now; we expect prices to increase when all the renovations are completed.  Starting at just $54,995 for the spacious motel rooms ($69,995 for our larger 377 square foot rooms to $89,995 for our suites), half with spacious decks, half with wonderful balconies and all with spectacular vistas.

Or you could choose your own charming New England cabin with one bedroom plus pull out couch for additional guests with your own private porch at $119,995.

These units can be reserved now (but prices subject to change in the coming months).   Standard financing available, and condo fees are low. 

If we achieve the projected modest occupancy rates, your income will cover your mortgage and condo fees.    Best of all, you can use your own place for up to 30 days at a time and not lose any of the projected income.

This is not a time-share; this is full condominium ownership of a unit in a wonderful resort, right in the best part of the Berkshires.  Use your condo, but allow us to include it in our rentals of the motel and cabin resort, and you will receive the net income from the rentals.  Any time you want to use it, just let us know prior to any rental (usually one to three days ahead) and we will reserve it for your private use.

Why pay a lot for a second-home, and then have all the headaches of maintenance?  Enjoy your carefree condominium unit or cabin any time, with all the accompanying facilities, but let us worry about maintaining it. 

Why do we expect to be so successful? 

First of all, as a condominium for sale, no one can compete with our prices.  If you can find anything decent in the Berkshires for under $250,000, grab it.  Under $150,000, forget it – it’s probably falling apart.  We are doing an entire upgrade of all interior and exterior facilities – you will be getting the best. 

Even with this investment, our condominium rooms and cabins are the most affordable in the Berkshires!  Why?  Partly because these are not large apartments or homes; they are smaller units but within a large complex with lots to activities to enjoy.  Why own more than you can possibly use?  And our prices are low partly because most condominiums charge condo fees to maintain facilities, but few can rent out like we can.  This is the key.

We are a motel and cabin resort first, and a condominium second.  By renting out and running the Whitcomb Summit Resort – Motel & Cabins  we generate income that is returned to you!  (In some ways, we are similar to the national hotel chain Marriott; they only manage most of their properties; investors actually own the real estate.)  In this case, individual condo unit owners will own the resort property; the resort management will simply run the Whitcomb Summit Resort and return income, after operational expenses, to the owners.)

Second, we will successfully operate the resort and rent out the units.  Why?  Because our experienced team knows the business.  Plus, we are large enough; with additional cabins being offered, we will have 50 units in total - 18 large motel rooms and over 32 individual cabins all on our 18.5 acres, assuring sufficient units for the maintenance of all the recreational facilities, and allowing maximum high-season occupancy.

In addition, the all-new and expanded Whitcomb Summit Resort (which has operated since 1914) features spacious rooms with incredible views or charming private one-bedroom cabins with porches, at prices well below almost all motels in the area – plus we offer for guests a free swimming pool and spa,  and a host of other recreational activities.  All this in one of the most beautiful spots in all of the Berkshires, located on the famous Mohawk Trail (Route 2 from Boston), a main entrance into the Berkshires, and yet only 7 minutes from North Adams and a host of world acclaimed art/theater/film attractions. 

We offer what you, like most visitors to the Berkshires, want to see and do.  The best of the country and culture.  Fun for the entire family, or for a romantic get-away.   Give away stays to family, friends or business associates.   Can you think of anything else you would want from a weekend retreat or summer second-home?  Enjoy nature; our ideal spot is a place to sit back and gaze at the mountains or the stars.  In fact, we have probably the most amazing views in all of the Berkshires.  The all-new Whitcomb Summit Resort is the place for you!

Come join us in the beautiful Berkshires, a great escape from the city.  How?  Just call Carolina or Ed at (413) 662-2625 or email WhitcombSummit@gmail.com

Check our web site:  www.WhitcombSummit.com.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Question:  Why a condominium motel resort?

WSR:  It’s a win-win solution for everyone.  We are doing what Marriott does – have investors own the real estate.  Most motels and resorts have lots of debt and operational expenses. Whitcomb Summit has been in operation since 1914, with a great reputation, but we need to update.  Although the main motel building is relatively young (it was built in the 1970s), while structurally sound, the facilities need redecorating and the extensive grounds need a complete overhaul.  Plus we have lots of acreage for a reasonable expansion.  This work would add to the debt.  Rather than pile this up on the present owners, we decided to have the best of both worlds.  Because individual users and/or investors will purchase the units, a large percentage of this investment can go to the upgrade.  With the condo fees, paid by the owners for maintenance, the stress of weekly cash flow will be relieved, and more effort can go into the motel operation or marketing.  Overall, we think this is a formula for success.

Question:  So why rent out at all?  Why not just manage it for the individual owners.

WSR:  Good question.  Most condominium complexes sell units to owners, and collect condo fees to maintain the property.  We could have done the same.  But we have a real advantage, in that the Whitcomb Summit has a name and has been in continuous operation since 1914.  Many people who own condominium units in resorts or complexes do want to rent out their units when they are not using them.  Often management tries to help and they also ask the owners to market their own units –but it’s always a mixed bag. By contrast, having a real motel/cabin operation, we do all the work for you and we can get results.

Now in theory, we could open for business as a motel/cabin resort, and if not one single person rented a room, we would be in the same position as all other condominium resorts.   That’s the advantage of not having the stress.  But assuming a normal occupancy rate with very competitive rental rates, it’s possible that owners will get every cent back, plus some profit.

Question:  If I use my unit, will I lose the income?

WSR:  Not likely, unless you use your unit most of the year.  Most motels and resorts have an occupancy rate, which never averages 100%; in many cases, the annual average rate might be 40% - this represents the number of nights a room is rented over an entire year.  Obviously, summer occupancy rates will be higher (as well as the price of the room) while winter rates are much lower.  Compared to other motels in the area, we feel we are safe with using a 40% rate.  For the summer season, let’s assume the rate is 70%.  So if you use your unit during the entire month of June, for example, that leaves July and August to rent out.  So June only represents 1/3 of that three-month period, which is about what the normal vacancy rate is (of course, we also need to break it down with weekends vs weekdays).  So to answer your question generally, even if you use the unit a lot, it probably won’t lower your net return or profit.

Keep in mind that we are a commercial condominium resort and as such the owners of the units are allow to use their units 30 days consecutively. 

Question:  Is there an advantage of owning a motel unit rather than a cabin?

WSR:  The rooms are less expensive.  Most visitors tend to want the cabins because they are more fun, more individual.  The cabins are more expensive because in a sense, each one is a complete little house.  However, the expenses associated with maintaining them are not that different than a motel room. The condo fees are about the same.  So although we charge more for renting them, owners of cabins get more of a return, giving them additional income to offset the higher purchase price. Financed, that higher price only increases the monthly expense to the owner by about $250.  So if you enjoy owning a cabin, go ahead.   The major advantage of purchasing the motel rooms is simply that they are less expensive.  Where else can you own your own condo for under $55,000?

Question:  Why do people choose to stay at the Whitcomb Summit rather than other motels and inns just a few minutes away in town?

WSR:  People come to the Berkshires to get away from the city and to enjoy country air.  In fact, according to a recent study commissioned by the Berkshire Visitors Bureau, despite the many cultural attractions in the area, the number one reason that people visited the Berkshires was to get out of the city and into the country.  So if you are coming to the country, why stay in-town?  Save in-town hotel rooms for your visits to metropolitan cities.   That’s what makes a condo motel room or cabin at the famous Whitcomb Summit Resort so special – you are closer to nature - you can watch the stars at night and enjoy the sensational vistas of pure countryside. 

Question:  Will I be assured that you will complete all the work you are scheduled to do?

WSR:  We want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable that if they buy units in the new Whitcomb Summit Resort, the repairs and upgrades we promise you will be carried out.   Therefore, funds from early condo sales will go into a special escrow account set up by the legal firm for that purpose.  We also want to assure you that we will put in an extra effort to continue to operate the motel/cabin resort professionally in order to maximize rentals.   We urge you to talk to us and to review our history.  Remember, the management team won’t make money if you don’t make money.

Question:  And what if your numbers are off one-year?

WSR:  As we said above, you will own your personal condo in the expanded Whitcomb Summit Resort.  Collectively, about 50 owners will pay reasonable condo fees that will maintain the resort in a tip-top manner.  That’s the basis.  Now on top of that, and with income from the rentals, a management team will be in place to continue to run a first-class motel/cabin resort on a year-round basis (obviously, the operation will slow down during the winter season although people still come to enjoy winter activities of skiing, snowmobiling and enjoying the country views), to manage a first-rate restaurant on the existing site, and to oversee the various recreational features of the complex.  So with this extra effort, some which will come out of the income from the rentals, owners may get a percentage or their entire investment and condo fees returned and, if all goes as planned, a reasonable profit in addition.  Like any investment, profits can vary – but as marketing builds up, we anticipate future income and profits will go up.

Question:  Can I redecorate my room and still rent it?

WSR:  Yes, but if the rooms vary significantly from what they are when we complete our refurbishing and upgrades, we will put them into a separate category with custom prices, and people can choose to rent them or not.  You might increase your chances or decrease them.

Question:  How will my room be chosen for a rental, rather than another unit?

WSR:  All units will be put into a pool so even if your unit is not occupied, you will still share the income.

Question:  So if I purchase the smallest room, is there a disadvantage?

WSR:  Most motels tend to utilize their rooms to best advantage.  Sometimes there are slight variations of prices depending on size and features and how busy it is.  We have a few slightly smaller rooms.  These are often given to single guests rather than couples.  Older people who do not want climb stairs to the second floor are given first floor units.  

Question:  I like everything I’ve heard and I love the Berkshires, so why does it sound too cheap?

WSR:  The people behind the new resort upgrade have a basic philosophy – don’t be greedy.  This is really a win-win all around.  The resort gets a substantial upgrade and all repairs get done at once, all without having to increase debt, and the management is able to offer a much-improved product to their customers.  We have lots of units, which make the resort attractive.  We’d rather sell them quickly, and concentrate on the overall operation, than to sell a few, and to take longer for a few extra dollars.  In summary, the numbers work for us.  Is it bad of us to offer your own place starting at $54,995?

These prices are for early-bird purchasers!  We have structured the project to give them a substantial discount for getting in early.  After the first group of buyers and after work has gotten underway, we anticipate prices increasing 10% to 20%. 

Question:  I hate time-shares.  Is this something like that?

WSR:  We hate time-shares.  This is nothing like that.  Time-shares are not real estate investments.  You are paying in advance to use a vacation room, in either one place or within a group of places because you can exchange rights.  Please don’t bring up that name with us.  This is full ownership.  You can use it for your personal use and also rent it out.  It’s yours.  And it’s yours to sell - just like any real estate property - for a profit.

Question:  Can I finance my unit with mortgage?

WSR:   You should qualify for a standard mortgage unless your bank has a specific limitation on condominium motel/resort units.  That depends on the bank.  Otherwise, most standard mortgages apply.  Some people can just finance it with a home equity loan. Plus local banks are offering financing at very low rates. Call us, we can help.

Question:  I’m interested.  What’s the next step?

WSR:  Choose the unit you want and sign a reservation agreement.  We are not going to sell you a unit until we have a minimum number of units to sell at once.  (Obviously, it wouldn’t make sense to sell one or two units and then not the rest, and you wouldn’t want that as well.  You need to be assured that the entire operation will work and that it is smoothly transitioned into a condominium format- so that means that we will wait until we have a minimum amount of reservations, which will all settle at once.  We will hold any deposit in an escrow account, and only lock it in if we are ready to settle.  Once we settle, you own the unit- lock, stock and barrel as they say, but we are there to help you and rent it.  Just call Carolina or Ed at (413) 662-2625. Check our web site:  www.WhitcombSummit.com.

LIST OF UNITS FOR RESERVATIONS; SIZES, CONDITION AND PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  EXACT DETAILS WILL BE LISTED ON PURCHASE CONTRACTS.

MOTEL UNITS

 Note:  A one time $2,500 furnishing fee will apply to the prices below.

UNIT 1  $89,995 

End Unit Suite, First Floor, 533 Square Feet, Two Bedrooms with Two Queen and Two Single Beds, bathroom. 

UNIT 2  $69,995 

First Floor,  364 Square Feet, Two Queen Beds, bathroom.

UNIT 3  $69,995 

First Floor, 364 Square Feet, Two Queen Beds, bathroom.

UNIT 4  $69,995 

First Floor, 359 Square Feet, King Bed, bathroom.

UNIT 5  $69,995 

First Floor, 357 Square Feet, King Bed, bathroom.

UNIT 6  $54,995 

First Floor, 258 Square Feet, Queen size bed, bathroom.

UNIT 7  $54,995 

First Floor, 258 Square Feet, Queen Size  Bed, bathroom.

UNIT 8  $54,995 

First Floor, 270 Square Feet, Queen size bed, bathroom.

UNIT 9  $59,995 

First Floor, End Unit, 266 Square Feet, Queen size bed, bathroom.

UNIT 11  $89,995  (RESERVED)

End Unit Suite, Second Floor, 546 Square Feet, Two Bedrooms with Two Queen and Two Single Beds, bathroom.

UNIT 12  $69,995 

Second Floor, 377 Square Feet, Two Queen Beds, bathroom.

UNIT 13  $69,995 

Second Floor, 376 Square Feet, Two Queen Beds, bathroom.

UNIT 14  $69,995 

Second Floor, 371 Square Feet, King Bed, bathroom.

UNIT 15  $69,995  (RESERVED)

Second Floor, 369 Square Feet, King Bed, bathroom.

UNIT 16  $54,995  (RESERVED)

Second Floor, 266 Square Feet, bathroom, Queen size bed.

UNIT 17  $54,995  (RESERVED)

Second Floor, 268 Square Feet, Queen size bed, bathroom.

UNIT 18  $54,995 (RESERVED)

Second Floor, 275 Square Feet, bathroom, Queen size Bed.

UNIT 19 $59,995 (RESERVED)

Second Floor, End Unit, 289 Square Feet, bathroom, One Queen size Bed, extra closet.

CABINS

(North Side)

CABIN 1  $119,995,  Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen bed.

CABIN 2  $1199,995,  450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed

CABIN 3  $119,995, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed

CABIN 4 $119,995, Approx 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed.

(South Side)

CABIN 5  $119,995, New Construction, ADA Accessible, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed

CABIN 6  $119,995, New Construction, ADA Accessible, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed

CABIN 7  $119,995, New Construction, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed

CABIN 8  $119,995, New Construction, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed

CABIN 9  $119,995, New Construction, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed

CABIN 10  $119,995, New Construction, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed

CABIN 11  $119,995, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed (RESERVED)

CABIN 12  $119,995, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed  (RESERVED)

CABIN 13  $119,995, Historic Restored, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed (RESERVED)

CABIN 14 $119,995,  450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, One Bedroom with Queen Bed, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed (RESERVED)

CABIN 15 $119,995,  Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed. (RESERVED)

CABIN 16 $119,995,  Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances, Queen Bed. (RESERVED)

Cabins 17 – 34  $119,995, New Cabin in Woods, Approx. 450 Square Feet, Kitchenette, One Bedroom with Queen size Bed, Bathroom, Porch, Two Entrances.

Prices and locations of future cabins subject to change.  

PLEASE CALL US AT (413) 662-2625 FOR CURRENT INFORMATION ON UNITS AVAILABLE

Ammenities

Secluded 20 x 40 outdoor swimming pool for those warm summer days.

BBQ Grills  -  Fire pits  -  High speed internet  -  Satellite TV -  Picnic Tables  -   Telescope & Binoculars  -  Canoes, Kayaks & Tubes  -  Bicycles  -  Horseback riding -  Trail tours with guide  -  Fly Fishing guided tours

Tavern on Premises!

Moderately priced breakfast, lunch and dinner with a great selection of wine and beer

Whitcomb Summit Resort

Whitcomb Summit is a jewel, one of a kind place featured in the Reader's Digest as one of the most scenic places in North America.

Completely Renovated Historical Cottages

View of the Mountains Below

Elk Memorial  Historical war memorial monument.