Photos: Courtesy Company
Story by Joseph Alexiou
Not everyone is a tan-crazy beach queen, knocking back daiquiris to thumping house music in order to enjoy a 'relaxing' vacation. Some like to breathe clean air, stretch out near a fragrant garden with a good book, and perhaps go for some light antiquing after a fresh country breakfast. Jeffery Lord is trying to make this happen in his new bed and breakfast in Monson, MA.
Lord, a former long-time manager at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, recently opened the idyllic of Lord Manor B&B with his partner Edward Maia. A 5,000 square-foot country mansion set on five acres of manicured grounds, the bed and breakfast features four beautifully furnished bedrooms along with a library, sunroom, and dining room for guest use. The grounds include several gardens, a 60-foot swimming pool, and even some elements of a New England farm: working chicken coops and beehives ensure a freshly prepared country breakfast every morning. For an invigorating New England vacation without forgoing gay life altogether, Lord Manor allows you to be yourself without the bikini wax.
One main attraction of Monson is the nearby Brimfield Antiques Market, which takes place three times a year in May, July, and September. With over 5,000 antique dealers, Brimfield is considered one of the largest open-air antique markets in the country. Lord Manor is a 25-minute drive from Northhampton, and about 75 minutes to Boston.
According to Lord, Monson is “the quintessential essence of a small New England” while still being gay friendly: “Last year my partner Ed and I were the judges in the 4th of July Parade,” he points out.
