New vacation community to be built in Berkshires.

Visitors have long been drawn to the cultural opportunities, scenery and antique shopping available in the Berkshire Mountains of New York and Massachusetts. But since the late 1970's, virtually no new recreational homes have been developed to serve these visitors.

That is changing, however, as construction has begun on the first of the three phases of Long Lake, a 220-acre private recreational community in Ancrain, Columbia County, population 1,510. Long Lake is located in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, a two-hour drive up the Taconic Parkway from New York City, and about 20 minutes north of Millbrook, NY.

The new community is located at the culturally rich crossroads of four picturesque counties: Columbia and Dutchess counties in New York; Berkshire County in Massachusetts and Litchfield County in Connecticut. Cultural magnets like Tanglewood, Jacob's Pillow, the Berkshire Theater Festival and the Norman Rockwell Museum are nearby.

Developed by Samson Management, which purchased the land in 1987, the homes have been designed by architect Steven F. Haas of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, best known for the creation of multi-million dollar homes for well-known clients. Recognized for setting residences in beautiful natural surroundings, Haas is featured in Architectural Digest's "Guide to the World's Foremost Architects."

When complete, Long Lake will consist of 68 individual homes that range in size from 1,803 to 2,262 square feet. All will have three bedrooms, two and a half baths, fireplaces, full kitchens, dining rooms, an enclosed courtyard, and sitting or living rooms. Most homes will also have an oversized screened porch designed to function as livable, private outdoor space, as well as a separate garage. Prices start at $250,000.

The residences will be clustered in small group, designed to ensure privacy and preserve the 220 acres of beautiful land. Long Lake features 39 acres of lakes and ponds, with an additional 171 acres of wetlands, pine woods and meadows, which will remain undeveloped. On the property, residents will have access to hiking and nature trails; the Roeliff Jansen Kill, a major trout fishing stream which borders the southern edge of the property; a sandy beach; a lake-side boardwalk; a boat dock with its own gazebo; a bathhouse and arbor; and tennis courts.

"I wanted to create country homes for city residents that are designed to provide a complete and comfortable year-round living environment." said Haas. "To that end, each house has a variety of visually private spaces with a special emphasis on the wonderful views and the outdoors."

Construction on four model homes is nearing completion. A grand opening is scheduled for May 2nd, and occupancy is scheduled for September 1998. For information, call Nathan Zimmerman, Sales Director, at [phone].