Northfield Chateau

The Northfield Chateau

Interior

The Northfield Chateau, also variously known as Chalet Schell and Birnam House, was a large mansion on Birnham Road in Northfield, Massachusetts. It no longer exists.

The chateau was designed by noted architect Bruce Price (of the Château Frontenac) for Francis Robert Schell, a New York capitalist attracted by his interest in Dwight Lyman Moody's work at the nearby Northfield Seminary and Mount Hermon School. It was completed in 1903 on grounds of 125 acres (0.51 km²).

The building was loosely patterned upon a French chateau but fanciful in style, with 99 rooms in a compact, three-story structure ornamented with prominent turrets. However it was not to Mrs. Schell's taste, and the Schells evidently never lived in it. After Schell's death, the mansion fell into disrepair and was eventually given to the Northfield Hotel Company. It was never practical for hotel use and in the end was demolished in 1963.

Until that time, it was also used by two schools, Northfield Seminary and The Mount Hermon School for Boys as the location of their prom. That is why the prom at Northfield Mount Hermon School to this day is called The Chat.

Monroe and Isabel Smith, and started one of America's first youth hostels in the chateau's basement.

The Tinney Family of Belcourt Castle rescued many pieces from the chateau before its destruction, notably the mirrors which now are in their banquet hall.

References

• Northfield Mount Hermon School history
• Northfield Mount Hermon School photographs
• Historic American Buildings Survey
• Eric-Goldscheider.com