| In 1954, Edna Y. Schwartz created a supportive and educational fine and
performing arts summer program for women at Belvoir Terrace. Belvoir continues to be a
family-operated business, now with Edna's daughter and grand-daughter as directors.
At Belvoir, emphasis is placed on individual development, program excellence, and camper
friendships. The opportunity for an individual program in art, dance, music, theater, and
sports is exciting and fun for motivated young women.
Belvoir Terrace is now hosting adult programs, and is available for weddings, corporate retreats and special events.
Belvoir Terrace was designed by Rotch & Tilden and built between 1888-1890 for Morris
K. Jesup, with landscaping by Frederick Law Olmstead. John Shepherd purchased the estate
in the early 1920's, making many renovations: the addition of two rooms, the enclosure
of the porch, and the installation of a slate roof. Like Mr. Jesup, Mr. Shepherd and his
family enjoyed summering at Belvoir. As a summer camp, Belvoir Terrace preserves the great
lawn, wooded paths, and imported trees, while restoring the mansion and carefully developing
new facilities.
In 2001, a study prepared by The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and The Berkshire Regional
Planning Commission stated, "Among the great estates, Belvoir Terrace is one of the best examples of an
estate that maintains a reasonable balance between active use and preservation. The balance is attributable
to the current owner's singular knowledge of building preservation standards, adherence to a maintenance
plan, and to the estate's successful re-use as a summer arts camp. The estate is itself an important
focal point on Cliffwood Street."
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