2006: Current owners Bernard and Jennifer English purchased the inn, enriching it with a wealth of collective experience in the hospitality industry. Bernie began his career in the hospitality industry in 1973 at the world renowned Blantyre Castle in Lenox, MA. Over the course of the next 33 years, Bernie has had extensive experience working on a wide variety of hotel and restaurant projects throughout the United States. Boasting expertise in marketing, hotel operations and real estate acquisition, Bernie has overseen the management of well-known properties such as The Rittenhouse Hotel (Philadelphia PA), and The Brown Palace Hotel (Denver, CO), both AAA Five Diamond Award Winners. Recently, he played an integral role in the development of the Hotel George (Washington, DC), Hotel Derek (Houston, TX), and the Westin Governor Morris Hotel (Morristown, NJ). Bernie’s career has taken him to all corners of the country, from Orlando to Anchorage, San Diego to Chicago, Philadelphia to Denver, and everywhere in between. His assignments have also allowed him to work with a wide range of hotel types, including hip boutique properties, large convention hotels, and major brands such as Starwood, Marriott, Hilton and Luxury Hotels of the World. He has also directed the management teams of golf and skiing resorts in Scottsdale and Vail. As a result of Bernie’s diverse background, he has gained a unique perspective on customer expectations and desires. This knowledge forms the basis of the guest-oriented philosophy that he and his wife Jennifer have implemented at the Jackson House Inn and Restaurant. Bernie’s experience within the restaurant industry further complements the highly-regarded Jackson House Restaurant – one of the finest AAA Four Diamond Restaurants in New England. Having worked with top restaurant developers such as Jeff Bubin, Rick Wahlsted, and CB5, Bernie has a well-developed perspective on what it takes to run a successful dining establishment. In recent years, he has helped develop Bis at the Hotel George, Copeland in the Westin Governor Morris, and Bistro Moderne at the Hotel Derek. Now at the Jackson House, Bernie works closely with Chef Jason Merrill and restaurant manager Brooke Ask, and emphasizes the use of fresh, local, organic ingredients, as well as constant culinary innovation. As a new innkeeper, Bernie enjoys the many opportunities for direct guest contact, an element of the hospitality industry he missed while serving in his past corporate positions. Discussing politics is one of his favorite pastimes, and he enjoys a well argued point of view even when he doesn’t agree with it. Bernie also has a great affection for reading, and has made his book collection readily accessible to guests via the Jackson House library. All guests are encouraged to borrow books begun during their visits to the inn. Bernie suggests that “If you don’t finish the book, take it home and return it when you are done,” reflecting his philosophy that there is no greater gift than giving someone the opportunity to learn through reading. A big sports fan, Bernie’s team loyalties are an odd mix, and include a love of the Red Sox, New York Giants, Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Celtics. His support of the USC Trojans dates back to his college days in Vermont, a story that he is happy to share with anyone who will listen. Bernie also ensures that broadcasts of the Tour de France, World Cup Soccer, and Grand Slam Tennis are made available to guests – along with his personal opinions about each event, of course. Bernie and Jennifer encourage guests to enjoy the relaxed, casual atmosphere of The Jackson House Inn, where every guest is valued and every service personalized. Jennifer has spent many years within the hospitality industry, largely focusing on travel and customer service. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Jennifer began her career at Blantyre Castle in Lenox, MA, where she worked as the Reservation & Front Desk Manager. This is also where she met Bernie, her husband and now fellow innkeeper. Upon moving to Colorado, Jennifer served as Assistant Manager of High Country Travel in Dillon and Breckenridge, CO, as well as the Manager of Ticket to Travel in Colorado Springs. She also worked as a travel school instructor for the United Airlines Apollo Reservation system. After taking time to raise her daughters, Ashley and Brittany, Jennifer returned to the travel industry, and recently helped develop promotional materials for group sales at Travel Advantage. Before leaving New Jersey to buy the Jackson House Inn & Restaurant, Jennifer was also a Certified Lender for Commerce Bank. She loves to read (when she has time), knit, and garden, the last of which keeps her very busy now that she has 3.5 acres to look after! |
