Shaker showplace

The simple but majestic Round Barn at Hancock Shaker Village in the Berkshire hills outside of Pittsfield is the signature structure of this community of 20 restored buildings. The stone barn, constructed in 1826, is simple, efficient, and handsome - in essence a doughnut-shaped house for cows. Inside, dairy functions are organized in a series of concentric circles. Cattle, in a ring of stanchions, feed from a circular hay buffet.

Hancock Shaker Village Location: Junction Routes 20 and 41, Pittsfield. Phone: 413-443-0188. Website: www.hancockshakervillage.org. Simple gifts: Hancock Shaker Village hosts the Americana Artisans Crafts Show, featuring 100 artisans from across the nation. The eclectic mix of crafts include metalware, woodenware, furniture, ceramics, folk art. July 10-11, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $5, 10-day village admission $16. Get directions

The barn is massive - 270 feet in circumference, with walls more than 3 feet thick in places, and masts and rafters 53 feet in length - yet beautifully proportioned. An ell was added in 1930 to comply with state regulations that require cement floors for all commercial dairies. Cows are milked here now, their contributions turned into cheese and butter in the 1795 Sisters' Dairy and Weave Shop.

The village, a living history museum, is set on 1,200 acres of woodland, field, and meadow. In addition to the fully operational historic farm, Hancock features thousands of objects ranging from Shaker furniture to baskets and eloquent drawings such as Hannah Cohoon's beloved "The Tree of Life."

Published in the Boston Globe Calendar's 1999 Wandering New England issue.