The Harmonious Home of Albert and Christina Cummings
By Benjamin Lerner
Photos by Gregory Cherin
On a beautiful hillside in Williamstown sits a stylish and striking structure dubbed “The House That Blues Built,” a fitting name that embodies the creativity and craftsmanship that went into this one-of-a-kind residence. With sweeping views of the Berkshire, Taconic, and Green mountains, the home serves as both a sanctuary and a showcase for its owners, Albert and Christina Cummings. It reflects the handiwork of their business, as well Albert’s impressive career as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. As a generational homebuilder in northern Berkshire County and a musician who has graced the stage with other musicians such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, and Sheryl Crow, Albert has built a remarkable reputation for himself in two separate fields. The same dedication, precision, and artistry that he brings to his building projects is equally applied to every note he plays.
To Albert and Christina, The House That Blues Built is more than a residence—it’s a masterpiece years in the making that celebrates a collective achievement. Every aspect integrates innovative materials and technologies, as well as striking design elements. It boasts 18 national sponsors, including DuPont, Owens Corning, Trane, Davinci Roofs, Clopay, Liftmaster, TruExterior, Trimtex, Fulgor Milano, among others. These companies and their products can be found on the home’s website (pbhouseofblues.com), which was created from a three-way promotional partnership between Albert and Christina, the sponsored companies, and Pro Builder, the official publication of the National Association of Home Builders. The products are integrated throughout the home, a blend of beauty and functionality. The result is a home that tells the story of a life shaped by hard work and artistic expression in all forms.
Building a Legacy
Albert and Christina are co-owners of Cummings General Contractor Inc. With Albert serving as the general contractor and Christina as project manager, they’ve built a broad portfolio of one-of-a-kind homes in the Berkshires. Sustainability is an important element in their approach, as well as working in a variety of architectural styles—from New England classic to sleek, modern design. Their portfolio includes the groundbreaking Class of 1966 Environmental Center at Williams College, one of the few buildings worldwide to meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge—a philosophy, advocacy tool, and certification program defining today's most advanced measure of sustainability in buildings. With its net-zero energy and water consumption, as well as its eco-friendly materials, the center sets a new benchmark for sustainable design.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Albert and Christina broke ground on The House That Blues Built in the spring of 2022. They approached every decision with care and intention, and aligned themselves with companies that they have trusted for years. “When we were designing our own home,” says Albert, “it made sense to incorporate what we know works—products that have proven themselves time and again in real-world conditions.”
The exterior sets the tone for home’s long-lasting appeal. An easy choice was TruExterior siding. “We’ve trusted TruExterior for years because it holds up to everything—from rain to snow to hail,” Albert says. Topped with DaVinci Roofscapes Province Slate tiles, the roof mirrors the elegance of traditional slate while offering superior durability and resistance to extreme weather.
The home’s design prioritizes the breathtaking surroundings. The great room, with high ceilings and large windows, looks out to panoramic mountain views. Guests can step directly from there onto the outdoor deck, which features a stone fireplace and a screened-in area for year-round enjoyment.
The interior is a blend of form and function. The open-concept main floor consists of the great room and kitchen, spaces that reflect the couple’s love for entertaining and family connection. Christina’s aesthetic influence is evident in the kitchen’s navy-blue Wood-Mode cabinets with warm walnut interiors, paired with appliances from the Fulgor Milano Sofia Professional Collection.
Albert Cummings takes five in his home’s “green room,” a nod to the backstage lounges Albert spent countless hours in while on tour. “Christina and I wanted the green room to have that same relaxed vibe—a place to unwind and reflect,” he explains. With the addition of the wet bar, the hangout room turns into a hub for both unwinding and celebrating—a place to feel at home and entertain in comfort. The cabinetry is by Wood-Mode and the appliances by Fulgor Milano. The outdoor deck with a fireplace and screens is the perfect retreat designed for both relaxation and connection—not only with people, but also with nature.
“The kitchen needed to be functional, beautiful, and timeless,” says Christina. The centerpiece is a 48-inch dual-fuel range, complemented by a luxe coffee maker and wine cooler in the kitchen, as well as a walk-in pantry. The cabinetry and custom shelving make everything easy to organize, says Christina. “The lighting in the drawers and cabinets also make it a joy to use,” she adds.
On the upper floor, the bedrooms reflect a sense of understated luxury. The primary suite includes a spa-inspired bathroom, complete with heated floors and elegant lighting fixtures and sconces. Waterproof Bruce LifeSeal flooring, chosen for its durability and clean aesthetic, is installed in high-traffic areas. “It’s beautiful, it’s tough, and it fits perfectly with the design of the house,” says Christina. Innovative utility systems, such as the SmartWatt Boiler and Trane HVAC system, embody the couple’s commitment to comfort and energy efficiency.
Roots, Rock, and Renovation
As a fourth-generation Berkshire homebuilder, Albert was immersed in the tools and trades of construction growing up, developing a deep reverence for the industry. His great-grandfather and grandfather, Albert Cummings and Albert Cummings, Jr., passed down the principle that a house is more than just a structure—it’s a place where people live out their lives. "Just like in music, where the rhythm section holds the song together, the foundation of a home sets the stage for everything on top of it,” says Cummings. “You build layer by layer—structure, systems, details—until it’s complete.”
Albert first started working on construction projects alongside his father, Albert Cummings III, as a teenager, gaining hands-on experience that instilled a lifelong appreciation for meticulous workmanship. After earning his degree in construction science from the Wentworth Institute of Technology, Albert incorporated Cummings General Contractor Inc. It was around that time when he met Christina, whose eye for detail and organizational expertise would later make her an indispensable partner both in life and business. Over the years, they’ve built a thriving homebuilding business and a beautiful family. Albert and Christina are proud parents and grandparents, and their legacy continues to grow—not just in the homes they’ve built across the region, but in the close-knit family that inspires and supports them every day. Today, their son, Carter, carries on the family tradition through his Cummings Excavation LLC.
As Albert’s interest in the family’s business started at a young age, his passion for music also was developing. At age 12, Albert learned to play the five-string banjo, and he spent his early teens immersed in bluegrass. He started learning guitar after graduating high school. “The first time I figured out how to sing and play at the same time was when I played James Taylor’s ‘Steamroller,’” he says. “I must’ve played it a hundred times at a party until my friends finally said, ‘Albert! Can you please play something else?’” His admiration for Taylor remains steadfast. “I’ve got so much respect for James. I have a lot of mutual friends who know him, but I haven’t had the privilege of meeting him yet. The Berkshires are a big place, but hopefully, I’ll cross paths with him and Yo-Yo Ma someday.”
In the late 1980s, Albert’s life and musical trajectory changed forever when he heard Stevie Ray Vaughan’s electrifying blues recordings. “It was like nothing I’d ever heard before,” he says. “The sound, the energy—it was transformative.” Then, Albert attended a Stevie Ray Vaughan concert at Rennselaer Polytechnical Institute (RPI) in 1987. “I’ll never forget it,” he says. “I was just blown away by the performance.”
Initially, Albert kept his guitar playing largely to himself, his close friends, and his jam partners. That all changed in 1997, when a friend asked him to perform at a wedding reception. “It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time,” shares Albert, “but it opened a door for me.” Soon after, Albert formed his first band, Swamp Yankee, and recorded The Long Way in 1999. That independent album led to his entry into the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, where his raw talent began to attract attention.
Another career-defining moment came when Albert had the opportunity to work with Stevie’s Double Trouble. “I never imagined that years after I first saw Stevie perform, that after he tragically passed away, I’d be playing with his band,” says Albert. He was introduced to Stevie’s bandmates, Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton, and returned to RPI’s stage performing with Double Trouble. “It felt surreal,” Albert recalls. “To stand on that stage, playing with the very musicians who had inspired me, was one of the most meaningful moments of my life.” The performance was followed by a recording session in Austin, Texas, where he laid down tracks with Tommy and Chris. The result was Albert’s 2003 album, From the Heart.
His musical career quickly accelerated. Signed to Blind Pig Records in 2004, Albert released his first album on the label, True to Yourself, and then Working Man in 2006. In 2008, he returned to his beloved Berkshires to record the live album Feels So Good at a sold-out performance at Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. “That night was unforgettable,” Albert says. “The crowd’s energy, the connection—it was everything I love about live music. Recording in my own backyard to an audience full of people who have supported me from the start made it even more special.”
Over the years, Albert has performed alongside many blues and rock legends. B.B. King gave him the greatest compliment that he’ll always remember. “After a show, he said, ‘You’ve got it, man,’” says Albert, whose albums have topped blues charts worldwide. “It was a real honor to work with Vince Gill on ‘Last Call’ on Ten,” shares Albert. “It was a ‘pinch me’ moment.”
He describes his latest release, Strong, which charted #1 on Billboard’s blues charts, as a culmination of the experiences and stories he’s gathered along the way.
Marking Milestones
Albert’s musical milestones are celebrated throughout The House That Blues Built. On the lower floor, his guitar room features a carefully curated collection of Fender Stratocasters. “Some were played on specific tours, others during recording sessions that marked turning points in my career,” he says. “Each one is part of the journey.”
Just beyond the guitar room is the “green room,” a nod to the backstage lounges Albert spent countless hours in while on tour. “Christina and I wanted the green room to have that same relaxed vibe—a place to unwind and reflect,” he explains. “It’s a spot where the hard work pays off, and you get to enjoy the moment.” The walls in the green room, as well as the neighboring halls near the guitar room, are adorned with memorabilia from his decades on the road—framed concert posters, tour jackets from his time with B.B. King and Buddy Guy, and photographs that capture the essence of Albert’s journey as a musician.
Just outside of the green room, a pool and fire pit offer a perfect spot for summer gatherings. “Whether I’m jamming with friends, enjoying time with family, or just sitting back and soaking in the view, it all comes together here,” says Albert. “This home tells our story. It’s where we can create new memories, share music with friends, and celebrate the life we’ve built.”
A Beautiful Partnership
While Albert brought an overarching homebuilding vision to The House That Blues Built, Christina’s contributions as the designer and project manager were essential to its success. Overseeing the day-to-day operations, she coordinated timelines, managed the logistics of materials and labor, and ensured that every detail aligned with their shared vision. Her role as Albert’s business partner mirrors the dynamic that she has experienced during their time on tour together. When Albert’s music career took off, she often joined him on the road, supporting him as he played stages across the world. “People think it’s glamorous, but there’s a lot of moving, late nights, and very little downtime,” says Christina. “You learn to be adaptable, to stay organized, and to keep things running smoothly, no matter what.”
Their time on tour gave Christina a unique perspective on the importance of balance—something she carried into the interior design of The House That Blues Built. “After living out of suitcases and hotel rooms, I knew how important it was to create a space that felt peaceful and rooted,” she explains. “Home is where you recharge, where you find stability. I wanted this house to reflect that, to be a place where we can slow down, enjoy time with our family, and feel connected to the things we love.”
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