Vacation Rentals by Owner

Excellent Family Getaway!!!

Guest: Michelle (Berkley MA)
Date of Stay: 05/18/12 Review Submitted: 05/22/12

We rented the house for a family wedding....much more affordable than everyone renting a room at a bed and breakfast or hotel and SO MUCH MORE FUN! Not to mention we got to enjoy the whole weekend rather than just a one night stay. The pond is beautiful and so peaceful! The kayaks and paddleboat were a blast! The house itself is lovely and very roomy with all the comforts of home. We had an excellent time without a single complaint :)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Exquisite Peaceful Nature Retreat

Guest: Primgirl (The Hudson Valley, NY)
Date of Stay: 05/12/12 Review Submitted: 05/17/12

We have rented vacation homes throughout the country over the past 25 years and this is one of our favorites. Even our dog loved it. The house was everything we had hoped and more. From the lovely wine that greeted us(LOVE Mead, BTW) to our peaceful evenings by the lake, the entire stay allowed us to read, reflect, and recharge our batteries. Every amenity was provided and then some. Special thanks to Paul who ensured that we were truly well cared for and all the important little details were well tended to. We cannot wait to come back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

FANTASTIC Vacation Home!!!

Guest: Kwazi (Easthampton, MA)
Date of Stay: 04/15/12 Review Submitted: 04/21/12

We had an AMAZING time at the Rockwood Pond home! It was incredible, high 80's in mid-April, swimming, kayaking, hot tubbing, table tennis, beautiful house and lakefront, Paul & Anne were responsive to any questions, they even left us a bottle of mead upon our arrival! The house has everything you need, just look around and you'll find it. Everything is meticulously labeled, explaining what switch controlloed what light, etc.. Can't wait to go back, one of my favorite vacations ever, thanks Paul & Anne!!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect

Guest: Masoud Z. (Boston, Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/02/12

It was perfect. We were there for a night, but we decide to come back for longer time. It was the best place I have rented.

Recommended for:

Amazing....

Guest: Carlo (Cambridge, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/26/12 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

My wife, son, and I stayed for two nights at the Fitzwilliam property and found it to be more than we had hoped for. The hot tub, large deck, dock, and boats were utilized often and were in better shape than anticipated. I would highly recommend a small group or large party to book this lakefront destination...its awesome!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Couldn't be better!

Guest: Kayak lover (MA)
Date of Stay: 03/19/12 Review Submitted: 03/31/12

Your home was the perfect get-away. Thanks for having the wood stove ready to go, and a bottle of wine on the table when we arrived! It was nice to enjoy all the outdoor amenities, to kayak, or just sit on the deck at night to see the show of shooting stars! I love how your house is set back from the water, away from the pond noise, but close enough to enjoy a marvelous view. Your home is a gem. Can't wait to come back!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

The Most Relaxing Place To Be!!!

Guest: Olga M.
Date of Stay: 03/03/12 Review Submitted: 03/16/12

We enjoyed the weekend with our friends on this property. We loved the house! It was very cozy, very sunny, and had absolutley everything we could possibly need. It was very clean and the newly renovated basement with lots of games (like ping-pong and pool) was a plus. Before we came, a foot of snow fell, so our kids had an amazing time sledding, while we went cross-country skiing and fishing. We also went kayaking and rode on the peddle boat. The pond was beautiful. Although the hot tub is usually closed in the winter, Paul and Anne let us use it. It was an amazing experience! We soaked in the hot tub under the stars, while there was snow all around! The location of the property is absolutely perfect. There are no other houses visible, so it's just you and nature. It's very peaceful and relaxing. We definitely will come back to this lovely house. We miss it already!

Recommended for:

Amazing Place to Relax, Reconnect and Rejuvenate!!!

Guest: Patnaude Clan (Edgartown Mass)
Date of Stay: 02/27/12 Review Submitted: 03/02/12

This house has everything you will need to relax and have fun without ever having to leave the property. My family of 7 had the most amazing time here this past week. (Totally had enough room for another family to have joined us.) There was my husband and myself as well as our children 13, 12, 10, 7 and 4. (Oh ya and our 11 week old cheweenie). Nobody was board or ask to go somewhere. We lucked out with our first day being sunny and beautiful out. We lite the fireplace by the lake, toasted marshmallow, fished and played with all the boats they have to play with. What a blast. We then ended up getting a foot of snow which enables us to use the cross country skis, snow shoes and sleds that they have there for you to use. At night it was family game night playing pool, ping pong and foosball with dips in the hot tub. What more could you ask for. The kitchen is fully equipped and with the open concept to the living room it was great to cook while watching the family play games by the wood burning stove. I can’t wait to return this summer to enjoy the lake and hiking trails. The owners Paul and Anne were amazing to deal with from the beginning process of renting to the ending of checking out. Very informative and welcoming from the start. Thank you Paul and Anne for sharing your home with us. It was exactly what the family needed.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Great Value!

Guest: JD (MA)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/20/12

We rented out this home for a weekend in February to celebrate my husband and his friends 30th birthday. There were 11 adults and we all fit fairly comfortably. The house is well equipped and the owners are extremely attentive in making sure your stay is pleasant. The trails we walked were beautifull and we hope to visit again in the summer months!! We didnt bring our dog but wish we had due to how pet friendly the area is. We would all highly recommend this rental for any type of getaway!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Winter Weekend Getaway!

Guest: JackiSue Part IV (Somerville, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/13/12 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

For the fourth consecutive year, we (a group of dear friends leading busy lives and residing in the Boston area) headed north to New Hampshire for the MLK Jr. long weekend, and this year we had the tremendous fortune of spending our time on Rockwood Pond. Paul and Ann's place was the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city. We played games, cooked and ate abundantly, enjoyed the tranquility of the lake, took hikes, huddled by the wood stove, sipped coffee and wine, returned to our college roots in the basement gameroom, and laughed a TON. A brilliant time was had by all. Thanks for sharing your slice of utopia with us!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Florida Fossil Fixer and Family

Guest: Florida Fossil Fixer (Florida)
Date of Stay: 11/20/11 Review Submitted: 11/30/11

First vacation in five years and it was great! (Except for the snow and slush.) The house is wonderful and "feels like home". Everything is there that you could possibly need. Whether you want a lazy relaxing time staying inside or enjoing the beautiful outdoors, this is the place. The girls were able to take the train form Fitchburg to Boston and do some sight seeing and shopping without having to deal with traffic. I wish my son and his family had been able to make the trip with us because he and his boys would have really enjoyed hiking through the woods, climbing the mountain and paddling around the lake. The next time we go to New England the trip will be timed so we can stay at Rockwood Pond.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our dogs Vacation

Guest: Diane Lange (Cape May Ct. House N.J.)
Date of Stay: 11/08/11 Review Submitted: 11/17/11

Every year after a long year of guarding the house from burgulars our dogs demand a vacation and they allow us to come along (mostly because we drive). They absolutely love the cabin on Rockwood pond. The house is fully stocked with everything you can think of and anything you might have forgotten to think of... We always come in the fall to enjoy the foliage and to relax after a crazy summer. The dogs love to run in the woods and chase the crazy chipmunks... There is alway plenty to keep you busy at the cabin. From fishing to a great game room or hikes on the trail... you will not be bored.. but if lazy days are what you are looking for a nice soak in the hot tub or a good book in front of a fire is on the menu too... We have returned 3 times to this cabin and can't wait till the next time the dogs are due a vacation...

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place. Very Relaxing. Highly Recommend.

Guest: Kevin (Wakefield, MA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11 Review Submitted: 11/06/11

I rented this cottage at the beginning of November to have an outdoors weekend with some friends before it got too cold. There were wood piles everywhere to keep the fires burning - outside by the lake and inside with the wood stove. Everything was super clean and organized, very happy with my stay! Very easy to find, but a little off the beaten path, making it ideal for getting away. The backyard is huge, and the waterfront is beautiful. I was a little weary of putting a check in the mail, but the owner understood my hesitation and was more than accommodating to make sure I would be at ease with the process. Everything ran super smoothly and I can't say enough good things about both the owners and their cabin!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful Lakeside Retreat

Guest: SKov (Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/12/11

This is a wonderful lakeside retreat that had everything we needed for the week. The home was inviting and clean and most of all the owners were a delight. They even went out of their way to return our jackets to us that we left behind. We made use of the boats, the wood stove, the pingpong table and the hot tub. It's nearby to Mt. Monadnock, Peterborough and Hancock, just to name a few of the lovely places to visit. We had a wonderful vacation and hope to be able to stay here again!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Vacation 2011

Guest: Lori (Nashua, NH)
Date of Stay: 07/31/11 Review Submitted: 08/07/11

We had a great time the weather was good and the water was warm. Swam everyday and walked the railroad trail just down the road. It is a great place to bring your family. My dog also loves it up there, can't keep her out of the water. This was our second year and the first was just as good

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners.

Nature at her best!

Guest: Mary (Baltimore, MD)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/12/11

For a family vacation on the water, "our house" on Rockwood Pond was fantastic! By the pond was nature at her best -- blueberries in abundance and friendly pond creatures (newts, fish, even a small snake) to share our dock. The place had everything for kids and adults. We especially enjoyed the hot tub and the quiet time on the deck each evening. We picked enough blueberries to make muffins, a pie and a cobbler. Our grandchildren had loads of fun joining us in the picking. Hiking on the nearby "rails to trails" and at Rhododendron State Park was great fun, too. Having had two wonderful weeks, we hated to leave but hope to return next summer.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing.

Fun, relaxing time enjoyed by parents and teens

Guest: J, M, C, S & B (Concord, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/10/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

This house had everything we needed to relax, have fun together, and enjoy the area. If you like to swim, kayak, canoe, hike, play table tennis or pool, you will enjoy it here. The house is comfortably furnished and very well maintained. There was plenty of space for two parents, two teens and a dog with space leftover. We found some great restaurants not far away. We HIGHLY recommend Eva's bakery in the center of Troy. We brought a mocha cake home for a birthday celebration and it was easily the yummiest cake we have had. We would happily return another time and stay here.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Your house had everything my wife and I needed to relax, while having fun together,

Guest: JAN (grantville pa)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 09/12/11

We could not have asked for a nicer place to spend our 2 weeks’ vacation and my birthday in June and July. While also celebrating 2 years cancer free now, that’s the best news. The weather was mostly sunny and breezy, resulting in many enjoyable canoe rides on the pond. The fishing was also very relaxing and enjoyable. The house is comfortable and feels very earthy, like home. My wife enjoyed the Wi-Fi when it was raining, and we did not lack for anything during our stay other than more of the same. Anne & Paul, your place is just a perfect escape. Good food nearby, a week of total relaxation much needed for both my wife and I, it was our first ever 2 weeks in 22 years together. Your house had everything my wife and I needed to relax, while having fun together, and enjoy the areas sites and offerings. If you like to swimming, lying in the sun, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. Or on those rainy days, playing table tennis or shooting pool or just watching the TV, you will enjoy it here. The house is very comfortable equipped with many amenities and maintained well. Having two wonderful weeks of unlimited fun and relaxation, we hope to return next summer for the same weeks off fun in the sun, on the pond and all that your house offers. Thank you Jan/Joni And puppy omaoq,,,,?

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

Lakefront Paradise

Guest: Michelle, Ron, Brett, Ben & Adam (Chicopee, MA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/08/11

Anne & Paul, its our second year renting your home and I didn't think anything could top lasts years fun. Well, I was wrong. Another beautiful week of weather, total fish caught for the week ranged 50+, kids found the rope swing and had some very entertaining video to show one and all. Enough cannot be said about this home away from home, just a perfect escape. Good food, great friends/family and best of all a week of total relaxation. Much needed by all. Great job on the renvovations downstairs....perfect place to house the teens. We are all counting the days till next years escape. Let me know when you will be renting for 2012, our family is in. Much thanks!! Michelle

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fitzwillilam NH all you could hope for

Guest: Jen (Ferrum, VA)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/16/11

We could not have asked for a nicer place to spend our weekend in May for my son's college graduation. The weather was overcast and cool but we still enjoyed a canoe ride on the pond, the warmth of the woodstove, and a great grill for steaks. We quickly saw the note to tell us to look for the fox den and 3 kits. We could see the den from the deck and kitchen window so we were able to watch them playing several times.The house is so comfortable it felt like home. With plenty of comfy couches and chairs in the living room, some of us enjoyed WiFi while others read or played pingpong in the basement. My eldest son from California said he wished we had found this house before his brother graduated! We did not lack for anything!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Rockford Pond long weekend

Guest: B & P (Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11 Review Submitted: 05/18/11

Highly recommend a stay at this property - truly has all one needs, owners were very responsive and helpful throughout the process. Close to Keene State College (20-25 minutes) so was a great alternative for a family gathering place for graduation!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Quiet and secluded/clean friendly helpful owners...great location for Pet owners/children...

Guest: Celeste and Dan and man's best friend....loved it! (Worcester, Ma)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

We traveled mid April...Home was clean and woodstove added warmth on the cold nights. Plenty of movies/dvd's/computor for use. Hot tub not open yet (to early) but will be after May. It gets very very dark at night as you do not see any other homes. We did not get to fish or go out on pond because it was cold/windy/rainy....but went to Keene/shpos/dinning etc (15 min) Local dinner for breakfast/lunch...and JP Stephens in Rindge. Mt. Monadnock is NOT pet friendly as we found out. There is a gradual walk/slop down to the water but it is nice and flat with picnic table and firepit etc. Good area for local walks/hikes. Our Lab loved the yard with room to romp. We do not travel without him and this place was very nice/safe !! Owners friendly and helpful. We would like to go back in the Fall. Thank You again.....Dan and Celeste (Worcester, Ma) 1hr 10min great get-away

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

WONDERFUL!

Guest: G (Ashland, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/28/11 Review Submitted: 04/06/11

Thank you Paul for letting my friend and I use your wonderful home in Fitzwilliam. From the moment we walked in we felt welcomed. I've stayed in a lot of places, but your house tops the list for a 'host who thought of everything -- anticipating things to enjoy for your guests.' From the amazingly well-stocked kitchen to the binoculars on the deck what you provided for us at your home was not only much-needed rest and quiet, but the feeling of welcome you conveyed by your thoughtfulness. I hope to come back in the summer (if not this one, then next) where I can come with my whole family -- looking forward to enjoying s'mores by the outdoor fireplace, the kayak and the fishing gear! Thanks for a wonderful time!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

WinterFest

Guest: Sue (Abington, MA)
Date of Stay: 02/24/11 Review Submitted: 03/03/11

What a wonderful winter getaway we had at Rockiwood Pond. With plenty of firewood to burn, we sat back and watched the snow fall from the warmth of the extremely comfy living room sofas. Also, had a great fire Saturday night in the stone chimney down by the ice. The kitchen was fully equipped with everything we needed. Also enjoyed the BBQ on the deck, just outside the kitchen sliding glass door. Paul and Anne have thought of everything you might need for both inside and outside fun. Enjoyed the pool and ping pong tables, snow tube, snow shoes, and ice skates as well. The house was exactly what we had been looking for and we really loved the open floor plan. A huge plus for us was the dog friendly factor. Martha, our standard poodle, had just as great a time as we did. We are already looking forward to next year's winter getaway.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Weekend on Rockwood Pond

Guest: Robin (Stratford, CT)
Date of Stay: 02/04/11 Review Submitted: 02/11/11

We enjoyed this home very much! The house was warm and inviting and we enjoyed playing ping pong, pool and fooseball in the basement. The view from the sliders is beautiful and peaceful and the wood stove kept the house warm and cozy. This is a great house to detach from the everyday world for a while and just relax! Spent superbowl sunday in our sweats and munching on everything that's bad for you! It was great! We would very much like to come back in the summer months and explore the pond and walking trails. This is our third rental with Paul and Ann and they are really great people to work with. They are always at hand for questions about anything about the house, restaurants and activities. We will definately be coming back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Couldn't be happier!

Guest: Josh and Lindsey (Three Rivers, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/06/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/11

If your looking for a place to have fun and relax at the same time, this is your place. We had so much fun playing ping-pong, snow shoeing, playing pool, and taking walks down to the pond. Also sitting by the fireplace reading a good book was a favorite. Keene is only 15 minutes away and has everything you need from little shops to restraunts. The house has absolutely everything you need. Paul and Anna have thought of everything. We will definetly be back next year and hope to maybe stay sometime in the summer also. Thank you so much for providing a space to relax and let all the worries drift away.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Rockwood Pond

Guest: PJ (ATL, GA)
Date of Stay: 12/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

We found our stay to be very enjoyable, cozy and comfortable. The place came well furnished and the beds slept well. Being the bed snobs that we are, that was huge! Great woodburning stove was our favorite every night. Huge frozen lake out back was nice to view, but we didn't have the time to get out and explore much. Stayed in and enjoyed the great ambiance, peace and serenity that was in this home. We will definitely return. Thank you for having us!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Christmas in NH

Guest: Robin and Family (Setauket, NY)
Date of Stay: 12/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/11

Our family needed a quiet and relaxing Christmas and our prayers were answered! Paul and Anne have such a warm home with everything you could possibly need. Paul even called to check on us on Christmas Eve. The wood stove and the beautiful view made it perfect for us. We experienced car trouble and a blizzard hit us during our stay. However, everything worked out fine and we were happy to be "stranded!" We enjoyed our holiday at Rockwood Pond and plan to return again. Thanks again for everything, Paul and Anne! It really meant a lot to our family...

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Friends Retriet

Guest: Carol (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 12/06/10 Review Submitted: 12/09/10

We recently stayed at Rockwood Pond's and we can't say enough good things about our experience! First, Paul and Anne were extermely accomodating and made the booking process a personal experience vs a business transaction. We have never booked anything like this before and we had no experience with the Harris' so we were a little apprehensive! Howver, from the moment we opened the door we knew we had made the right decision! They have thought of all your needs and it abounds with all types of entertainment for all ages! The homey environment and decorating touches make it a memorable experience and the space was more than we imagined! The view was amazing and we will plan to return again in the future! If you are thinking of taking a chance you will not be dissapointed!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

a wonderful place...

Guest: Lisa and Jack (chatham, new york)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 11/30/10

Paul and Anne are terrific hosts...they've stocked their house with all that you could need to relax and feel "at home." A lovely setting, a comfortable and clean home, with lots of possibilities for country fun: bikes, kayaks, ping pong. We spent Thanksgiving weekend here, and hope to come back in the summer....

Recommended for:

Wonderful Stay in Fitzwilliam!

Guest: Darrell & Allie (Durham, NC)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 10/20/10

If you are looking for a private place to take your entire place in a scenic, small town of New England, this may be one of the best places to stay. The property was very private with wonderful views and access to Rockwood Pond. It was also able to easily and comfortably accommodate many of our family members in town for a wedding. The property was extremely well stocked and immaculate with the hot tub being a big hit all round. We were very tempted to use the wonderful fireplace and would have if it weren't for the mild weather during our stay. Lastly, the game room in the basement was a very nice touch and well stocked too. All-in-all, it was simply a wonderful stay and we will definitely think of returning in the future!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fun wedding weekend!

Guest: Em & Dave (Keene, NH)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/26/10

We had our friends stay with us at this house over our wedding weekend, and it was so perfect! It was great to have everyone together in one place. The photographers loved the space for the getting ready shots. The dock provided such a great setting for some of the bridal party shots as well. Needless to say, it was quite a late evening after the wedding- the hot tub was enjoyed by all, and the house never felt crowded, and withstood quite the dance party :) we would love to come back some summer for a pseudo-reunion and to take advantage of the lake and yard with a bit warmer weather. Thank you both for allowing us to stay, and giving us the opportunity to take away some really fantastic memories!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place- has everything you could want!

Guest: Matthew L. (Huntington Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/08/10 Review Submitted: 09/16/10

We were out from California visiting family and friends last week and wanted to avoid driving all over creation to see everyone so we figured it'd be easier to have everyone visit us. The house had everything we could have wanted, lake, fireplace by the lake, hot tub, pool table, toys for the kids, etc. and it's very private. Everyone had a lot of fun swimming in the pond (large for a pond... more like a small lake), hanging out by the fire, and stargazing. Thanks again Paul and Anne!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Little Slice of Heaven for All Ages

Guest: Berry (E Bridgewater, MA)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10 Review Submitted: 08/20/10

After a scary call from Paul about the well pump having given out, we almost thought we weren't going to get to go Rockwood Pond. But the Harris' were on top of everything and a had a crack crew up to the cabin and the pump replaced in time for us to check in to the cabin and out of the rat race at 4 p.m.That was just the beginning of an excellent renter/landlord relationship. Paul kept us informed throughout our stay, answered every email and phone call, and was a most gracious long-distance host. We choose Rockwood Pond because it fit a long list of criteria for us (internet, accepts pets, gentle access to the water, lots of water toys, room for 8-9, and on and on). And it fulfilled every one of them, and more. The pictures really don't do the cabin and the property justice. And it really does have everything! Bring your linens and your clothes and your food and you're set. Keene is only 20 minutes away and it has just about anything you could need. And Jaffery has Kimball's Farm and Creamery for some of the best ice cream we've every had! The pond was a wonder. Clear water, sandy bottom near the dock, and scenery that couldn't be beat. And it was quiet. There was one power boater who went in the evenings for a few laps but they were very courteous to those of us in people-powered craft. And we took full advantage of the water craft available! The only one we didn't take out was the rowboat. We even took our mini Australian Shepherd out on the paddleboat and in the canoe. During the 36 hours of cloudy/rainy weather we played pool, ping pong, watched TV, and used the WiFi. Although those of us in the living room could hear the TV in the loft, it was tolerable. I can't speak for my kids having to listen to our shows! Despite the short hike down to the pond, my seventy-something in-laws made the trip several times a day. The path is lined with berry bushes that made my youngest ecstatic. I was happy, too. The pond was especially beautiful early in the morning (7 a.m. or so) and oh, so, quiet. The peace and quiet was wonderful. And the view of Mt Monadnock from the middle of the pond is to die for! The only thing I'd like to say is if you're looking for a party spot, this is not the cabin for you. All told, I look forward to coming back. Hopefully we won't wait six years to take another vacation!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place for Kids! We Would Come Again

Guest: Red Rover (Eugene, Oregon, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/10

We met with friends for a fabulous 5-day reunion at the Rockwood Pond house. We were two families -- four parents with four kids aged 13 months, 4, 5 and 6. The best thing about the place, other than the owners' kindness and responsiveness, is that each of us was thoroughly entertained. The 13-month-old loved being pushed around in all the big plastic cars, the older kids enjoyed the slide into the lake and all the beach accessories. The adults loved paddling around in the canoe, kayak and raft...And we all enjoyed building a fire and making s'mores in the fireplace by the lake. If the kids had known how to ride bikes, we would have done that, too. We felt that our kids were very safe given the shallow water around the dock and the abundance of life jackets. We found that the utensils, dishware and knives were nicer than in most rentals. We have rented more upscale places through VRBO, so if you are looking for modern and sleek, this is not it. But it is sweet and comfy and has everything you need. Really, absolutely everything is provided. We even used some of their birthday candles for a 41st b-day celebration. The main drawback was that it was really, really hot and we wished for an AC to turn on, but then again, the whole East Coast was suffering in the 95 degree + heat, so this will not usually be a problem. The house does not sit right on the lake -- you have to walk 50 yards or so down a hill, but this was fine with us because it kept us away from the late evening mosquitoes and also kept us from worrying that the kids would wander into the water alone. Finally, the place serves as a great jumping off point for exploring Keene, Peterborough (go see the Mariposa Museum!), Mt Monadnock, etc. We would have loved to stay longer and have already talked about a second reunion at the lake in a couple years. Enjoy!

Owner response:Thanks Red Rover! Right after your visit, with the Hottest July on record in New England, we did add Air Conditioning. Normally the ceiling fans, opening skylights and breezes off the lake are enough, But not this summer! A couple of the good things about the heat are that the Blueberries, Blackberries and Raspberries are coming in by the gallonful! We'll have a year's worth of preserves, come try some!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

City Dwellers Beware ... sort of

Guest: JP (Boca Raton, FL)
Date of Stay: 06/13/10 Review Submitted: 06/30/10

The house is charming, comfortable, spacious, has running water and electricity, a fully-functional kitchen and laundry facilities. Those ammentities aside, I felt like I was living in the wilderness. The landscape is Mother Nature's best work - lots of trees, birds, bugs, bushes, on the top of a hill overlooking the most picturesque pond. Nights are pitch black - unless you take the lantern to the pond and view the moon. Plenty of hiking (Rail Trail 5 minutes away), boating (canoe, paddleboat and kayaks included), swimming, board games, chess, cards, boggle and or peace and quiet and long naps - you decide!! If you're dog friendly, you may be lucky enough to get a visit from Levi the Coon Hound. He will bring you the tennis ball and no matter how far or where you throw the ball, Levi will find it and bring it back to you. Supermarket and Walmart 20min drive (you will need transportation) - anything you need is available and most reasonably priced. Owners pick up the phone if you call and are overly helpful if you have any questions or problems.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Great place in Fitzwiliam and right on Rockwood Pond!

Guest: jan (boston)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 07/13/10

Thank you so much to the owners of this wonderful place! My family and I had the best vacation here! There was never a dull moment, we could either hike on the very close Rails to Trails with our four legged beloved ones, or we could do countless activities on the even closer Rockwood Pond! The house was lovely and we took advantage of the fuseball and ping pong tables, as well as having some much needed family time playing games like boggle! We would have stayed another month if the house wasn't already rented after us! Even if the weather wasn't as nice as it could have been, we were still thoroughly entertained and yet relaxed at the same time. We truly had a great experience here, and thank the owners as well as the neighboring family who's dog we got a visit from every day...so sweet!

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Lovely House, Disappointed in the details.

Guest: Bill R. (Somerville, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/07/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

The house and pond are lovely. The weather was cold and the black flies were unbearable. The dishwasher worked only when it wanted to. The promised internet access was non-existent, The owner was responsive to this, but in the end, I had to spend half a day dealing with the cable/phone repairman. Not what I would call an ideal afternoon on vacation. One more caveat...I still have not received my security deposit back. I waited 3 weeks before I sent an email asking about it's status. I did not receive a response for 10 days. We had considered returning, but we will try another home next year.

Owner response: If we had been notified that the less than a year old dishwasher was broken, we would have had a repairman out immediately. Leaving a non working dishwasher absolutely crammed with practically every dish, glass and piece of silverware in the house didn't help get it fixed any faster. When the guest notified us that he couldn't figure out how to use the wireless internet ( even though our supplied computer and printer worked fine) We sent a repairman. We hadn't sent the deposit back because we were waiting for the invoice from our cleaning crew for the extra 3 people they had to call in for 4 hours to pick up jigsaw puzzles dumped in one pile on the floor, put away practically every piece of boating and sport equipment strewn around the waterfront, the garbage overflowing the trash cans, launder every towel in the house even though guests are supposed to bring and use their own linens, and clean dog hair off of almost everything. We had never seen the house left in such terrible condition. We did return the FULL Deposit when we got back from our 2 week vacation. We are very fortunate that 95% of our guests respect and leave our well appointed home basically the way they found it.

Recommended for:

Fun in the Sun

Guest: Michelle, Ron, Brett, Ben & Adam (Chicopee, MA)
Date of Stay: 05/23/10 Review Submitted: 06/01/10

We were blessed with summer weather all week. The pictures do not do this house justice. I had the pleasure of meeting Anne and Paul, very nice couple who go above and beyond in making this vacation house feel like home. Fishing was great, kayaks were enjoyed daily, nice fires at night by the water side. Very comfortable accomodations. Our plans are to visit again very soon!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best family vacation ever!

Guest: 5 lil peppers (acushnet , MA)
Date of Stay: 05/14/10 Review Submitted: 10/18/10

My family and I visited in Mid May! What a dream! We have 5 children 11 and under and the place was perfect! It had everything you needed and so much more. The outdoors became a place of relaxation for mom, adventure and exploration for the kids, and some much needed fishing for dad!! We actually did some swimming! A little chilly this time of year, but the kids did not seem to mind. Our puppy also loved the place . There are no words to express the magical time we enjoyed here. Thank you Anne and Paul for sharing this treasure spot with us. May God bless you both, Paul, Paula, Kayla, Haley, Emma, Caitlin, and Brady Almeida.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Time

Guest: Away for work (Bridgewater, MA)
Date of Stay: 04/19/10 Review Submitted: 06/09/10

What a great time.....They have just about everything that you could need to enjoy your time on this beautiful lake. The house is in fabulous shape. This location was very quiet and made it easy to kick back and relax. Would highly recommend this rental and you can't beat the rental rate.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great time had again

Guest: Hoodsie (Hanover)
Date of Stay: 03/25/10 Review Submitted: 03/30/10

Hello. For the second straight year, a group of friends stayed at the lake front house in Fitzwilliam, and just like last year, we all had a great time. I would highly recommend the house to anyone, it has everything you could possibly need for a very enjoyable weekend, whether in the house or down by the lake. We all greatly look forward to coming back again next year!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: The Whatleys (Philadelphia, PA)
Date of Stay: 10/11/09 Review Submitted: 10/11/09

We had the best time at Rockwood Pond Cottage. The house is so comfortable and has everything that you would need for a fun vacation. We loved canoeing on the pond, hiking and relaxing on the deck. It's the perfect place for a Fall getaway. Even our dog loved it!

Recommended for:

Guest: Janet & Peter (Baltimore Maryland)
Date of Stay: 09/29/09 Review Submitted: 09/29/09

We came with our 3 dogs and had a great time. Never saw another person until the last day. Enjoyed the still producing blackberries and loved watching all the dragon flies dancing around. We came for 2 weeks and could have stayed forever. We'll be back! Thank you Paul and Anne!

Recommended for:

Guest: Paul & Mary Lynn Ellis (-)
Date of Stay: 08/05/09 Review Submitted: 08/05/09

We spent a very enjoyable week at the Rockwood lake house. The house is comfortable and has all the amenities you'll need. The lake and property are very quiet and peaceful. Good fishing in the lake. The kayaks are also a very nice addition. The Harrises are also dog-friendly, which very few rental properties are.

Recommended for:

Guest: Nedine Campbell (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 07/05/09

We picked the Rockwood Pond house because it slept a large family and allowed us to entertain. We were not disappointed. Though our week was rainy, we thoroughly enjoyed ping pong, boating, barbeques on the porch, campfires in the waterside pit and a few swims in the surprisingly comfortable pond. Paul Harris was most attentive and accomodating. Even our pup had fun.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

My friends and I stayed at the home for a weekend in March and had a great time. Everything you could possibly imagine was provided. We had great weather and were able to enjoy a portion of the partially frozen lake. We would certainly recomend this for a vacation for anytime of year. We would absolutely come back again. Thank You Paul and Anne.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/04/09

Although our stay was just a short one, the home was comfortable and welcoming as soon as we arrived. We only wish we could stay longer (or will be returning) to take full advantage of all that it had to offer. The owners have truly thought of everything and the location and scenery was perfect. Thanks for making our first getaway with our little one a success!!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/03/09

What a magnificent winter break! We stayed over New Year's week and enjoyed every moment of it. Rockwood Pond went from cold to frozen to snow-swept...an extraordinary vision of winter's beauty. The house has everything we could have hoped for...(even the "snow" on the non-cable TV added to the sense of rustic peace and tranquility). The best audio-visual input came from the Vermont Castings wood stove...warmth and light reminiscent of generations of peaceful evenings here in the Monadnock Region (New Hampshire's "Quiet Corner")...unlimited opportunities for day-trips: the area is full of postcard-perfect towns untouched by progress...but there are good stores relatively close to the house...Perfect combination of solitude and modern comfort...The Harris family was very solicitous and available by phone or e-mail to answer any questions...We look forward to returning here one day...

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Diane Lange (Cape May Ct. House N.J.)
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/10/08

We stayed at the cabin for the first time this year.. In previous years we had rented a different cabin more far North... Our major requirement is for the cabin to be right for our 2 large dogs... They love to travel with us and we are always looking for a special spot to take them.. This cabin was just the ticket... it is set far enough away from neighbors to give my guys room to run without bothering anyone... the cabin was well stocked and decorated... Paul Harris is extremely friendly and helpful in making sure your stay goes well... The lake is Beautiful and the Hiking trails are first rate... We hiked an average of six miles a day and we were able to take different routes each day... Overall the week was great and we would recommed it to anyone looking for a quiet getaway... Diane Lange

Recommended for: