Beacon Hill Architect's Studio with Private Roof Garden

• Cozy apartment! Can't wait until my next visit!

  Cozy apartment! Can't wait until my next visit!

  • Guest Victoria
  • Date of stay 03/16/13
  • Review Submitted 04/01/13
  I stayed in The Studio, and it was an absolute delight! As soon as I walked in, I could feel the love that went into making this apartment a home! Upon arrival, Deb and Angus were there to greet us with a hug. They are the sweetest couple! There was so much to do and see in the neighborhood. If you want pizza, I would recommend Ernesto's located in the North End. It was within walking distance. To summarize, our stay was excellent, and I would definitely stay at The Studio again!

  Recommended for: Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• A Small Space With a Big Heart

  A Small Space With a Big Heart

  • Guest YouGloGirl
  • Date of stay 01/12/13
  • Review Submitted 02/13/13
  I stayed one month in this beautifully designed space and felt like I was at home the entire time. When I came back to my 4,000 square foot home in Minnesota I realized it is definitely time to downsize my own living space. Deb and Angus have teamed up to create an environment that is efficient, comfortable and pleasing to the eye. From the elegant bedding to the sweet little kitchen, this place has it all. Even the kitchen is well equipped for cooking and I was able to recreate my most complex Armenian breads and pastries in the small gas oven that you can see in the photos. I was drawn to this little piece of heaven by these photos and the place is even better in person. When you arrive, you will be surrounded by Angels, literally. My motivation to coming to the Studio was to research and write my novel and this environment was perfect. I even survived 24" of snow dumped during snowstorm Nemo. The best decision I made was to use the MBTA transportation system rather than renting a car. With my preloaded 'Charle Card', I was able to find my way around the Boston area very easily on the 'T' (subway) and buses. The Charles MGH station is a 3-minute walk away. From the South 'T' Station you can take the Amtrak and commuter rails as well. The commuter train is a very smooth and quiet ride. My suggestion...don't bring a car. The Whole Foods is about a 5-minute walk from the Studio as is the CVS pharmacy. The pubs and restaurants nearby are great. There are 3 Starbucks close to the Studio and my favorite location is the one overlooking Boston Commons on Charles and Beacon streets. The shopping on Newbury street is dreamy...Chanel, Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, etc. and the little antique shops and boutiques on Charles are darling. The best part of my stay was meeting Deb and Angus. They truly care about their guests and are attentive to your every need. My final suggestion...don't hesitate one more minute to rent this jewel, it is worth every penny!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• Heaven in Boston's Beacon Hill

  Heaven in Boston's Beacon Hill

  • Guest Maggie V
  • Date of stay 12/22/12
  • Review Submitted 01/07/13
  We had the unbelievable opportuntiy to stay at the Architect's Studio over Christmas and it was, in a word, magical. This was my first trip to Boston and I immediately fell in love with the area and with this amazing space. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to see softly falling snowflakes outside the window (located just at your feet in the cozy built in bed.) The cast iron stove kept us toasty and warm. The use of space here is absolute brilliance. There were three of us and we never felt cramped or crowded. As an extra treat, our hostess's Aunt Margaret called on Christmas Day and serenaded us with a Christmas song! Okay, it wasn't meant for us but we thoroughly enjoyed it nonetheless. Christmas dinner for five was prepared in the compact but space efficient kitchen. Even a Miele dishwasher! The design elements, decor and romantic/shabby chic theme was comfortable without being overly feminine (important since I had my boyrfriend and son with me.) The attention to detail is amazing in craftsmanship, decor and functional design. Location couldn't be more convenient to train, Whole Foods, local eateries, etc. Good - no GREAT - things do come in small packages. This property not only lived up to its description, it surpassed it. The photographs are amazing but when you actually step into the studio - wow. Everything was immaculate and ready for our arrival. Deb even showed up with a specific teapot that she wanted us to have in the studio so we had the opportunity to meet her personally. That alone made our trip worthwhile. Travel was easy. The Studio is walking distance to a home that Louisa May Alcott once lived in, Harvard, Cambridge, MIT and even Salem were all short, easy train rides away. We did Christmas eve dinner at Legal Seafood (outstanding), had breakfast near MIT at the Friendly Toast (kitschy yumminess) and grabbed a quick slize of pizza at Primo's on Myrtle just a short walk away (very casual but quite delicious.) Check out the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library at the Christian Science Plaza. In short, I simply cannot stay anywhere else when I return to Boston. There isn't a hotel room or other rental that could compare. I am now spoiled for anything else. Deb and Angus are design geniuses and the most gracious and hospitable hosts. I am forever grateful to them for sharing their beautiful Architect's Studio with me and my family and making my first trip to Boston and Christmas 2012 memorable indeed. Bravo!

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• One word- WOW!

  One word- WOW!

  • Guest Kerrie B.
  • Date of stay 10/03/12
  • Review Submitted 10/17/12
  Staying at the Studio was the best decision I made on my trip to the US. Coming back to such a beautiful, welcoming home at the end of a long day made my stay in Boston that much better. The photos don't do it justice,it is so much better than I could have imagined! Dealing with Deb and Angus was a pleasure. It was a privledge to meet them as they are wonderful people who make you feel right at home! They always answered emails promptly, and gave me lots of information when ingot there. The apartment is equipped with everything you might need for your stay. It's cosy and warm and I loved curling up with a book and a cup of tea! And the Beacon Hill area is great to just wander around and soak up the history of the city. It's also really close to public transport and other amenities, so it's pretty much a perfect place to stay! I have made many people extremely jealous by staying here, and they all want to stay at the Architect's Studio when they come to Boston.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• Awesome location in heart of Boston

  Awesome location in heart of Boston

  • Guest cheers
  • Date of stay 07/29/12
  • Review Submitted 10/04/12
  Our first VRBO experience--wonderful!! Couldn't ask for a better location to explore all of Boston's amazing sites. Unfortunately didn't get pleasure of meeting Deb & Angus in person, but were definately made to feel welcome and look forward to someday meeting! Amazing use of space--had everything we could have wanted in a vacation rental and more. Was awesome having use of a fully stocked kitchen--thanks for the breakfast treats--was awesome to have a wholesome egg breakfast before heading out. My daughter celebrated her 13th birthday there and even had a surprise present for her--very thoughtful. She really enjoyed declaring each night she was "retreating to her lair" ---the loft was a total hit and very comfy! Thank you Deb & Angus for sharing your beautiful condo with us--we hope to return sometime soon!

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

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• Loved my stay!

  Loved my stay!

  • Guest At home in Boston
  • Date of stay 06/09/12
  • Review Submitted 07/16/12
  I stayed at the Solon in June of 2012 for a week. I loved the place so much! I lived on Beacon Hill a few years ago so I knew the place would be small and historic (everything is in Beacon Hill). The Salon is beautiful and the owners were very creative in making the most of the small space. It really blew me away how pretty it was and how at home I felt. They also did not cut corners- between the crown molding, the working original fireplace and the lovely nickel faucet fixtures were an adorable touch. The patio feels like the private garden it is with lovely plants and seating. The owners are super responsive and easy to work with. I cannot wait to plan my next trip. I will be staying in the salon again.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• The Salon has it all!

  The Salon has it all!

  • Guest Norma Jean C.
  • Date of stay 06/30/12
  • Review Submitted 07/15/12
  My husband and I spent the first week of July 2012 in this unique space in Beacon Hill. The location is perfect, right behind the courthouse on a quiet street. We are lucky to have come across such a unique space filled with the wonderful and practical ideas of the owners, a talented couple of architects and renovators. An enormous amount of work and good vibrations was put into work in this space to provide comfort to all guests. Clean, plants, Great bed, tv with cable, internet, powerful shower, and everything you need in the kitchen. A studio that was perfect for us and has been perfect for all guests who appreciate a charming, cozy and intimate escape that really makes you feel you are in historic Boston house-sitting for friends. We absolutely loved our stay here, highly recommend, unless you are into all things ultra modern and boring whites and beiges. But if you understand the "gilded age" and mid century design, The Salon welcomes you with open arms!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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• The Salon - Not our Cup of Tea

  The Salon - Not our Cup of Tea

  • Guest Almost Retired
  • Date of stay 05/06/12
  • Review Submitted 06/17/12
  This is a review of the Salon not the Studio. The Salon is a tiny apartment in a historic part of Boston. When we arrived, it was very cold in the apartment. No heat provided in building after a certain time; we were told to turn on the oven and open the door. No air conditioning when it was hot outside; only windows that open. The sitting arrangements, other than one small chair, inadequate as there was only the bed. Would have been nice if it was a hide-a-bed or wall-bed, but it's a queen bed that takes up much of the living area. There is a fireplace which had obviously not been used in some time. The ashes and soot in the fireplace were very noticeable when you walked into the apartment. Much like living in a smouldering campfire. We ended up getting rid of the ashes and scrubbing the fireplace to make the smell less noticeable. The bathroom has new taps in the sink and tub, but the rest of it should be updated as it's tacky old with pipes everywhere and layers of paint poorly applied and peeling. The crank for the window in the bathroom is held together with duct tape and often came apart. When you're renting a place, you don't necessarily want someone else's "stuff". It should be mostly anonymous. With photos of the owners and other personal effects such as their food in the fridge, we felt that we were intruding in their private space. There is no cable TV, just a few over the air channels. As you can tell, we didn't enjoy our stay. I guess we need a few more comforts when we travel. Deb was always quick to answer our queries. It's just not our cup of tea.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car.

  Owner response: We are heartbroken that even one of our guests has had such an experience. Our guests' happiness is paramount in sharing our spaces & in teaching the benefits of preservation & restoration of older homes. Out of literally hundreds of guests in our apts., & guestbooks packed w/ loving missives from all over the world, we have heard only appreciation for the Salon's artful, unique design & meticulous maintenance. We would have gladly offered these guests a refund had they made their discomfort known to us. The Salon's heat is centrally controlled & responsibly managed so as to not waste fossil fuel. Boston weather patterns in late Spring can fluctuate by as much as 30 degrees. For immediate warmth, using the oven to roast food provides the quickest "heat - up" of the apt. There is also a space heater in the closet. We are one of only 3 apts. in the building w/ the luxury of an original working fireplace. It is cleaned monthly. Java logs are provided for guests' use (recycled coffee grounds w/ 3 hour clean burn time!) Perhaps the baffle was left ajar allowing the cool damp chimney air (4 stories high) to waft into the apt. Window A/C is installed June - September as we prefer natural air. Our "pdf" is sent to each guest prior to booking, clearly showing Floor plan & photos. The Queen bed serves as a luxurious sofa by day & exceptionally comfortable sleeping by night. It is the same mattress as used by the "W" Hotel group. Seating: 4 Italian dining chairs; 1 velvet armchair w/ floor lamp & ottoman. 4 plushy ottomans. Cast iron tub is from the 20's & has been reglazed; tub & sink fittings are new; nickel plated cast brass from England. 2 original pipes in the bathroom (2 inches diameter) provide additional warmth for the bathroom. They dry the towels (hanging over the nickel shower rod) 2 smaller exposed copper pipes (scraped clean of layers of paint to expose the beautiful patina) are hot & cold water pipes. Basic cable & Flat screen tv are provided. Plants, books, music, artwork, framed photos create a homey atmosphere. Hair dryer, toiletry items, Aveda bath products are for guests' use ~ Fresh items in the fridge (eggs, bread, milk, butter, fruits) are provided by our caretaker for each group of guests. Condiments (mustard, catsup, sugar, honey, oats, coffee, teas, etc) are part of the guest "pantry." We as historic preservationists birth homes; we delight in sharing them with others!

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• Beacon Hill -- The Salon

  Beacon Hill -- The Salon

  • Guest Michael
  • Date of stay 01/24/12
  • Review Submitted 02/01/12
  I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at The Salon. The apartment was very nicely furnished, very clean and well maintained. Little touches like the Aveda bathroom products and soft sheets & towels really make your stay comfortable. The location is about as good as you can get Boston. Centrally located in Beacon Hill, The Salon is a short walk to Boston Commons, Newbury Street, theaters, and restaurants. The owners are a wonderful couple who make you feel right at home. Enjoy a stay in here feeling like a Proper Bostonian.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Fall in love!

  Fall in love!

  • Guest Rebecca
  • Date of stay 12/27/11
  • Review Submitted 01/10/12
  The salon was the perfect getaway for us. We fell in love with the beautifully designed and maintained apartment and the location couldn't be better. The thoughtful, elegant touches made our first VRBO experience a winner. Would love to stay here again!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, families with young children, sightseeing.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

$3000-$3500/monthly; $200-$250 nightly/ $1500 weekly 
Note: We have another Beacon Hill property offering nightly & weekly rates;
The 2 spaces share the calendar; The Architect's Studio is booked thru Sept, 2013
Open nights refer to availability at our other property...
The spaces are quite similar in design, aesthetics & amenities. 
Please inquire for particulars & more photos/information!!

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.