Historic Townhouse (the 'Skinny House') on the Freedom Trail
Reviews
Write a reviewVRBO Bear stayed here:
“Wow,” is all that I can say. If you are a history buff, this is the place for you! Not only were we in the middle of the place that so many amazing Revolutionary War events occurred, but our vacation rental home was in the heart of it all. The owners have taken a compact space and made it a wonderful retreat which allowed us to savor everything around us as well as experience the architecture of the 1700’s. I was “beary” amazed to learn so much in just a few days.
The house dates all the way back to colonial times and has some interesting tales to tell. I learned all about it on the VRBO website. Phew – those family feuds go way back! I’m glad I’m a bear. I learned that the house was once called the Skinny House. Standing four stories tall, the house’s height makes it feel roomy. Each floor is one room and the owners have done an exceptional job in upgrading the home to feel very contemporary while still retaining its history. The original wood floors are polished to shine. The kitchen, bathroom and bedroom amenities are very modern. I even had my own top bunk!! My traveling companions enjoyed the queen bed and slept soundly.
Since the house was actually on the “Freedom Trail,” we could look out the front window and see the famous Copps Hill burial ground. From the front door, we were within walking distance to most of the historical sites and followed the red line through the downtown area. Right up the street was Old North Church, the place where Paul Revere rode through the town. There were restaurants galore and plenty of shopping at the Quincy Market. Riding on the shoulder of my companion I got a great “bear’s eye view.” The convenient location made this vacation home a perfect place to stay while enjoying the history of this great country.
The VRBO Bear
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Unique and fun property very conveniently located in North End
Unique and fun property very conveniently located in North End
- Guest Amy (Michigan, USA)
- Date of stay 04/07/14
- Review Submitted 04/14/14
My two daughters (ages 11 and 14) and I stayed here for five nights in early April. The house was very fun and extremely unique - four stories high and one room wide. The floors were all wood, and lots of exposed brick for a charming interior. There are lots of relatively steep stairs so those with limited mobility or toddlers should probably avoid this house. Both my daughters took slight tumbles on the stairs. I managed to stay upright. The beds were just as depicted and very comfortable. Those who are very sensitive to light, however, should bring a sleep mask as the blinds don't really block very much light. The girls loved this house - the property itself was a highlight of the trip. It was right on the Freedom Trail - the Old North Church is right at the end of the block, and about a 5-8 minute walk to the North Station on the T. We felt very safe walking in this area. It's also just minutes' walk into the heart of the North End, where there are wonderful restaurants (we particularly liked La Familia Georgio on Salem St.), fantastic pastry shops (we tried several and agreed that Modern on Hanover was the best), and many colorful characters. We ate in often, both because it was less expensive and to keep my younger daughter happy because restaurants are not really her thing - particularly for every meal. The kitchen was very adequate and the appliances all worked well. There were plenty of the "small things" like salt and sugar that I really appreciate finding in rentals of this type. The TV did not work during our stay, which was not really a problem for us, and the owners did a good job of letting us know about plans for fixing the TV, as well as the eventual inability to get it fixed while we were there. If we had the TV, we would have really liked to have a DVD player though. There was none available at the property, and we find that's an easy and inexpensive entertainment for the kids while we are on vacation. The property was clean and well-maintained. We would definitely stay here again, and would recommend this property to other active couples or families with older children. A car would be a liability at this property, as there is no parking associated with the rental and the nearby lots are all expensive. You really don't need or want a car in Boston, however, as the T is so convenient and inexpensive.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car.
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We loved the Skinny House!
We loved the Skinny House!
- Guest Erin
- Date of stay 04/01/14
- Review Submitted 04/10/14
What a wonderful experience!!! I can't recommend it enough. The owners and property manager were a pleasure to deal with, the house was pristine, and the location was perfect!!!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children.
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Championship Visit!
Championship Visit!
- Guest Oldpinenut (Phoenix, Arizona)
- Date of stay 01/06/14
- Review Submitted 01/26/14
My family and I were in Boston for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at TD Garden, and the Skinny House was our wonderful retreat during our stay. It couldn't have been any more convenient to the Garden, and was right in the heart of Boston's famous North End. We have stayed at many VRBO properties over the years, but the Skinny House was by far our favorite! First the house was extremely well appointed, and was amazingly comfortable on some very cold nights in Boston. We had absolutely everything we needed, and although "skinny" there was plenty of room for four of us. For the history buff, you are less than a block from the Old North Church, across from the Copp's Hill Burying Ground, and right on the Freedom Trail. We did all of our shopping in the neighborhood, and fell in love with Bova's Bakery (open 24 hours!), Monica's Mercato, Polcari's Coffee, and Regina's Pizzeria! Spencer & Jen could not have been anymore accommodating, gracious, and easy to work with. We'll never forget our week in Boston in the Skinny House, and can't wait to visit again soon. Thanks Spencer & Jen for sharing your amazing house!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, age 55+, sightseeing, tourists without a car, adventure seekers.
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Couldn't have been better!
Couldn't have been better!
- Guest funnygirl (Perkins)
- Date of stay 09/26/13
- Review Submitted 10/14/13
We enjoyed our stay so much and it couldn't have been a better location. We saw the "Skinny House" on a one day tour 5 yrs ago and when we realized it had become a VRBO we had to come stay. Coming from the west coast it was a wonderful experience. All the history, the wonderful Italian neighborhood and being on the Freedom Trail was so much fun. We walked everywhere, rarely using the "T". Ate way too much good food and really enjoyed all the little shops in the North End. We enjoyed all the tourists as well, sometimes we spoke with them. We attended church at the Old North Church and we should have rechecked the times for the service with music which is 11 am. We're sure the organ would have been beautiful. The house itself was perfectly suited to vacationers. Well equipped and very nicely done! It was a once in a lifetime experience for us. Thank you Jen and Spencer for for sharing this bit of history with us. We hated to say goodbye!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car.
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One of a Kind Stay!
One of a Kind Stay!
- Guest Krazikatt (Orlando, FL)
- Date of stay 07/22/13
- Review Submitted 08/08/13
To say that the skinny house was the highlight of our trip to Boston would not be an exaggeration! Although we saw all the historic sights ... were in the midst of it all, with this excellent location ... the uniqueness and comfort of this beautifully maintained and well equipped property made us look forward to returning home each day!! Its location in the North End of Boston really makes it feel like you are getting two vacation experiences for the price of one (Italy/Boston), and there are so many great restaurants, cafes, and other amenities close by that you could get by never stepping foot out of the neighborhood, if need be. The layout was definitely spacious enough for our family (hubby, me, and our two daughters, ages 7 and 4), and even though this house IS skinny, it is so well appointed that we never felt like we were on top of each other or cramped ... quite the contrary. Special thanks to Olivia, the property manager, for making our visit even more enjoyable by procuring a much-needed babysitter last minute, allowing us some adult time to catch up with an old college friend of mine. I can't say enough about how pleased we were with our stay ... this was only our 2nd booking with VRBO, but combined with our excellent stay in Chicago last summer, we would not hesitate to use them again. And to Jen and Spencer, owners of the property, thank you for allowing our family to experience firsthand a part of Boston's history by living in this amazing home for a week ... it is truly a once in a lifetime experience that won't soon be forgotten.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children, sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers.
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Didn't want to leave
Didn't want to leave
- Guest Angela P.
- Date of stay 08/18/12
- Review Submitted 03/04/13
We arrived from a long drive from Main in the late afternoon and we were absolutely thrilled to see our home for the week was spotless. Fresh linens, cool air and comfortable, quiet surroundings. We walked the entire freedom trail from the house and back. Sipped italian coffee and cannolli every morning. My kids had a different treat from the local italian bakeries every morning. Regina's famous pizza down the street. Upon returning from our Red Sox game, we went to Bova's up the street which is open all day and night, they never close, ever. This home is perfect for a small family. I stayed here with my 9 and 6 year old and we loved this house. We didn't want to leave. I would not recommend for a family with very young children but for a group of 3 women for a girls getaway, works great considering there is one bathroom. A family of 5 with two adults and 3 kids would be more than comfortable. The location is prime! I hate to write such a fabulous review because I want the home to be available for me again next summer but the owners deserve much credit for doing everything right and being smart enough to know exactly what vacationers are looking for.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car.
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Quaint and wonderful location!
Quaint and wonderful location!
- Guest Kim (Southern California)
- Date of stay 11/19/12
- Review Submitted 11/22/12
We just spent four nights in The Skinny House and loved every minute. While it is skinny, it is spacious! The master bedroom has a large area with a futon, dresser and lots of space for suitcases. The kids' room is cheerful and fun with a sun shaped light and beautiful blue paint. The bunk bed is a single on top and a double on the bottom. The bathroom is small but very functional with a mirror/medicine cabinet that pivots to allow it to be used from all angles. Towels and TP were aplenty and while the bathroom itself was small, there was a large "staging" area right outside with a tall table and plenty of counter space to store/use toiletries. The TV area was fun with a couch, cozy blanket, chair and ottoman. The kitchen has the tiniest dishwasher I've every seen, but perfect for this space. The fridge was large as was the sink and had plenty of counter space. The table area looked out over the quaint back courtyard. It boasted history, a distinct architectural feel with open staircases, stylish hangers, beautiful wood floors and old window casings. This was a real treat! To top it all off it is actually on the Freedom Trail, directly across from Copps Hill Cemetery, a block away from the The Old North Church that Paul Revere made famous with his ride, and a short distance to Mike's Pastries, an incredible selection of Italian restaurants, and TD Garden, home to the Celtics. It was an amazing place and if we visit Boston again we will definitely return to The Skinny House!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers.
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Our Best Vacation Ever, Better than Disneyland said the kids!
Our Best Vacation Ever, Better than Disneyland said the kids!
- Guest Rachael (Vancouver, BC)
- Date of stay 10/16/12
- Review Submitted 10/24/12
Wow is all we can say! The website and pictures look great, but really can't do it justice! We stayed in the Skinny House for for 6 nights during the Head of the Charles Regatta. Our kids are 9, 7 and 5 and this suited us perfectly. We stayed in a piece of history. There was plenty of space, even though its skinny, it has all the amenities of home. You are up and down the stairs all the time but that was no problem for us. The master is on the top floor, bunks for 3 on the third, bathroom, laundry and couch on the second, kitchen/diner on main. They have thought of everything including Boston map books, umbrellas and neighbourhood information. We are from Vancouver, BC and our children had never been to the East Coast. They loved all the American history and being in the heart of the city was a change from our very suburban minivan life. Taking the T was a highlight (we got a 7 day subway pass for $18, kids under 12 free) and we used it to get to all the tourist spots. We bought the Boston CityPass online which was a good deal. They loved the Duck Boats, seems a bit cheesy but very informative, something for everyone and gives you a great overview. The kids even got to drive the boat which for a 5 year old boy was great fun. Museum of Science was great, didn't get it all done in a day, Children's Museum was fun for a few hours but would recommend for younger children especially. Aquarium was under construction so a bit of a disappointment. The loved the Boston Tea Party Museum and got to "throw the tea into the sea" with much fanfare from all the cast members of the museum show. USS Constitution was a hit as we got to see it in the harbour for its 215th anniversary. Our kids walked everywhere with no trouble, even walked from the regatta at Harvard back to the North End one afternoon, with a few stops along the Charles River to several great playgrounds. We also walked most of the Freedom Trail and did the Prudential Centre which has a kids option for the tour which they enjoyed. Our kids loved it that the Freedom Trail tours stopped right outside of the house and everyone looked at the house and talked about it. One day we were walking out and one tourist said, "you're lucky to live here" and the kids said, "we don't, this is our house for the week". The response was "you can RENT it?". Thanks Spencer and Jen for a great holiday! It wouldn't have been so different and fun if we had been staying in a typical cramped hotel room.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing, tourists without a car.
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Fall Break 2012
Fall Break 2012
- Guest Travelin' G's (Greenwood Village, CO)
- Date of stay 10/13/12
- Review Submitted 10/21/12
My family of four (2 adults, 2 kids ages 8 & 10) thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the skinny house. I felt like we were part of the living history so prevalent in Boston. The location was absolutely perfect - near more eateries than we could count and across off the Freedom Trail. We walked most places - all the way to Boston Common and the Public Gardens. I felt very at home staying at the skinny house but did not feel like we were staying in someone else's home. We have stayed at vrbo houses in the past and this one was the best equipped one including cozy, nice smelling towels and sheets. There were spices available in addition to some basic cooking supplies like olive oil. There was plenty of dish and laundry detergent. I did get the chance to speak with Jen before our trip and she was very helpful and friendly. This is another benefit of renting from the owner because you get to know the area before you even arrive. Interestingly enough although the house was 10 feet wide I felt like there was plenty of space. My sister and niece came up one night to visit and we were all comfortable in the house. I consider myself very picky in evaluating accommodations (just ask my poor husband) and I highly recommend staying at the skinny house. Thank you for such a memorable vacation!Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children, sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers.
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Outstanding stay on the Freedom Trail!
Outstanding stay on the Freedom Trail!
- Guest cathy k. (Irvine, ca)
- Date of stay 06/25/12
- Review Submitted 07/22/12
My family of 5 (three children ages 9,7,6) stayed at the Skinny house at the end of June and I can truly say that staying in such a historic home was the highlight of our trip. There is something really special about staying in the heart of the north end and on the Freedom Trail. The location of the home simply cannot be beat, with the closet T stop is within easy walking distance and all of Boston at your fingertips. We took an easy cab ride from the airport and made ourselves right at home. The house is exactly as described and the owner's are very easy to work with and responsive. We would look forward to our next visit to Boston when we will have the chance to stay in the Skinny house once again.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car.
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Owner info
Year Purchased: 2000
About the owner: My husband and I were both born and raised in the North East. Although we've lived on both the East and West coasts we found a home here in the North End. Our children were born in Boston and raised in the Skinny House and we lived here for nearly a decade before it became a vacation property.
Why the Owner Chose Boston:
A job brought my husband and I to Boston in 2000. Entirely by chance we stayed in the North End during one of our exploratory visits. It didn't take long before we were hooked. We simply fell in love with the neighborhood and it became our home.
The Unique Benefits at this Townhome:
Amongst the narrow, winding streets and alleys of the North End you will hear passionate discussions in Italian. You will see bocce being played in the park. You will be able to browse specialty stores selling fresh cut flowers, handmade pasta, cannoli or biscotti or fresh cuts of meat. Eat at one of the wonderful restaurants, such as The Neptune Oyster House or Terra Mia. All of this within a quarter mile radius of Boston’s oldest colonial buildings, Faneuil hall, Quincy market, the famous Boston Garden (home of the Celtics and the Bruins), the waterfront and the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
From the front door you can walk the freedom trail to Bunker Hill and the Charlestown Navy Yard (the Home of the USS Constitution). Follow it the other way to the Old North Church, the Paul Revere house or St. Stephen's church (the family church of Rose Kennedy). Or walk across the street to Copps Hill Burying Ground (Boston's second oldest cemetery) with headstones chipped by Revolutionary War musket fire.
The Green line (3 blocks away) brings you to the Newbury Street (fine shopping), the Boston Common, the Boston Garden, Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Contact us
Links to more information:
Photos
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The 'Skinny House'
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Kitchen
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On the Freedom Trail
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Dining
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Alley Entry
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View of Copps Hill Burial Ground from House
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View from Living Room
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Bathroom
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Master Bedroom
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Living Room and Stairs
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Hull Street with the Old North Church in Background
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Photo Montage
VRBO #247506
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Sunday, March 09, 2014
