Location: Boston, Greater Boston, Massachusetts, USA (10 Minutes from Airport by Taxi and 5 Minute Walk to Subway.) View Map
Accommodations: Townhome, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 5)
Don't just visit the local attractions, stay in one. The "Skinny House" at 44 Hull Street in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts is an extremely narrow four-story house that has the unique distinction of being the narrowest house in Boston.
Legend says that in Colonial times Joseph Euestus (who is buried across the street in Copps Hill Burying Ground) and his brother inherited land the house sits on from their father. While Joseph was away, his brother built a grand house on the part of the land away from Hull Street leaving little for his brother. But it was Joseph who had the last laugh. He built the skinny house on the narrow lot in front of his brother’s home and at four stories it was enough to cut off his brother's view of the harbor. The legend persists and today the house at 44 Hull Street is still often referred to as the "Spite House".
Fully renovated in 2006, the Spite House (aka the "Skinny House") balances old world charm with modern day convenience. The home is fully furnished with one Queen size bed and a bunk bed ( the lower bunk is a queen), linens, standard cable, high speed internet, local phone and a washer and dryer. The kitchen is fully equipped including a dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, dishes and utensils.
The home is conveniently located on the Freedom Trail in the North End of Boston with convenient location to restaurants, shops and historical sites and even includes a view of Copps Hill and Boston Harbor. Wake up and walk to one of the many cafes, tour the city by day and dine in one of the North End’s world class restaurants in the evening. You would need to stay for a month of Sundays to try them all.
I had my own top bunk!
VRBO Bear stayed here - 09/30/2009
“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
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Bunk Bed : Lower bunk is a Queen size mattress
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- View/Location
- Water View
- Monument View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Iron, Ironing Board, Alarm Clock, Hairdryer
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Shopping
- Live Theatre
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Walk the freedom trail from your front door.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
March - November: $285/night(5 night min) or $1,845/week
December - February: $215/night(3 night min) or $1,395/week
A non-refundable Reservation Deposit is due at booking.
Balance of Rent is due at least 21 days prior to arrival.
Stays of less than 6 nights will incur an additional $125 cleaning fee.
Security/Damage Deposit required. All taxes included.
1-week minimum stay for Boston Marathon.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2000
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. As we walked through the narrow streets looking for a cheap bite to eat we fell in love with the neighborhood. Italian conversations and the wonderful smell of the ocean and amazing food filled the air and we were hooked.
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) and the new 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.
Owner's Map of Boston
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.
Property Photos
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- The "Skinny House" - Boston, Massachusetts Vacation Townhouse with Water View-on the Freedom Trail
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- View from Living Room - Boston, Massachusetts Vacation Townhouse with Water View-on the Freedom Trail
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- Kitchen - Boston, Massachusetts Vacation Townhouse with Water View-on the Freedom Trail
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- Bathroom
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- On the Freedom Trail
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- Master Bedroom
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- Dining
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- Living Room and Stairs
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- Alley Entry
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- Front of House
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- Hull Street with the Old North Church in Background
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- View of Copps Hill Burial Ground from House
Traveler Reviews (15)
Feels like Europe!!
Guest: Anne
(Grenoble, France)
Date of Stay: 01/15/12
Review Submitted: 02/02/12
We had a wonderfull time at this historic house!! Situated in the Italian quarter with narrow streets, little shops, great cafés and restaurants, felt like being in Europe!!! Great for us from France, felt comfortable. Very easy access to eat out and walk around town, easy to catch the metro, water not far, great museums to visit, only 20 minutes from the airport by taxi. But not recommended for young children or people having walking difficulties, it's a four story house with steep staircases. Very charming, cozy, very clean, well equiped. We'll definitely go back for our next stop in Boston. Anne-Laure
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
Nice Place, Needs Some Updates
Guest: Shepherdkisses
(Michigan)
Date of Stay: 10/29/11
Review Submitted: 12/29/11
I give this house an average review since the linens were old and pilled and the pillows were yellow with age. Also the beds in the kids room were on boards and were not very comfortable. In addition, the heat turns it down by it's self so you need to reprogram or keep adjusting it. The master is on the top floor and it can be hot at night, and the one bathroom is two floors below. However, the owners have done an excellent job remodeling this home and the kitchen is lovely. The house was very clean and little extras like cream for coffee were appreciated. The neighborhood was great too. So, I did not get much sleep, but this is a novel house. I would recommend for folks under 30 who can still sleep anywhere.
Owner response:The owners appreciate the constructive criticism. For 2012 we have(1)replaced all pillows and sheets and any other linens that appeared worn or aged (no matter how slight) and (2) scheduled to replace the thermostat with an easier to use model in February 2012.
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers.
Skinny House
Guest: debbieperez
(Wesley Chapel, Fl.)
Date of Stay: 12/01/11
Review Submitted: 12/20/11
We come to Boston every year in December and we have found our home away from home. This is the perfect little clean place in a quaint neighborhood on the north end. It was easy to take the subway from the airport an saved us about $50.00 one way. We bought a subway pass for $15 pp and used it for our hole trip . All great restaurants are within walking distance just get out and explore the area it seemed to be safe. The hole house thing was great I enjoyed getting up and walking around the corner to get fresh pastry's for breakfast. Perfect spot in the North end an the owner Jen was nice to deal with. Thanks for sharing you home with us and look forward to next year.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Fantastic location, wonderful layout, overall great place to stay!
Guest: Ginny
(Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11
Review Submitted: 11/12/11
I spent a lot of time finding a place to stay in Boston that would provide a local feel, be within walking distance of the majority of things we wanted to do and would provide a great environment for 4 adults to share conversation, yet provide privacy when wanted. The Skinny house was the perfect match. We walked to dinner every night and brought dessert home with a bottle of wine almost every night. The owners of the Skinny house have done an excellent job of making the house very livable while keeping the historic feel. They were helpful and the material they provided in the house was very handy. The kitchen was well appointed, there was not one thing that we need that was not close at hand. The Skinny house truly helped make our Boston vacation a once in a life time event.
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway.
Best location in Boston!
Guest: Yolanda S.
(Walnut Creek, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/21/11
Review Submitted: 10/31/11
Family of four, two teenagers...perfect location for all our Boston adventures. Cafe Lil Italy on the corner has the best hot chocolate. Pasta Pomodoro was our favorite dinner place, go early because it's a small place. Polcari Bros for some coffee beans to take home. Urban Adventours for the best way to tour Boston (by bike), ask for Baylor (awesome guide)! House was fun to be in, liked waving to the tour groups across the street. Comfortable beds, more space than pictures show, sometimes all four of us would be spread out through all four levels! Would have loved a larger sink bowl in the bathroom but that's my only suggestion. Cannot beat the location and owners are nice to work with!
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
A Great Vacation Rental
Guest: John, Nancy, Kara and Emma
(Pinellas Park, FL)
Date of Stay: 07/29/11
Review Submitted: 08/07/11
At the risk of repeating the other reviewers, this house is a gem. The appliances are top notch, the house neat as a pin, the location unbeatable. We got used to the stairs after a day, though others may find them more challenging. We didn't do any cooking, despite the markets, butchers, cheese shops and the Haymarket nearby. Our kids liked waving at the tour groups across the street, especially the evening Ghosts and Gravestones groups (say "Hi" to Mercy, Miss Agatha and Scarlet for us). We never had a problem finding a table for dinner somewhere in the North End, but reservations are definitely advised for some places. Caffe Lil Italy down the block, across from the Old North Church, was our regular breakfast resource. The 8AM/8PM cannon fire from the USS Constitution makes a neat time signal. We'd definitely stay here again. Thanks for a great stay.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.
BEST VACATION EVER!
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/20/11
Review Submitted: 08/02/11
During our stay at the Skinniest House in Boston from July 20, 2011 to July 30, 2011, we found all the reviews and the listing information to be absolutely correct. The house is idealy located about 1/2 block from the North End Church with numerous markets and Italian restaurants nearby. The subway (an ideal method of transportation) was within about 1/2 mile walking. It was so... interesting and bigger than we believed. We stayed there 3 adults and 2 teenagers with no problem. The sleeping arrangements were ideal! We had extremely hot weather (101degrees) but since we are from South Florida, it wasn't so bad and the two air conditioners kept the house cool. It was easy to walk to Haymarket or catch the subway to Shaws for grocery shopping at the Prudential Center. The house has great small touches like numerous hangers to hang your clothes, hooks in handy locations and even provided with reusable shopping bags for those trips to the store. State of the art kitchen with everything needed and even a partially stocked pantry with coffee, filters, cooking oils, salt and pepper and sugar, etc. This was such a great value and so centrally located that we were able to explore everything in Boston (Fenway, Newburry Street, Freedom Trail, Boston Commons, movie theater, grocery stores, etc.) and still have time to return for a break at the house before going out again. Stairs are narrow but that is helpful when getting up during the night to use the one bathroom. (You have to go down either one or two floors) The architecture was amazing and the furniture was just right with the expandable dining table and the folding chairs that could be used. It was also nice to have a washer and dryer in the unit. Overall I can't say enough postive things about this rental. The owners provide all the information you could need and the unit was very clean. I would say you should definitely explore the neighborhood restaurants as they were fabulous!
Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
This is the place to stay. Really.
Guest: m5
(Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/04/11
Review Submitted: 05/12/11
Just got back from a week-long stay at the Skinny House with my wife and 13-year-old triplets. Our goal was to just "do" the Boston historical experience as well as some other cultural things (Harvard museums, MFA, etc). There's just no describing how awesome the location of this property is - really, really close to *everything*. My wife loved the fact that she could walk around and always find her way back simply by intersecting with the Freedom Trail. There are restaurants, cafes, and bakeries everywhere, so it really couldn't be an easier, lower-stress vacation. The house itself is awesome - after a day or two, we really didn't notice the "skinny" effect at all, except in so far as how totally delightful it was. The kitchen is great (though I didn't really do any cooking - why would I with all those restaurants right around the corner?) and there's plenty of room to spread out. It's pretty minimal (in a good way; what I mean is that there's not a lot of pointless knick-knackery around) but very friendly and bright. The topmost spiral staircase is a beautiful little special feature that I just loved. It's kind-of neat seeing the tours stopping at the Copp's Hill Burial Ground turning to look and point at the house :-) My kids loved the house completely. TV was great, and the Internet connectivity was flawless (kudos for the spare Ethernet cable too!!). The bathroom is teeny but perfectly serviceable. Washer and dryer are new-ish and top quality. It's important to note that there's a lot of stair climbing in Skinny House, so if you're limited in mobility that could be a problem (but we loved every minute of it). The owners were a delight to deal with, totally professional and courteous. Tip: if you do stay, spend some time on Google maps looking over the neighborhood. I was glad I did, because our cab driver from the airport had no idea where to go :-)
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
Perfect location, and ideal for those with an interest in history!
Guest: Diane
(Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 04/28/11
Review Submitted: 05/10/11
We loved staying at the Skinny House in Boston. We had five women sharing the house for an extended weekend stay in Boston. The location was perfect - easy walking distance to the North Station T-stop, and right on the Freedom Trail. The house was charming and comfortable, and there was enough room for all of us. I would also recommend the house for families, both for the amenities and for the location, and would definitely stay there in the future with my husband and children. We enjoyed the tour groups who pointed out the house and who stopped to ask questions about the history. Jen and Olivia were very helpful, and gave us lots of suggestions! Mike's Pastry is nearby on Hanover Street, and is excellent; we found several stores with coffee, fresh-baked croissants, and cheese around the corner. The house is a short walk (1 mile) to Cambridge / MIT and the Museum of Science.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Perfect Location, Amazing House!
Guest: Kathleen Kerr
(Cedar Falls. Iowa)
Date of Stay: 11/05/10
Review Submitted: 11/17/10
WOW! What a vacation!! My husband and I (VRBO veterans) stayed at the Skinny House for eight nights and were joined by our sister-in-law and her 14-year-old grandson (our great-nephew) for 5 nights. We couldn't have chosen a better place! The house may be small in square footage but it "lives large" -- we could all have our own space as we needed it and never felt crowded. Jen was wonderful and very helpful before our trip and the on-site manager was very sweet and instantly responsive. Thanks, Jen, for all of the informative books about the area! The photos don't do the place justice, especially the views! (Although the back courtyard didn't come with the house, the tranquil view did.) The location is ideal -- on a quiet street but a very easy walk to SO many great sights! The neighborhood felt very safe, even late at night, and the neighbors and people in the area are helpful, friendly and wonderful. Don't hesitate to ask the docents at the Old North Church for advice. My sister-in-law and I had wonderful coffee and biscotti and her grandson had a breakfast sandwich every morning at the corner coffee shop across from the Old North Church -- amazing view at breakfast! We all loved staying in a landmark, across from another landmark, Copps Hill Burying Ground, and a half block from another landmark, the church. As mentioned by others, the house is beautifully renovated with absolutely everything we needed. The washer and dryer allowed us to pack less and travel lighter. The description didn't mention that the appliances are all top-end, the master bed has a memory-foam mattress, the bathroom has a short but (decadently!) deep soaking tub and much more. Only one caution -- three of us are in our 60's (two hip replacements and one knee surgery) and although we had no trouble with the stairs, someone who is more movement-impaired would have trouble here. For families with kids -- our great-nephew had a marvelous time here, actually being at the places his classmates were only reading about! For those arriving at night, Bova's Bakery (with sandwiches and meals available) is a few blocks down Salem Street from the Old North Church and is open 24/7. We only wish that we could give the Skinny House 6 stars! We already want to come back and are recommending it to our friends and relatives!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #247506
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