This is a truly delightful property and the owners are wonderful people.

Guest: John (Cardiff, UK)
Date of Stay: 10/22/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

We came to the US for our son’s wedding and spent 3 days in Boston followed by a week at the Boathouse. The property is very comfortable with all modern facilities. The praise of previous reviewers is all justified. What made the stay special for us was the kindness and generosity of the owners. We got caught up in the snowstorm on 29 October 2011, which blocked the estate roads and brought down power lines. The first time that it has snowed in October for many decades. As we were booked on a flight back to the UK on 30 October the owner came to rescue us on the Sunday morning with his truck with snow plough attached. He took us over to his property where we were looked after by him and his wife who later took us to the airport in her vehicle. We are extremely grateful for this kindness and we are hoping to return again next year to visit my son his new bride and our extended family and friends.

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

Perfect Vacation Home

Guest: The DeMaio's (Newington, CT)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

Just got back from a two week vacation at "The Boathouse". This home has all the amenities you could want. It is a peaceful haven surrounded by trees with a beautiful view of the lake. We went swimming every day and made good use of the kayaks we brought with us. The neighbors were friendly and would always give a wave as they passed the house. The dock is a nice place to enjoy a little sun (we shared it with a family of 5 ducks!) and the patio area down by the water gave both shade and sun depending on where you sat. I'm fair skinned so a little shelter was nice to read a book or use the computer down by the lake without getting burned. The furniture at this house is very comfy and the screened-in porch off the deck and family room is a nice treat for later in the evening. As far as being buggy, we did not have that experience. There were some mosquitos a couple of nights but that was it, nothing a little hit of bug spray couldn't cure. We ate out on the deck almost every night. Three of the 14 days we stayed were torrential downpours (5" in one afternoon) but it is such a great open fun place to stay that it didn't bother anyone. The set up of the first floor gives a place for everyone to find their own space, whether it be watching tv, playing games, reading or working on puzzles :), and at the same time it's a great space for a large gathering. Wonderful floorplan. The master bedroom upstairs is like a spa retreat. A luxurious open tiled shower actually has a little seat in it. The view from the deck off the master bedroom was spectacular to wake up to. The house is decorated tastefully, nothing was spared. It looks like something out of a "Better Homes and Garden" magazine. The owners are such nice people, very helpful and greeted us when we arrived to show us around and make sure we were comfortable. Can't wait to go back - we have already booked for next year!

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

Great house

Guest: Greg (Boston)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11 Review Submitted: 06/22/11

Everything was fantastic.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers.

We came back

Guest: Ann Arbor Traveler (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 05/16/11

My experience staying at the Boathouse last year for the week leading up to a friend's wedding led me to come back again this year. I would not have predicted before that first stay that I would plan to vacation again in the area, but the experience was so wonderful we couldn't resist. This area of New England is beautiful any time of the year, and the Boathouse is simply the best place to end up in at the end of a day's sightseeing. It covered all the bases for us--beautiful views to wake up to in the morning, a restful retreat to spend the day at, and a lovely home to host dinner with friends. I would not hesitate to go back again.

Owner response:We love having return guests each year as they truly treat our home as if it were their own. This group was amazing as the house was spotless when they left and they even took their trash with them! what a pleasure to have stay. We hope you will consider coming again. Chris

Recommended for:Sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Wonderful Vacation

Guest: Sharon, Tom, & Christopher (Hudson, MA)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 04/25/11

We had a fantastic time, the pictures don't do the reality justice. Home is well maintained, clean and so nice for relaxing and taking in the lake. The boys loved fishing for fun, off the dock. Sturbridge "Main street" is only 10 minutes away to take in antique shops, great restaurants, and old Sturbridge Village, just a nice family time spot along the water! We have already recommended it to other families !

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

Peaceful Setting - Beautiful View - Comfortable Furnishings

Guest: Mark (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 03/10/11 Review Submitted: 04/18/11

We couldn't have been more delighted with our stay at the Boathouse. I was initially concerned that it might be far enough out as to be inconvenient, but the description of the place convinced me to give it a try. After checking in, I discovered that the pictures cannot do justice to the beauty of the home or of the view of the lake. Everything about this place exceeded my expectations, and it is actually conveniently located just off a main highway so it is very easily accessible, and just the right distance from Boston to give you a peaceful retreat without being too far. The furnishings were just right and made us feel right at home. The pictures cannot do justice to the beauty of the home or of the view of the lake. We were able to host a birthday party for a friend while there at the house, and the big table in the kitchen gave us plenty of room. Chris was superb host. He and his wife met us at the house when we arrived (which was later than we had planned due to weather and traffic), and showed us around, and then called the next morning just to make sure everything was ok. Later in the weekend when we lost a car key, Chris drove to Worcester for us and picked up the spare key. He certainly went beyond the "second mile" to show genuine hospitality and ensure that we had a nice visit in Massachusetts. Thank you! If you are considering a trip anywhere near Sturbridge, Boston, or Worcester, you absolutely owe it to yourself to check this place out. As a side note, my mother who is very sensitive and has allergies, had no problems with this place. We found the place extremely clean and supplied with everything needed for a comfortable stay. We look forward to visiting the Boathouse again in the future.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, age 55+.

Great Stay

Guest: Great Stay (North Andover, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/30/11

My husband and I stayed at this beautiful home with two other couples. We had a great time! The house is very comfortable and clean and the views of lake are spectacular. I would recommend this house to anyone that is looking for a nice relaxing getaway.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

The Boathouse in October

Guest: Kathy and Drew (Sacramento)
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 11/13/10

We loved, loved, loved this home! It had everything we needed, plus so much more. The setting is lovely; the home is beautiful; it's close to town, but not too close! It exceeded our expectations! We can't wait for the next family reunion so we can go back again!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Wonderfully Appointed Vacation Home

Guest: Lisa K. (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/13/10 Review Submitted: 10/21/10

The Boathouse was such a treat. Wish I could give it more stars. We were in town for my sister's wedding at the Publick House and The Boathouse served as the perfect place for old friends and family to reunite while enjoying the incredible atmosphere. The owners provided every amenity imaginable to make our stay easy and relaxed. Can't say enough about the house, the decor is high-end and custom, yet incredibly comfortable and welcoming. There was plenty of room for everyone. My mother kept commenting that she felt like a queen sleeping under the elegant crochet canopy bed and loved the oversized shower in the master bedroom. The lake was fantastic, foliage was beautiful, and my 2 year old loved fishing with his dad and grandfather. He proudly caught his first fish! Do yourself a favor and rent The Boathouse, you will NOTt be disappointed. A++

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+.

New England Comforts meets Lakefront Beauty

Guest: SunNfun (Rowley, MA)
Date of Stay: 09/16/10 Review Submitted: 09/30/10

What a combination! I am in the hospitality industry and I cannot say enough about the overall experience of staying at this home. I say home, because though this is a rental property, it was as if we were invited to stay and enjoy all the comforts of a friend's home. Located in the heart of historic Sturbridge, MA., my husband and I enjoyed simple, yet luxurious pleasures, and reconnected with the slower pace of life: a comfy bed, breakfast on the deck, nature, and eachother. We adventured through local farms for apple picking and apple pie, hiking in the state forest, and an evening at the Salem Cross Inn for a fabulous dinner. This well appointed home with New England furnishings made the comfort of the trip that much more relaxing. Enjoy your stay - vacation is never long enough - especially on the lakefront.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+.