Vacation Rentals by Owner

MorMor

Guest: JJ (Freedom, NH)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/14/12

This was our 3rd year spending Easter as a family at the Boathouse in Sturbridge. Other family members have spent Christmas and Thanksgiving there as well! It is a fantastic VRBO home, beautifully decorated, very clean and a great location in central MA. We would highly recommend it but not on Easter weekend because we want it every year on Easter!

Owner response:We love our repeat guests. They know our home and respect it so that it will be in the same great condition when they come back again. Thanks for your continued support and look forward to your next visit.

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

An absolute GEM!!!

Guest: naomi (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/20/12

We just got back from what was by far our best experience at a VRBO property. The pictures in the listing do not do justice to how beautiful, spacious, warm and inviting the house is!! Forget about everything you know about a vacation rental. This is HOME with everything and more. The place was impeccably clean, everything we needed was there and handy and the owner was quick to answer all our questions. We can't wait until it gets warmer and we can come back again and enjoy the lake, especially since I promised my daughter that we'll return as she asked "why isn't THIS our home???" :-) I recommend wholeheartedly!!!

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

Great House!

Guest: Mike R. (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 12/30/11 Review Submitted: 02/20/12

We spent New Years here and loved it. Very comfortable, spacious, and beautiful.

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

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

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

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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 teenagers, families with young children.

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:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

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:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

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:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Lakehouse Vacation

Guest: jamie i. (Alabama)
Date of Stay: 09/04/10 Review Submitted: 09/14/10

When searching for a place to rent in Central Mass for a family Trip, I came across this fabulous lakehouse in Sturbridge. The house was the located on a beautiful and peaceful lake, there was plenty of space with a great entertaining deck off the Kitchen where we hosted a family BBQ. The owner was very gracious and accommodating throughout our stay. We will definitely be back in the near future. A+.

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

Haven of Tranquility

Guest: T.A.N.K. (UK)
Date of Stay: 07/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/10

The house far outweighed our expectaions on arrival and did not disappoint throughout the holiday. The location on the lake was wonderful, waking up each morning to the sun shining on it was a sight to behold. We were very comfortable and had loads of space, and even managed to master the art of boiling water, "American Style". The squirrels, chipmunks and various wierd and wonderful birds kept us entertained, but the mosquitos were a pain to say the least. Even though we used lotions and potions to keep them at bay, them still munched us to bits. So be warned, they bite and they bite lots. Take anti hystermine to get you through it.......... Sturbridge was a lovely village, the shops, supermarkets, liquor store and restaurants were easily accessible and good value. We ate at 420 Main St, as recommended by previous visitors and it was really good. We travelled to Boston, Providence, Newport, New Hampshire and Wrentham Outlet village, which is only an hour away and got great bargains !!! We (wisely) took the train to New York, for the day from Springfield and Amtrak gave us a wonderful experience. Great comfortable journey and only $58 each return. Highly recommend it........... We all enjoying our stay very much, so thank you Chris - we may well be back again !!!

Owner response:Thank you for the nice review. We enjoyed having you and your friends stay at our lake house. Mosquitoes are a way of life in summer in New England and most of Northern America and we just learn to work around them between sprays and screened in porches. I know that they hardly exist in England due to cooler temperatures and so it must have been a bit of a shock to have to deal with them. Usually they only are a factor when the sun goes down. Glad that they overall stay went well and we look forward to your early return.

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

The Boathouse - June 12 -19th 2010 Much more than expected! The photos don't tell the whole story.

Guest: Laurie & Steve (Latham, NY)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 06/20/10

This home is so lovely, The lake breeze makes the temperature perfect inside and out. The water is wonderful for swimming and the depth gradually increases from your ankles up. The dock is PVC, so no slivers. There are very few motorboats and those that do come around are thoughtful of the tranquility. We saw ducks on the dock and a crane, too. There are chipmunks, squirrels, orioles and yellow breasted chickodees to name a few. It's so wonderful at night when the windows are open to hear the wildlife. The furnishings are exquisite - a perfect combination of inn like antiques and the comfort of home. There are simple touches of hospitality in the lovely linens that welcome you in the bedrooms and baths. The kitchen is "fully" stocked so you can really cook in it - it's not just a stage set. The views are gorgeous from all of the glass doors that fully grace the lakeside. Finally, the location allows you to stay in the peaceful lake setting and be in town in 10 minutes. Two wonderful restaurants that don't look like anything from the outside are 420 Main Street and Romaldo's at the Hearth. The White Swan/Ugly Duckling is exactly that - ugly food at high prices - don't let the looks fool you. Don't miss Via in Worcester which is less than a half hour away. This was a wonderful holiday for my husband, myself and our 17 year old son.

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

This house deserves more than five stars

Guest: Ann Arbor Traveler (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 05/07/10 Review Submitted: 05/16/10

I can't remember ever having had a better experience with lodging on a vacation. This is an excellently designed, perfectly decorated, well supplied house maintained to a high standard in a gorgeous setting. We slept 8 people comfortably, and the four bathrooms made it easy for us all to get up and get moving in the mornings. The heated floors were a welcome luxury on chilly mornings, and rain or shine we could not get enough of the beauty of the lake and the woods surrounding it. One morning we served brunch on the main floor deck and our guests commented continually on how lovely the setting was. It was comfortable and elegant at the same time. Having this house as a gathering point for family and friends attending the wedding we were in town for made it possible for everyone to enjoy each other's company in way that renting a group of hotel rooms never could have. And after wondering whether we should stay closer to the wedding venue in Sturbridge, we were delighted to discover that the 10 minute drive to the house from town on peaceful, winding roads was a relaxing and spirit-lifting bonus. Very importantly, the owner provided just the right amount of support--a helpful opening tour of the house and an invitation to call him with any questions or problems. If you are fortunate enough to be able to book this home for your vacation you will not be disappointed. The week we spent here was not nearly enough time, and we will be looking for excuses to return.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.