Visit from Finland!

Guest: Heikki, Margit, Markus & Loviisa (Finland)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/04/12

We stayed with our family at 9 Summer St. in October 2011 and enjoyed it very much. Everything was clean and well organized, and all the possible utilities and appliances were provided. Both floors have a bathroom and the one upstairs has a Jacuzzi that was our kids' favorite! Jane, Joyce and Miranda were very friendly and helpful, and we had no problems whatsoever, although we came from the other side of the globe (northern Scandinavia), and this was our first real touch with the United States. The kitchen is huge with an island in the middle that makes it very convenient for family gatherings. The location of the house was excellent: the nearest beaches and downtown are within 10 min walking distance. Hence, we managed without a car, although a car is surely recommended to reach the nearest supermarkets in Gloucester (there is no proper grocery store in Rockport). There were brochures and maps with clearly marked directions available in the house. Every weekday I was commuting to Boston with the commuter rail that has a station at 10 min walking distance from the house. This was very convenient as the train was always on time, has a WIFI, and the ocean views are very nice. We also found cheap (~$1) local buses (CATA) that go from Rockport to Gloucester along different routes, e.g., through the Halibut State Park. Overall, we were extremely happy with our experience at 9 Summer St and would warmly recommend it to anyone, including international visitors, families with children of all ages, and people working in the Boston area! Thank you Jane!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Delightful Winter Rental 2010-2011

Guest: Karen B.
Date of Stay: 10/02/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/11

I was so comfortable and happy at 9 Summer Street that I think back on it as one of my homes. I stayed at Jane’s cottage for the “winter rental” when I relocated back to New England. I chose it sight unseen other than the website and was thrilled to see it was just as pretty as the pictures. It was spacious but cozy, modern but charming and … immaculate! Jane has experience as a landlord and it shows: she is quick to respond to any problems or concerns, but definitely gives you privacy. She has the whole renting process down to a science. During my stay I enjoyed lovely walks from this ideal location. Both the ocean and quaint shops are only about ten minutes away, yet the neighborhood is quiet and residential. The commuter train into Boston came in very handy. I would recommend 9 Summer Street as an amazing winter rental and can’t wait to return one day for a summer vacation.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

We look forward to returning each year.

Guest: Dan & Jeanine Pippitt (Rockport MA)
Date of Stay: 09/04/10 Review Submitted: 01/21/11

We visit Rockport because we enjoy its slow quiet pace and village atmosphere and we found this is the perfect home for our visit. The home is very comfortable with all the amenities you could ask for and a spacious Kitchen where the whole family can gather to eat or plan your day. The location is excellent. It is a nice easy walk to either the shops at Bearskin Neck or Front beach depending on if you choose a lazy beach day or shopping day. We have young children and there is also a local playground which we walked to after Dinner so that they could burn off any extra energy they might have in reserve before bed time. The home is very clean, updated, fenced in yard and located on a quiet street. We look forward to returning each year.

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Winter 2009

Guest: Nick (Malden, MA)
Date of Stay: 09/13/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

I had an absolutely amazing time in Always-Summer, Rockport for the six or so months that I lived there. It was great to do a short-term lease like that since I had never lived in the Boston area before. Just knowing that I could live comfortably for six months while I looked for a long term place to stay for the remainder of my four year coast guard tour here was a huge lift off my shoulders. Jane made it super easy to get everything set up even as I was stationed overseas when I first made contact with her. At one point during my stay I had to leave for a month due to work. Jane looked after the house for me, checked my mail and was nice enough to let me pay certain bills after I got back. Not only is she a great landlord to have, she's a wonderful person. I couldn't be happier with my decision to stay at 9 Summer St.

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

Everything was perfect

Guest: JaneNewOrleans (New Orleans, LA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

I have such nice memories of Rockport. Staying at Always-Summer was perfect because I could walk to all of the important spots around in about ten minutes or less. When I was there, the yard was alive with beautiful flowers. More than once, I spent time sitting in the yard enjoying the quiet breezes in the chaise. Rockport itself is a lovely town with enough natural beauty to satisfy any nature lover. Our landlady was delightful and always available with information that helped us enjoy our stay. The only thing that might have made the stay better was another week at 9 Summer Street.

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

We will definitely be back!

Guest: Linda & Tom (Milford, NH)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

I just want to say that our family’s vacation at your rental home in Rockport was like a little slice of heaven. We loved the house, the beach and the town. Not only that but as a proprietor you had such a delightful combination of professionalism and genuine warm hospitality. We will definitely be back.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

A great place to stay

Guest: Cynthia (Martinville, LA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

The stay was very enjoyable. The house was in a great, friendly neighborhood. We got to witness the Rockport Memorial Day Parade, which was quite the event. The port area was easily accessible on foot. There is a good bit of shopping available in the port area for those who like to shop. There are places where one can sit and enjoy the view. The Art Museum was enjoyable. There are many good restaurants and lobsta shacks; Moore 's was a good experience as one could actually see the lobsters coming in from the boat into the kitchen. The house provided easy access for excursions to neighboring towns. The weather was cool most days, which was much appreciated. There was rain, but it was seldom long-lasting and didn't really interfere with anything. Jane had absolutely everything in the house and was as accommodating as could be. There were plenty of towels, plenty of utensils, dishes, etc. in the kitchen. The yard was most enjoyable to spend time relaxing while admiring the beautiful flowers. It's a great place to stay for an extended vacation as well. Many thanks, Jane!

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

We felt so welcome

Guest: Erin (Byfield MA)
Date of Stay: 10/02/05 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

My family of 4 stayed at Always Summer as a winter rental for several months starting in October. Jane, the owner, made us feel so welcome. Her beachy decor is warm, inviting, clean, and very functional. Everything we needed, from the washer and dryer to a large selection of cooking supplies was provided for us to use. And we loved being able to walk to everything Rockport has to offer including Bear Skin Neck, beaches, restaurants, coffee shops, and galleries.

Owner response:Thanks Erin! It was so great having you and your family. Jane

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

Wonderful and Convenient Get-Away in Rockport!

Guest: Erin (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 07/04/10 Review Submitted: 12/30/10

Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic get-away or parents seeking a family-friendly vacation spot, “Always Summer” is an ideal place to take a break from life for a week or two. Located in scenic Rockport, MA, “Always Summer” is well situated within the town: It is within easy walking distance to beaches, restaurants, and local shops, yet just far enough from the town center to offer visitors peace and quiet. The large fenced yard is truly private and offers the perfect setting for a quiet morning coffee, a BBQ and Frisbee game with the kids, or a romantic drink by moonlight. The house itself is quaint and very comfortable. The large kitchen is great for cooking, the living room is equipped with a DVD player and cable TV (in case of rain!), and the bedrooms are comfortable and well appointed. Renters also have use of two parking spaces in the driveway—a must-have in Rockport, where parking is difficult to find. The house has all the conveniences of home without any of the hassles! The owner, Jane, is incredibly friendly, informative, and helpful. This vacation home also allows renters to bring pets (with advance notice). “Always Summer” compares well with other vacation homes: it is high-quality, and quite affordable for the many amenities or conveniences that are included. I really can’t say enough about it—we’ve had two excellent vacations there, and will return again many times.

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

Great new england rental

Guest: Mary Leontakianakos (Rockport MA)
Date of Stay: 06/29/10 Review Submitted: 12/14/10

My husband and I have rented this home several summers now. It is a great find in a beautiful neighborhood. The location is ideal, the home itself well kept and I especially love the large eat in kitchen and fenced in backyard. We vacation with our teenage son who appreciates the privacy of the upstairs bedrooms and the ability to walk to just about everything in town. Our little Maltese loves the backyard. I highly recommend this home to anyone who wants to experience a relaxing summer vacation in a idyllic new england town.

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