Architectural, Accessible, Charming House, Lovely Boston Neighborhood

• Great house

  Great house

  • Guest Ruth W.
  • Date of stay 04/21/13
  • Review Submitted 05/12/13
  The listing description of this house was accurate -- we just did not expect it to be so close to the main road so you could hear traffic. But, on that main road there were several good restaurants plus a fabulous ice cream parlor within walking distance. The T station was also approximately 1/2 a mile away. The house was very clean, very well-maintained and extremely spacious, more so than anticipated. The house was perfect for our needs, including its own driveway for one car and easy street parking for our other vehicle. The owner was extremely helpful in promptly returning two items we inadvertently left behind in the house on our departure. We would recommend this house to others.

  Owner response: I am pleased that my guests enjoyed the house and the neighborhood. It's true that the nearby restaurants are amazing and close. The ice cream store is a major highlight of Jamaica Plain: JP Licks. It opens early in the morning and is busy til its late evening closing. I try to hold myself to just two hot fudge sundaes each year, because they are so good (and so caloric). My house is very close to Center Street, screened by a row of tall arborvitae. And the street traffic can be heard in summer. It's important for people to be aware of that. Here are the ways I try to minimize that issue: One bedroom and the tv room are on the farther side of the house and so screened from noise, one that is on the street side has a room air conditioner that can muffle the noise, and the downstairs bedroom has a portable air conditioner too. But nothing's perfect.

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• Only good things to report!

  Only good things to report!

  • Guest Beth
  • Date of stay 10/12/12
  • Review Submitted 11/08/12
  We can't begin to express how wonderful it was to stay in Jane's lovely Boston home. Our group of 7 (4 adults, 2 teens and 1 child) were very comfortably housed for a long weekend in this lovely home. It was an easy bus ride (literally right across the street) to the subway station and a quick ride via subway into the historic/downtown districts of the city. Within walking distance were many nice restaurants which we enjoyed trying out. We also were able to walk to a Whole Foods market to get food to have in the house. I initially was very nervous as to whether we would be staying in an area of Boston which was unsafe, but I was happy that the neighborhoood was just fine and I felt very safe staying there and walking to the nearby restaurants/shops. We were so busy running around we didn't particularly get to spend much time inside the house, but it was very homey, the beds were comfortable and the kitchen well equipped. Also, since there was a washer/dryer we got to fly home with clean clothes in our bags. I highly recommend staying here.

  Owner response: I'm so happy my guests enjoyed staying in my house. And I'm glad they mentioned the washer and dryer. They are behind a door in the master bedroom and I think I sometimes forget to draw people's attention to them. When I travel, I love having access to a washer and dryer, and also to high speed internet. Thank you!

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• I can't tell you how satisfied we were …

  I can't tell you how satisfied we were …

  • Guest Desire F.
  • Date of stay 10/05/12
  • Review Submitted 10/26/12
  We spent four days in Boston in October 2012, around Columbus Day weekend, for our son’s wedding, and we were really fortunate to find this rental. Considering what hotel rates were in the city at this time of the year, no other accommodation solution could have beat that option. From the outside, 10 Lochstead Avenue looks deceivingly small, and my son, who drove past it before we arrived, even expressed doubt about the house accommodating our party. But we stepped into a house which was so big and so comfortable that we could not be more pleased. I personally fell in love with it. Everything, right from the start, far exceeded our expectations. Everything in the advertisement was true and accurate. Everything was perfect. I rented before, and I have had my share of unpleasant experiences, but this is the first time I can say unequivocally that I was completely satisfied, and for a group of up to seven persons, there is simply no better option. What made the whole thing even more enjoyable was dealing with Jane, the owner of the house. She got everything covered, kept the line of communication open, always adding that personal touch, and anticipated any potential problem, while making you feel it was not just for the money. Jane happened to have a connection with my wife as a CNR alumna. Here is part of the thank you note I felt compelled to write to Jane, who went out of her way to make this rental a pleasant and memorable experience. “Dear Jane, … I can't tell you how satisfied we were by our stay in your house at 10 Lochstead Av., Jamaica Plain. Several times a day, I would catch myself saying loudly "I love this house!". Thank you for making the whole process run so smoothly that I would forget sometime that it was a business transaction. I really appreciate the personal touch you add to it. …Your books and your music collection made the stay even more enjoyable, and having "Kind of blue" and "Sketches of Spain" by Miles Davis played on your NAD receiver through your small Boston Acoustics speakers would have made me forgive any imperfection that may have existed at 10 Lochstead, which I didn't notice. The four day requirement, the rationale for which you have already explained to me, would be the only thing I wish could be changed, but I definitely would rent again from you when I have a chance…. Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to live in your house.” df, New York

  Owner response: My heat is warmed, reading this lovely review. I learn yet again that being a host is a joyful business. I have really come to see that providing vacation rental in my house is deeply a "win-win" for renters and for me. I'm so pleased that people say their experience of Boston is enhanced by staying at my house; I'm so pleased that their rentals enable me to spend more time visiting my far-away family. With gratitude!

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• Lochstead Visit 7-29-12 - 8-5-12

  Lochstead Visit 7-29-12 - 8-5-12

  • Guest Mark H.
  • Date of stay 07/29/12
  • Review Submitted 09/06/12
  Coming from Michigan for our first time to Boston, I must say we were so lucky to fine this rental. First of all the owner Jane is nothing short of wonderful giving us all the information needed to have a great vacation and place to stay. My wife and I , 2 kids (9 and 2) and my parents made this trip and this house was more than comfortable for all 6 of us. The house is beautifully planned and well stocked with everything needed for an extended stay. The location in Jamaica Plain is PERFECT..... not too close to boston chaos and not too far for a quick trip anywhere....you can walk to the Stoney Brook T Station (orange line) from the house or take the bus which literally stops in front of the house.... There are close grocery stores and markets for anything needed and parking in the house driveway which seems to be at a premium in JP. At night you can come back and relax on the beautiful deck with a fenced in backyard for the kids to play in..... We used the washer / dryer a few times which allows you to pack less on your trip. We attended a Red Sox game, Boston Duck Tour, Aquarium, Freedom Trail, Sam Adams Brewery Tour, Childrens Museum, Fanuiel Hall, Cheers, drove to Plymouth and saw the Rock as well as swam in the Atlantic. This house is the perfect location to do everything in and around Boston...... I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great vacation and a great location vs. a stuffy hotel and $$ in downtown boston.....This was just like vacationing out of your own house..... You will need nothing but your clothes...Jane has the house fully stocked with everything you need along with useful information about the surrounding area. Before you come , study the Mass Transit maps etc and when you get here it will be simple to find your way around...... on bus and train....I would rent this place again without hesitation when we come back to Boston !

  Owner response: What a joy it is for me to read that my guests took such great advantage of their time in Boston. It is wonderful to be able to reach destinations like Fenway Park, the Children's Museum and the Freedom Trail so easily by public transportation, as well as the sites that are an easy drive. Plymouth is less than an hour, and so is Newport, coastal Maine, the lovely drives west for foliage viewing -- I hope my guests consider a return visit!

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• Highly recommended

  Highly recommended

  • Guest Samantha D.
  • Date of stay 07/21/12
  • Review Submitted 07/30/12
  We had 5 adults and 2 children (4- & 6-years old) staying at the house for a mini-reunion, and everything worked out very well in terms of accommodations and easy access to public transportation, grocery stores, and shops/restaurants. In fact, we were lamenting that we did not have enough time to explore more of Center Street with its interesting little shops and restaurants. The house was well-equipped for meal preparations, and Jane was very quick to respond when we had questions. All in all it was a great place to stay!

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• Perfect stay for Boston College Graduation

  Perfect stay for Boston College Graduation

  • Guest Mary C.
  • Date of stay 05/18/12
  • Review Submitted 06/12/12
  We highly recommend staying in The Lochstead House if you are planning to visit Boston, and especially if you have a college graduation to attend as hotel rates are very high on these weekends. We felt the house was EXACTLY as pictured; equipped with everything necessary for a five day stay with seven people; lovely comfortable bedrooms, plenty of clean kitchen and dining space, wonderful patio with barbeque that we did use overlooking peaceful backyard in quiet neighborhood within walking distance to quality restaurants and short drive to Boston College campus and grocery stores, etc. The homeowner, Jane, could not have been more pleasant. We made very special memories in this lovely, lovely home. We truly miss this gem of a place, cozy and welcoming, airy and bright, craftsman style with pretty architectural finishes, large enough to accomodate our large family... and will definitely return soon to visit our son who took a job in the area upon graduation!

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• Nice fit for our family

  Nice fit for our family

  • Guest Lisa K.
  • Date of stay 05/10/12
  • Review Submitted 06/08/12
  We had 7 family members traveling to Boston for our son's college graduation. 10 Lochstead Ave turned out to be the perfect fit. It was as described and suited our needs well. Very comfortable and homey. Having bedrooms downstairs as well as upstairs was very helpful. The tv room downstairs is the 4th bedroom, which we had a family member use. Unfortunately, that was the location of the tv so we were unable to watch tv (several had sports, news shows they wanted to watch in the evenings). The living room is very large, so it would really be ideal if the tv could be in that main room. I passed that suggestion on to the homeowner. Due to age/mobility issues we were unable to use public transportation for this trip and had to rent a vehicle, so the off street driveway parking was a blessing to us. No hunting for parking spots!! It was nice being in a neighborhood while still having the urban feel. There is a fair amount of traffic noise (morning and evening) from Centre Street but much less than if you were in a downtown hotel. The kitchen and dining room were well-used by all of us. It was fun to cook together and celebrate several dinners around the table. We were even able to use the deck grill for 2 nights! We loved having the Pond down the street and in the morning would walk/run around while also admiring the many historic homes. The homeowner was easy to work with and very accommodating. She communicated promptly and was flexible about our arrival. We would recommend this home to those traveling to Boston. It serves as a nice reprieve from the action of the city while still being a great location.

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• Great location and lovely home

  Great location and lovely home

  • Guest Rebecca C.
  • Date of stay 05/22/12
  • Review Submitted 06/03/12
  The home was perfect to house our family for our daughter's college graduation. The bus into town is just across the street, which made it so convenient for all of us to get downtown. The home is well equipped with everything you could need to entertain, except for the broken microwave, which I'm sure is replaced by now. The owner couldn't have been more accommodating.

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• Perfect home for marathon week

  Perfect home for marathon week

  • Guest Robyn R.
  • Date of stay 04/14/12
  • Review Submitted 04/22/12
  My family and I were visiting Boston for the marathon. Hotel prices in Boston are outrageous, so I looked into renting a home for the week. I am so pleased with how this home was perfectly located. We were just a quick walk to the "T" that gave us access to the entire city and more. Yet, the home is located in a beautiful neighborhood filled with interesting, colorful homes offering a quiet retreat from the busy streets of Boston. We loved the pond and the Arboretum, both within walking distance as well. We spent our mornings eating breakfast on the private deck, while we planned our adventures for the day. The home has a wonderful jacuzzi, perfect for soaking after long days of sightseeing or marathon running! We loved our week at 10 Lochstead, and would definitely stay again. Thank you Jane!

  Owner response: I am so happy that you and your group enjoyed the stay! Like all Bostonians, I greatly admire marathoners. And I had many requests for rental for the time of the race. I'm delighted that you spend enough time to enjoy Boston and especially the garden and culinary delights of Jamaica Plain. You point out, too, that given the very high price range of Boston hotels, renting a whole house is a wise choice. You'd pay quite a bit more for a week's hotel stay and you wouldn't have the deck, the yard, the room to spread out, the spacious kitchen to cook in. Congratulations on your run!

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• Our Christmas visit

  Our Christmas visit

  • Guest around the world
  • Date of stay 12/23/11
  • Review Submitted 01/04/12
  Our family stayed in this house over the Christmas holiday in 2011 so that we could be close to other family members in the immediate neighborhood. We loved the house, cooked all the time, walked to the Pond, reveled in the Christmas feeling of the neighborhood, and were soothed by the tranquil atmosphere that the house exudes. We agree with other reviewers that a strength of this rental is the home owner. We chose this house over another in the area strictly on the basis of the courtesy of response, and that proved true throughout our stay. The design and decor of the house are impeccable, and the kitchen is ready for a family that is really cooking and eating together. Now that Whole Foods has opened mere blocks away, there is hardly anything you can't find in easy walking distance. Enjoy yourselves!

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Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency ($) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.

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