Berkshires Mid-Century Hideaway; Private, Yet Close to Town
- Minimum stay:2 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
This property is very private, back a long driveway on a quiet road, yet is less than 4 miles from the center of Great Barrington, approximately 20 minutes to Tanglewood (closer via the back roads shortcut!), close to Butternut and Catamount ski areas, as well as all the Berkshire attractions. Very close to some of the nicest swimming places in the Berkshires. Hiking nearby / and on the property.
On the property there are 8 acres of hiking trails, plus another 35 acres adjacent of trails, plus 90 acres across the road of trails (great for XC skiing in the winters too!). In the front of the house is a very nice open field which we keep well mowed, so nice to amble around in. Lots of outdoor seating too! And a fire-pit.
The house is a 2 bedroom / 2 bath house newly renovated by 2 noted designers, who eschew excess, yet enjoy comfort. Drawing upon our collection of mid-century furniture, we have outfitted the house with some iconic pieces. The house is fully furnished, yet deliberately spare, a blank canvas for you to use for a few days, a week, a month or longer.
It is perfect for a family or 2 (or 3) couples.
Upstairs is a HUGE BEDROOM, with king sized bed. It's a loft-like open sitting area with plenty of light, and also a small exterior balcony. Approximately the size of a nice large studio apartment, with high ceilings and forest AND mountain views. And a bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower. This room is also excellent for practicing yoga...high ceilings, wood floors; 6 mats will easily fit in here (and we can put you in contact with several excellent yoga instructors who will come to the house to give you private classes). Or put all the kids up here, it's like a separate private apartment.
Downstairs there is a streamlined COZY BEDROOM, like a large stateroom in an ocean liner...cozy does NOT mean cramped though. Full sized bed. Full bathroom adjacent.
BEDS are new pillow top mattresses, very deluxe and comfortable; 300 thread count all cotton sheets and duvet covers; down pillows, down comforters OR hypoallergenic comforters and pillows, as you wish.
The LIVING ROOM has a fireplace, a great desk for working / writing (and a fold out / fold flat sofa bed. Flat screen TV for DVDs, reasonably fast wireless connection as well. There are sliding glass doors out to a small deck, and a step down to a large meadow and beautiful woods with hardwood copses, beech woods, old stone walls.
DINING ROOM is well appointed, good light, very convivial possibilities, seats 10 comfortably, but is not huge, you won’t get lost in it. Great light and views.
The KITCHEN is well outfitted; good gas range with vented hood, dishwasher. China is also mid-century; there is a lovely deck off of the kitchen, with outdoor seating and grill.
Small covered deck off of living room, and small deck off of upstairs bedroom as well.
Clean and empty 2 car garage + work area.
Washer / dryer.
Bicycles available, plus many other useful things. We live just up the road, and so are available if there is anything you need.
Excellent high efficiency / low noise hot water circulating furnace / solar powered for electricity.
Cost is as noted in listing, plus a cleaning fee and deposit, depending upon length of stay. Your weekly cost also includes as much as you need from our organic farm, including eggs. Locally raised organic meat also available (at cost).
We are very flexible about checking in / checking out. However unless you specifically confirm the times you're coming (and going) we must ask that you check in after 4pm, and check out by 12:00 pm
Thanks and feel free to ask any questions.
Oh - and a note regarding reviews - several of these reviews are from another site; we pasted them in. I put them in here so you could see that we work as thoroughly as we know how to do, in order to ensure our guests have a wonderful and memorable experience in this house. If there were a review with critical feedback, we would have posted that as well, and also responded with how we changed things so as not to have the issue occur again. This house is a serious venture for us, and our strongest wish is that our guests are completely satisfied. (and please don't take this as a challenge to give us a poor review!). VRBO reviews are marked as such. Thanks again!
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 6
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Convertible bed(s)
Bathrooms
- 2.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
Kitchen & Dining
- Cooking Utensils
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
Amenities
- Babysitter
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Garage
- Parking Off Street
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- Stereo
Communications
- Wireless Internet
Outdoor Features
- Balcony
- Deck / Patio
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
Activities
- Arboretum
- Medical Services
- Basketball Court
- Cross Country Skiing
- Kayaking
- Racquetball
- Rock Climbing
- Snowboarding
- Cycling
- Equestrian Events
- Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Massage Therapist
- Golf
- Hunting
- Hunting Small Game
- Ice Skating
- Mountain Biking
- Mountain Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Rafting
- Sailing
- Ski Privileges Optional
- Skiing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Laundromat
- Hospital
- Groceries
- Botanical Garden
- Churches
- Cinemas
- Library
- Live Theater
- Museums
- Playground
- Recreation Center
- Restaurants
- Ruins
- Synagogues
- Winery Tours
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Boating
- Shopping
- Wildlife Viewing
- Antiquing
- Bird Watching
- Eco Tourism
- Horseback Riding
- Outlet Shopping
- Scenic Drives
- Sight Seeing
- Sledding
- Walking
- ATM/Bank
- Fitness Center
- Water Tubing
- Whitewater Rafting
Reviews
Write a review-
Peaceful and Private
Peaceful and Private
- Guest Anonymous
- Date of stay 02/20/13
- Review Submitted 05/17/13
The listing really says it all. The house is nestled amongst the trees up a private drive. Very quiet and peaceful, we had regular visitors in the yard including deer, turkey, fox, and of course numerous songbirds. The kitchen is equipped adequately but if you are a gourmet cook, you will want to bring your special pans, utensils, or appliances - although the owner's are wonderful about supplying whatever they have available. We stayed for 3 months - Feb into May. The fireplace was heavenly and we used it daily for additional warmth. The layout of the house is cozy, but has enough space for spreading out. Although most of our time was winter weather, we still used the BBQ regularly and I could see that the deck would be a lovely place to spend time in warmer weather. I can't say enough good things about Ron and Naomi (the owners). They are extremely helpful regarding the house and are an exceptional resource regarding things to do and see.Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Amazing hospitality and cozy hideaway
Amazing hospitality and cozy hideaway
- Guest emy888
- Date of stay 02/20/13
- Review Submitted 03/22/13
My husband and our four young children visited the area for the first time to go skiing at Butternut. This house could not have been more perfect. Very kid-friendly, cozy and comfortable, unique in its stylish decor, tucked away and very private. Conveniently located close to Butternut and to Great Barrington's main street, a wonderful place to explore, as well as many other spots we discovered .... But the real treat was the amazing hospitality of the owners. Their recommendations and knowledge of EVERYTHING were top notch and made us newcomers feel as though we knew all the secrets. They greeted us with above-and-beyond helpfulness to make sure everything was perfect and in its place, with fresh eggs, juice, butter and bread for our arrival to boot. And when we found we needed something to execute our customary post-skiing pancakes, they were super responsive and non-intrusive with not one but 3 griddles .... honestly, they were quintessential hosts who ensured that we will be back. We look forward to experiencing the home and area in the warmer months.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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wonderful getaway
wonderful getaway
- Guest Marie, Kurt and Matthew
- Date of stay 09/13/12
- Review Submitted 09/18/12
Our family just returned from a blissful four day stay. We will admit that PERFECT weather conspired to make this trip so glorious but Ron & Naomi's home was a huge part of it. The house is clean and cozy. The fresh flowers, eggs and veggies were a lovely bonus! Ron was quick to respond to any and all inquiries and stopped by to help map out a local trip. A very peaceful vibe and we came home relaxed and re-charged. We look forward to a return trip and heartily recommend a visit!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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A blissfully relaxed week in the Berkshires
Guest comment entered by ownerA blissfully relaxed week in the Berkshires
- Guest Liz
- Date of stay 08/28/12
- Review Submitted 09/04/12
A five star rental. We had the most relaxing, wonderful week at Ron and Naomi's house. The location is lovely, Alford really is a perfect little pocket of the Berkshires. The privacy of the manicured yard was exactly what we were hoping for and we spent lots of time relaxing in the hammock. The vegetables and fruit left for us from Ron and Naomi's garden were all so delicious. There was even a gorgeous bouquet of flowers left for us upon our arrival, which was such a nice touch. The bed was extra comfy. The shower and bathroom was immaculate. In fact, the entire house was immaculate. The kitchen had everything one could hope for. The den is a great spot to watch a movie at night. All of the maps and brochures left for us really helped out and were totally up to date. I can't say enough nice things about Ron and Naomi, I highly highly recommend renting this house for a chilled out vacation.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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stylish, comfortable and impeccably clean
stylish, comfortable and impeccably clean
- Guest B Lady
- Date of stay 08/18/12
- Review Submitted 09/03/12
We completely enjoyed our stay. The house offered great privacy as well as lovely minimalist style. My husband usually has bad allergies in summer homes but the Berkshire hideaway was so dust free that he had no complaints. The owners were extremely helpful and accessible. Also, we have two young children so the laundry, dishwasher and hammock were a plus. The location was ten minutes from the town of Great Barrington and there was swimming close by.Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Owner response: Thanks for your nice review! Glad that the allergies were not an issue! (we are very thorough with cleaning / everything is dusted, wiped down, HEPA vacuumed, all rugs regularly washed etc). You guys were great guests, please think about us for future visits! Ron & Naomi
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Family Vacation
Guest comment entered by ownerFamily Vacation
- Guest Ariel
- Date of stay 06/20/12
- Review Submitted 08/01/12
We had a great stay at the Berkshires hide away. We went for a family vacation out of the city and it was very peaceful and relaxing. You are surrounded by woods there which is really nice. The beds were extremely comfortable and the out side deck we hung out on from the time we got up til we had dinner. Bring some of your own DVDs. They have great books and 4 DVDs there as well. Most nights we were so relaxed we just read and went to bed. Ron and Naomi were very helpful and have great veggies and eggs at their home farm. They were also very accommodating as we booked last minute and had to change arrival time. We hope to come back soon to relax and maybe swim!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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July 4th holiday weekend
Guest comment entered by ownerJuly 4th holiday weekend
- Guest Maggie
- Date of stay 07/04/12
- Review Submitted 08/01/12
What a wonderful home! It was exactly what I was looking for and more. The house is close enough to everything you need and far enough away to make you feel like you are miles away from anyone or anything. Ron and Naomi were the most amazing hosts! They went to great lengths to make our stay a perfect one from giving us recommendations for yoga studios, sites for fireworks, restaurants and music venues, delivering the BEST fruits and vegetable from their farm...and the list goes on. I would recommend this home and/or Ron and Naomi as hosts to Everyone!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Great place for Tanglewood and Jacobs Pillow
Guest comment entered by ownerGreat place for Tanglewood and Jacobs Pillow
- Guest Cari
- Date of stay 07/09/12
- Review Submitted 07/24/12
When my dance company was performing at Jacobs Pillow I was looking for a place for my mother and my inlaws to stay while they were in the area. This abode was the perfect solution. It offers lots of privacy for both parties, is in an idyllic setting, and is very well maintained. What makes it really noteworthy, however, are the property owners. Ron was so prompt with his replies to all my requests and so accommodating. It was wonderful to know that our families would be well taken care of an provided with lovely amenities such as locally roasted coffee, fresh eggs from Ron and Naomi s farm, and fresh flowers upon arrival. It is truly the little things that make a difference in an experience like this and Ron and Naomi are very attentive to these details. On the day of our parents departure my husband and I joined them for breakfast on the deck at this lovely little home and truly enjoyed the serenity of the surroundings. This home is nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, fairly close to everything this area has to offer, and yet offers such tranquility. The best of both worlds.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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A delightful stay in an amazing setting
A delightful stay in an amazing setting
- Guest Phoebe
- Date of stay 05/25/12
- Review Submitted 07/24/12
Ron and Naomi get 5 stars all the way for every possible category: the home is beautifully decorated, clean, welcoming and cozy and the location is superb. I am always looking for homes that are tucked away at the end of a dirt road and this one perfectly fits the bill. Private and serene yet just 10 minutes from Great Barrington. Ron was also an outstandingly accommodating and responsive host (he provided us with bikes, our choice of gas or charcoal grill, a fridge stocked with fresh eggs and greens from his garden, and loads of useful local advice via their guide sent by PDF. Oh and they have a great collection of books, magazines, and a handful of great dvds. I've already recommended the place to my coworkers in Boston and NYC. :)Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 2 night min stay |
$285 | $1855 | $6500 | |||
| Summer Jun 1 - Sep 9 2 night min stay |
$350 | $2275 | $8400 | |||
Fees:
- Cleaning, not to exceed: $160
- Property Damage Protection: $49
- Taxes Not included
Cancellation policy:
If you have any questions please contact the owner.
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Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2003
About the owner: Local interests: Yoga, gardening, farming, hiking, cycling, skiing. We do a variety of small things - house renovation and restoration, small scale farming, garden design, as well as product design and manufacturing. We have lived in the area for almost 20 years, and know every back road, swimming hole, hiking area etc, as well as all the restaurants, cafes and arts venues (and there are a lot of all of them here). Avid cyclists, we can direct you towards some excellent rides, from flat to hilly to 20% grades on dirt / rides to take with your kids etc (and we can lend you tandem(s) to ride with your kids). We are also long time Ashtanga yoga practitioners and can point you towards an appropriate yoga facility in the neighborhood, there are many around here, most are pretty low-key and accessible (and/or we can put you in contact with instructors who will come to the property and give private lessons there - the upstairs room is an excellent yoga studio). We have several houses available for short term and long term rental. We live nearby the properties, on a small farm with extensive test gardens; you are welcome to take a tour of our gardens, plus we can point you to some interesting gardens that are not often open to the public (plus many other places of gardening interest). Please email or call if you have any questions about this or any of our other properties.
Why the Owner Chose Great Barrington:
Near to Tanglewood, Great Barrington shopping, groceries, specialty shops, etc.
We live on a small farm up the road from this property. We're a design / landscape team - we were drawn to this property for several reasons - it's up high, and the woods on this property are far different than the lower woods where we are. There are excellent walking trails - old logging roads and farm paths, that run through hardwood forests - a beech woods, and several stands of old oaks, for example. The house is sited in an open field, but is in dappled shade at the height of the day; the siting of the house, for views of mountains in winter, open field, and a stand of birches, cannot be duplicated!
The house too, was very interesting; at first it seemed very awkward, but after several rounds of renovation, we realize that, like the woods, it's a nice confluence of factors which make it extremely livable, yet simple. The views out the sliding doors are very relaxing; the fireplace is great in the winter; it's a very un-fussy house. It's furnished with iconic Danish furniture, designed by Hans Wegner and Finn Juhl; these are original pieces, and while they are in museum collections, we like to use stuff like this every day, and we invite you to do the same..
The Unique Benefits at this House:
This house is up a long private lane, not visible from the road; however it's less than 4 miles to the center of Great Barrington. The house is in one of the most beautiful parts of the Southern Berkshires - Alford. The 'Alford Loop' is famed amongst cyclists, a nice ride around the Alford Valley, which is farmland under conservation; beautiful views, rolling hills etc. There are hiking trails on the property as well as easy access to other hiking areas close by.
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Photos
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Living room - flatscreen TV, great desk, books, DVDs, fireplace, comfy sofas
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Kitchen table, with door to deck. Hans Wegner chairs and table
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Upstairs bedroom. Lots of privacy for 2 couples, 1 down, 1 up; or use for kids.
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Living room; black sofa = sleeper sofa. Flat screen DVD, stereo equip, iPod.
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1st floor bedroom....like a ships cabin, snug but not cramped - very cozy!
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Fully insulated, full renovation 2012.
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Not a great photo, sorry! Deck is much larger than in this photo. Gas BBQ
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Swimming nearby - an atypical day, with lots of locals and guests-usually fewer
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A fine desk for work, writing, contemplation...write that novel!
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upstairs large bedroom king sized pillow top mattress, attached bath, small deck
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Soaking tub, separate full stall shower (not shown).
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Full kitchen, all appliances, French press & drip pot, all tools etc.
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Books, DVDs, board games, bar
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Bikes available, let us know your sizes
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The top of our lane
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Swimming nearby
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This listing was first published here in 2012.
Date last modified - Thursday, March 21, 2013
