"Over the river and through the wood"

Guest: Mary and James and family (Fort Worth, Texas)
Date of Stay: 11/25/10 Review Submitted: 12/01/10

Our family enjoyed our Thanksgiving together in the most perfect of settings: a hillside two-story retreat on private and wooded countryside acreage a short way down a one-lane road. All in the home was as described, and more. We had 2 grandchildren (ages 2 and 4) with us among the mid-20-30 year-old children. The croquet set had a good work-out on the extensive yard, and the availability of blocks and other basic toys (as well as a sliding gate that we could place at the stairway) + lots of books for the adults made for a happy gathering. The weather was also good to us--cold and gusty with clear skies--ideal for Thanksgiving. Otis, Great Barrington, Stockbridge, Lee, and other destinations were only a short drive away, and the drive itself--along country roads--was fun. The home was clean and well-maintained, and the rooms have a spacious feel. The kitchen is top-notch (which we needed to prepare our big meal) and includes an island and all necessary cooking utensils. It is well situated for interactions with those who are in the den or living room as the "cooks" are cooking. The owner phoned when we arrived to check that all was in order and was helpful in answering all our questions. Ohhh...and also must mention the huge flock of wild turkeys that flew-in and nibbled around the yard on the day after Thanksgiving--quite a sight (guess they were parading the fact that they had eluded the dining-room table).

Owner response:This is exactly the sort of experience we hope our renters will have. We love having this kind of multigeneration, holiday family gathering, often with families with members coming from Boston and New York, with the Berkshires as a perfect meeting place.

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

All the quiet and modern conveniences needed for a perfect vacation

Guest: Merri L (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/05/10

We couldn't have found a quieter, more beautiful location. This home is deep in the woods, where we spent lots of time in the yard, on walks, or on the screened in porch enjoying time talking, reading or bird watching. Inside, the beautiful, clean house had air conditioning when we needed it, wireless internet that helped us "keeep in touch with the outside world", keep our teenagers entertained and in-touch with friends, and search out the best sight-seeing excursions and restaurants. The satellite TV was great for the times when we wanted to watch our favorite shows. The teenagers slept and spent most of their time upstairs in the "office" while we adults were downstairs (including sleeping in the 1st floor master bedroom, which helped us get to sleep a lot earlier than the teenagers did!). I also used the speaker phone and internet for the one conference call I couldn't avoid taking. Our "host" (homeowner) was attententive and in touch leading up to and during our visit, which was extremely helpful, as was the book detailing practically everything we might have questions about. If quiet, the beauty of nature and modern conveniences are what you're looking for, this is the place to find it!

Owner response:Glad to hear that the house layout worked out as we planned -- with two "zones" so that for example parents can sleep in in the downstairs master suite while the upstairs is really a separate zone for kids or another couple(s).

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Guest: Olivia and Randy Smith (Bradenton, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/11/09 Review Submitted: 08/11/09

We had a wonderful month of July '09 at Two Streams Farm. You can never be too sure what a place is going to be like from the internet so we were nervous. But the moment we drove in the driveway, we knew that we could put our fears to rest. It felt like we had arrived home, and with each passing day this warm, homey feeling increased. The house is beautifully laid out with the master suite on the first floor for privacy and the rest of the bedrooms upstairs. Each room is bright, large, and beautifully furnished with New England antiques and lovely rugs. The first floor living room area provides space to relax as well as a amazingly appointed open kitchen. I really enjoyed cooking here! Best of all is the screened-in porch where you can sit and watch the sunset over the trees. We really appreciated the very large and open yard that gave lots of sunshine to the house and, although you are in a very wooded area, it does not feel that way. Our 2 labs loved playing ball in the yard too. There is so much to do in the Berkshires one could never get bored. Each town has its own diversions be it museums, shopping, eating, hiking, golfing, theater, concerts, dance, etc. It is truly an amazing place to visit. But the nicest thing about Two Streams is that you can enjoy staying home and hanging out as much as anything. Curl up with a good book and let the time pass in comfort. You will not be disappointed with Two Streams or the Berkshires.

Owner response:It's great having renters like Olivia and Randy, who really "click" with the house and who enrich the spirit of the place. Since we can't be there in the summer, having wonderful renters who treat the house like their own home is the next best thing.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/06/07 Review Submitted: 12/06/07

We spent the month of July enjoying the Berkshires from this lovely home in the woods. The house is beautifully furnished and has a kitchen stocked with all the basics and utensils one could ask for. We loved watching a porcupine waddle across the front lawn every afternoon and the night sky was breathtaking. The house owners were available to answer all questions we had and provided us with lots of information about the area. We actually hated to come home!

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Guest: Irene & Stephan (Brooklyn, New York)
Date of Stay: 09/26/06 Review Submitted: 09/26/06

"Everything about the house is designed for comfort - from the kitchen where there is plenty of workspace and any utensil you might need - to the screened in porch where we gathered for drinks – to the many well lit corners where we retired to write or read. The appointments of the master bedroom suite and guest rooms give one the feeling of staying at a delightful B&B. The ventilation picks up summer breezes, which bring with them morning and evening bird songs and forest fragrances. The house is on a country road which provides a five mile roundtrip walk or jog through woods and next to babbling brooks. We particularly enjoyed the Sunday walks to the Sandisfield Arts Center, at the end of the road, for the poetry and short story readings. The libraries one finds throughout the house are filled with exciting literature. We never got to read the books we had brought. Our choices were pre-empted by our finds on the bookshelves. All the activities we enjoy such as swimming, hiking and attending performances at Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, the Stockbridge Theater were within short rides. We even discovered the Community Center in Great Barrington where for a nominal fee you have access to a gym, a swimming pool and organized activities, such as bridge, hiking & canoe trips. The people that Hilde and Barbara suggested we contact for one thing or another were so helpful. It is a perfect house for those who need a quiet place to pursue intellectual activities, who enjoy relaxing in beautiful surroundings, who value cultural activities and who are looking for a carefree getaway."

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