3 Mi to Jacob's Pillow, Clearing in the Forest, Clean and New!
About the property
- House1700 sqft
- Bedrooms3
- Sleeps11
- Bathrooms2
- Half Baths1
- Minimum Stay2 - 6 nights
House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2.5 Baths, (Sleeps 7-9)
Use our airy, beautiful, six-year-old house as your base to visit the Berkshires' wonderful performance venues, restaurants, museums and spiritual retreats. Watch the sun go down through the trees from upper and lower west windows and balconies.
Relax in the deep jetted bathtub or enjoy the double walk-in shower in the master bathroom to get ready for the evening after an inspiring day exploring art museums, or walking a portion of the nearby Appalachian Trail, bicycling on country roads, or shopping at the Lee Prime Outlets.
Walk our dirt roads through the forest to enjoy color, changing wildflowers, and the sights at the edges of the five private lakes. Listen to the streams that flow to the lakes, and the variety of birds among the trees in the forest preparing to migrate or readying for winter. Breathe the clean breeze that usually blows across our site. Trail rides on horseback are only a few miles away, and when it snows, cross-country ski trails and downhill skiing are nearby.
Shop at the local farmers' markets and farm stands; prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Cookware and dishes are in the cabinets. Celebrate holidays with a feast, or just enjoy the quiet beauty of meals in the great room.
The casement windows open as needed for the weather, and cross ventilation lets you enjoy natural cooling. The south-facing window wall provides passive solar heat. In cold weather, there's in-floor radiant heat, no dusty ducts blow scalding air in your face.
Other members of your party will be upstairs. A four-poster double bed is in one bedroom and a twin bed- above a double-bed futon bunk bed is in the other bedroom. A full tub-and-shower bathroom is available to both bedrooms and the loft. The oak frame sofa in the loft converts to a very comfortable futon double bed.
Besides the choices among the fine arts museums, live theater, shopping and the array of restaurants, you can, if you like, visit Ku-shi Institute of macrobiotic instruction and programs, 15 minutes' drive north; and Kripalu , Zen retreat house, a half-hour drive west.
Keywords: Beautiful, duplex. 1st floor master suite, private community, wooded lake area
Owner
Julia W. Kay-Grace and Robb M. Grace
- Response rate:
- 60%
- Response time:
- within a few days
- Speaks:
- english
- Calendar last updated:
- Apr 11, 2018
About Julia W. Kay-Grace and Robb M. Grace
We're both semi-retired, husband is a union stage hand, wife is a family lawyer. We live with a friendly dog and two cats, and spent two years building this beautiful two-family project six years ago. We live in one unit, full time, and rent the other. We built it to provide privacy to both units while being available to our guests as they may need. We're restoring the native plants that were cleared when building started.
Julia W. Kay-Grace and Robb M. Grace purchased this House in 2010
Why Julia W. Kay-Grace and Robb M. Grace chose Sherwood Forest
Becket is an old, rural community that also has a 50 year old forest development, Sherwood Forest, where we live and rent. This is not 'old growth' forest, so the forest floor is vital with ferns and wildflowers. We have three swales and creeks that flow around and across our place. They feed wetland plants and tiny frogs. We're developing meditation spots that seem to be naturally for the purpose. The eclectic community ranging from 70's-era A-frames, and older cabins to carefully tended year-round homes is fairly described as, 'funky.' We had no interest in a big condo complex, and this isn't just our vacation home, we live here, too. We built with goals to be, 'green' and as light on the land as year-round living can practically permit. The drinking water is filtered, but not chemically treated. After city life for decades, the cleanliness of Becket's air is a treasure.
What makes this House unique
A mile from us in the development is Sherwood Shoppe, a convenience store and cafe that features fresh-baked muffins daily and excellent hot breakfasts. The country store a couple miles up the road makes hot breakfasts and specials, and lunches; 4 nights a week they make fine pizza, and deliver in the Not-Summer seasons . There are creeks flowing under many of Sherwood Forest's roads, feeding the five lakes. The dirt roads are lightly traveled, making a great place to walk on the level or up and down hills. The beaches in walking distance are sandy, graveled or grassy. Take a chair and a book and relax and enjoy! We take our dog along the roads of the Forest, (dog walkers all scoop poop), and enjoy the changing views of the lakes and streams. The house is oriented so the rising sun shines on our balconies and setting sun shines on the rental unit's balconies. As soon as the cool weather begins, the sun shines brightly on the south-facing window wall providing passive solar heat. It supplements the in-floor radiant heat that we don't need to turn on until late in the fall. The breeze is almost constant, and the air is perceptibly cleaner than the city air we were accustomed to breathing before we came here to live.
Amenities
- Internet
- Pets Welcome
- Heater
- Kids Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- Parking
- TV
- No Smoking
Bedrooms
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 11
- Bedroom 11 queen, 1st fl. master B.R. suite;bath w sep. jetted tub, shower
- Bedroom 21 double, This is a four-poster double bed.
- Bedroom 31 bunk bed, Lower bunk is double bed futon, upper is twin bed
- Convertible bed(s)2 sleep sofa /futon, 2 futons convert to full beds, 1 in great rm.,other on loft
- Master bedroom is on first floor, en suite with master bathroom. Bath features walk-in shower, separate jetted tub, sink, toilet. Bedrooms 2 and 3 are on second floor loft overlooking the great room. They share a full bathroom and upper balcony and the loft's sitting area furnished with convertible futon and added chairs for two.
Bathrooms
- 2 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bath
- Bathroom 1toilet, shower, jetted tub, En Suite with M.B.R. on 1st floor
- Bathroom 1toilet, Sink, mirrored cab., toilet 1st floor.
- Bathroom 2toilet, combination tub/shower, sink, mirrored med. cabinet,
Location Type
- RuralHouse located in woods; private well and septic system. Subdivision roads are hard-packed dirt, well-maintained. In winter, cars need snow or all-weather tires. Small store-and-diner .7 mile away.
- Waterfrontsmall creeks throughout area and five private lakes in development
Theme
- Away From It All
- Family
- Tourist Attractions
Meals
- Guests provide their own meals
General
- Linens ProvidedBedding includes sheets, pillows and pillow cases, layers of warm blankets. Bring slippers and warm socks. Sheets are flannel or fleece in cold weather.
- Broadband AccessDSL by Verizon
- Garageattached garage for one car is included
- Hair Dryer
- HeatingCentral heat supplied by hydronic, in-floor radiant heat during a heating season that's roughly from late October until early April. Modest, electric space heat supplements. Dress warmly.
- Internet'high-speed' DSL wireless internet access provided by Airport Extreme. No printer or fax machine onsite.
- Iron & Board
- Clothes DryerDryer is on-site with washing machine.
- Living RoomLiving room area of the great room seats two in upholstered chairs, and four each on a leather sofa and a convertible oak-frame futon. End-tables and a slate-top coffee table are present.
- ParkingOne space in attached garage, up to six more off-road parking spaces onsite. On-road parking is illegal and not an option.
- Parking Off Street
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailermust discuss in advance; size limitations
- Towels ProvidedWe supply bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths, bath mats. We supply 2 canvas chairs for the beach, but not beach towels. Please bring your beach towel/s.
- Washing MachineOn-site washer and includes low-bubble laundry detergent, softener, non-chlorine whitener. Located on first floor near master B.R.
- Wireless Internetsupports cell-phones service. Travelers' own phones determine much of what's available on smart phones and tablets. Computers have access to wireless DSL
Kitchen
- Coffee MakerMr. Coffee automatic drip coffee maker equipped with re-usable filter, optional paper filters also supplied.
- Cooking UtensilsFood-prep knives, steak knives, spatulas, wood spoons, salad servers, can and bottle openers, salad spinner, mixing bowls, skillets, pots, pans, 'lobster pot', cake pans, roasting pan.
- Dishes & UtensilsPlace-settings for 12, informal style, coffee mugs, 8 oz. and 12 oz. glasses for 12. Varied wine glasses, varied beer mugs. Tea pot and strainer. Steak knives, food-prep utensils for outdoor grill.
- Dishwasherwe supply detergent for dishwasher
- KitchenWell-equipped: refrigerator-freezer; electric range w 1 oven; dishwasher; microwave oven, toaster, electric drip coffee-maker, Kitchen-Aid stand mixer.
- Microwavebuilt-in above electric stove
- Pantry ItemsPaper prods: toilet,facial tissue, towels and napkins. We supply 3-4 types of good quality bulk teas; revolving supplies of olive oil, salt&pepper, vinegars, foil, wraps, some left by guests.
- Refrigerator18 cu ft. refrigerator and freezer.
- StoveElectric range with self-cleaning oven.
- ToasterTwo-slice, electric toaster is supplied. This is a, 'pop-up' toaster, not a 'toaster oven.'
Dining
- DiningDining area of great-room has table that seats 8 adults, four matching chairs plus bringing indoor-outdoor chairs indoors from first floor outside balcony. 2 bar stools at kitchen center-island.
- Dining Area
- comfy seating for 8 people
Entertainment
- CD Player
- DVD PlayerBlue-tooth
- Televisiongets basic, minimum antenna service. Also Apple TV.
- ToysPlaying cards, a 500-piece puzzle, have been brought by guests who have left them behind for the travelers who follow them.
Outside
- BalconyTwo: one off dining area, one off second floor loft
- Lawn / GardenTwo modest lawn areas: one best for dog walking, the other has a small, portable fire pit and space for limited recreation. Not for softball or football, no basket for hoops.
- Outdoor GrillPropane gas grill is on the balcony off the great room. We supply propane tank.L
Suitability
- alternative lifestyle
- limited accessibilityTwo-three steps into the house from outdoors or from attached garage. First floor master bedroom suite has 'walk-in' shower.
Pool / Spa
- jetted tubsoaker tub in master bath with jets and heat
Attractions
- botanical garden
- cinemas
- health/beauty spa
- library
- live theater
- museums
- playground
- restaurants
Leisure Activities
- antiquing
- bird watching
- outlet shopping
- scenic drives
- shopping
- sight seeing
- sledding
- walking
- wildlife viewing
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- groceries
- medical services
Sports & Adventure Activities
- ice skating
- cross country skiing
- fishing
- freshwater fishing
- hiking
- hunting
- cycling
- kayaking
- mountain biking
- skiing
- snowboarding
- snowmobiling
- swimming
Notes
- Fine cell-phone reception, and wireless internet. We're in a wooded setting with native grasses and wildflowers, and clean private lakes are in walking distance. Our large casement windows provide great cross-ventilation, so there's no air conditioning. Radiant heat has no dusty ductwork, and there's no interior wood-burning. The master bedroom suite is on the first floor; the master bath has double nozzle, walk-in shower and jetted soaker tub. The second floor bath has full tub and shower bathroom, half bath on first floor. Well water isn't chlorinated.
32 Reviews
Latest reviews
Homey, clean and comfortable
The house had everything we needed for cooking, games and movies with the kids. The location was close enough to a few ski mountains and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Rob and Julia were very hospitable and were there if we needed something.
We're always thankful when our visitors appreciate our guest house. Since we live next door - about 80' away - it's fairly easy to attend to ongoing needs our guests may have. We'll be happy to host this family again, who left our house in such tidy condition.
Fabulous Family Destination
I can't thank Julia and Rob more for the fantastic family vacation spot in the woods! We so enjoyed our mini family reunion at this wonderful home. All of my children and grandchildren (7 adults and 4 little girls ranging in age from 7 months to 5 years) came together from across the country to celebrate Thanksgiving together.
Julia and Rob met us as we arrived and gave us a thorough orientation to their beautiful well-equipped rental. Thank you again! Hope to be back soon.
A great place for a family vacation
We spent a wonderful week at this property in the Berkshires in August, 2017. Having the landlords close by (they live in an adjacent house, the two properties are separated by two garages) was terrific for advice. The owners are gracious and warm, they oversee the cleaning carefully, which meant the unit was spotless. The unit is fairly new, the main room is large, with excellent cross ventilation. The bedrooms easily handled the 6 adults who were there at various points. the location, close to event spaces and hiking, was perfect for us.
very confortable very homey
We really enjoyed this homey house for our family getaway it was a very confortable place for us to spend with the family all together. the children really enjoyed the loft being able to look down on the older ones visiting in the family room I want to say Thank you to Bob & Julie Grace for all they did so we could enjoy aour family trip Thanks Curvin Martin Family
Clean, comfortable and spacious.
We had an excellent time! We stayed at the house in February. We went skiing at Catamount and Jiminy Peak. It was about a 40 minute drive to each mountain, but the drives were easy and relaxing. Julia and Robb were very helpful. We will definitely return!
Thanks for choosing our place for your ski-getaway at our guest house. We do appreciate how nice you left our place when your party left. We'll be happy to see you again if you decide to book our house again.
Great location and plenty of space
The house was beautiful and had plenty of room for all of us. The home owners were delightful and kind. This was the most relaxing weekend. The house had everything we needed for cooking and space to cook in. Everyone agrees this was the perfect spot for our get together, and thought about using this house again in the future.
Thanks, Brittany, for choosing our place for your ski trip at our place. We're so pleased that you left the house so nice when your group left. We really appreciate your kind words about our place, and look forward to seeing you again if you want to return to our neighborhood.
Location
Fall color season in our forest is gorgeous! Drive briefly to state forests and public or private parks to hike; Appalachian trail is nearby. Shakespeare & Co. and Berkshire Theater Festival , Barrington Stage, and Mahaiwe schedule offerings after summer and year 'round. Norman Rockwell museum, Berkshire Botanical Garden, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Museum, and Live theaters in Lenox, Gt. Barrington, Pittsfield and Lee are open through fall and winter, Norman Rockwell Museum, MassMOCA and Sterling and Francine Clark Art Museum are all open year 'round. Visit international restaurants, and fine seafood and specialized restaurants in Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge. Dream Away Lodge is one of Becket's best kept secrets for fine food and music in casual, country atmosphere for three-seasons. Cross-country and Alpine skiing available when the snow starts. Our 'hard packed' dirt roads are well-maintained and always passable soon after a snow. We're very near Rt. 20, Rt. 8 and the MassPike.
Rates & Availability
Additional information about rental rates
Pets conditional. Good plans must be made for pets while their people are away at performances: theaters or concerts, or for activities like skiing and hiking. Scooping poop a "must" (we have spare bags). Leash required for pet's safety. ATM in convenience store 2 miles away. Supermarkets, and restaurants 5-10+ miles away; excellent local diners/convenience stores for breakfast, etc. Ours is a SMOKE FREE house. Smoking outdoors, on balconies or grounds, must be with extreme caution since we are located in a clearing of the woods. We will supply safe means of disposal of cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco for outdoor smoking on request. NO OPEN FLAMES inside the house such as candles or incense.