This is a lovely house in the South Berkshires. We're used to the "traditional" Berkshire rental: a little run down, a little musty, with about 25 years of owners' knickknacks on display, and noisy neighbors close by. If that's what you like, don't rent this house! It’s recently renovated so the inside is new -- and very nicely finished. The kitchen is super well equipped and included tons of food. Little finishing touches made it seem like a casual boutique hotel. Relaxed but delightful. And that's just the inside. Outside is a huge lawn (lots of open space, no other houses in sight) with dramatic plantings, beautiful flowers, a vibrant vegetable garden, and tons of birds. More goldfinches than I've ever seen in one place, plus woodpeckers, hummingbirds, etc. A short walk (under 5 minutes) to West Lake, which has to be one of the quietest lakes around -- no motor boats, often no people. There's no real beach and the bottom is kind of rocky but the water is great. You can drive a short way to more conventional swimming places with lifeguards and roped off areas (York, Lake Garfield, Benedict Pond) but we didn't bother. It's a bit of a drive to Tanglewood, Outlet Mall, supermarkets, etc., so you'll want to consolidate those trips. Internet is excellent; cell phone is okay (find a good spot and don't wander around). There's also a land line. Bedrooms are a drop snug but fine. Livingroom/dining area is roomy and the screen porch (with another dining table) is really the best place to eat. Only one bathroom but there's also an outdoor shower (why shower indoors when you can be outside??). Big almost empty double garage for your cars (if you want) or just use it for bikes – or as a workout space if you have a rainy day. Doug was relaxed and accommodating and is just an email away if you have any questions.
