Under the Hemlocks – Boutique Retreat – UMass & Amherst College minutes away.

Escape to a private bijou studio under the hemlocks—a refined retreat designed for recharging, relaxation, reconnecting, and quiet focus.

Every detail has been thoughtfully considered with comfort, care, and rest in mind.

Beyond the studio, the unique off-grid screened Writer's Retreat and private courtyards offer quiet moments to unplug.

A slow morning, a good book, evenings around the fire, or a long soak—Under the Hemlocks invites you to rediscover the simple pleasures.

Conveniently located just minutes from Amherst College, Amherst Center, UMass Amherst, and the Emily Dickinson Museum,


SCENT-SENSITIVE PROPERTY


UNDER THE HEMLOCKS AT A GLANCE
A quick overview of the guest suite, its features, and what you can expect during your stay.

🌿 STUDIO: Boutique bijou studio (small and elegant), with a maximum occupancy of 2 guests.
🌿 PRIVACY: Completely private — no shared indoor or outdoor spaces with the host.
🌿 PARKING: Private entrance and dedicated parking.
🌿 RELAXED CHECK-OUT: No lengthy check-out chore list. Simply secure the suite and enjoy the rest of your day.
🌿 LAYOUT: Open-plan studio — the queen bed, living area, kitchenette, and optional second bed all share the same space. The bathroom is the only separate room.
🌿 SECOND BED: Optional second bed available ($40 setup fee; request during booking). The optional second bed does not increase the maximum occupancy of the guest suite, which is two guests.
🌿 AIR CONDITIONING: Air-conditioned for summer comfort.
🌿 BATH: Deep soaking tub with shower overhead.
🌿 ENVIRONMENT: Scent-sensitive & allergy-conscious.
🌿 KITCHENETTE: Very well-equipped.
🌿 OUTDOOR GRILL: Propane grill with side burner and prep station.
🌿 PRIVATE COURTYARDS: Dining, seating, fire pit and grill (weather-dependent; please check availability).
🌿 WRITER'S RETREAT: A screened, off-grid retreat for reading, writing, sketching, birdwatching, or simply slowing down (no AC or insulation; temperatures reflect the weather outside).
🌿 WI-FI: High-speed throughout the guest suite and outdoor living spaces.
🌿 ENTERTAINMENT: Intentionally television-free, encouraging a slower pace.
🌿 QR CODES: Located throughout the guest suite to guide you through many of the amenities and their operation.
🌿 LOCATION: Minutes from Amherst Center, Emily Dickinson Museum, Amherst College & UMass Amherst.
🌿 GUESTS: Strictly limited to registered guests (no unregistered guests permitted).
🌿 NO ANIMALS: Due to a resident dog that is territorial toward unfamiliar animals.




THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED
for stays like these:

• Couples looking to reconnect and slow down together.

• Visitors to Amherst, UMass Amherst, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College.

• Those seeking a peaceful place to rest, restore, and recharge.

• Professionals working remotely or visiting the area.

• Writers, readers, artists, and other creative minds.

• Best friends, siblings, and loved ones spending meaningful time together.

• Music lovers attending concerts, festivals, breweries, and live performances throughout the Pioneer Valley.

• Hikers, walkers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers exploring the region's exceptional trails and conservation areas.

• Fall leaf peepers exploring New England's changing colours.

• Guests who appreciate thoughtful design, boutique accommodation, and meaningful details.



GUEST SERVICES
Thoughtful services and added conveniences are available to help make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

🌿 CELEBRATION PACKAGES: Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, Valentine's Day, honeymoon, or another special occasion? Boutique celebration packages are available for an additional charge. Please contact me before your arrival for details.

🌿 FOREST BATHING EXPERIENCES: Interested in experiencing guided forest bathing during your stay? I'm happy to provide information for Todd Lynch, who offers immersive forest bathing experiences in the area. Arrangements are made directly with the guide.

🌿 Mid-Stay Refresh
For guests enjoying a longer stay, I'm happy to stop by mid-stay, if needed to refresh towels, change bed linens, or empty the dishwasher overflow reservoir.
To respect your privacy, these services are normally provided while you're in the guest suite.

🌿 LUGGAGE STORAGE: Arriving early or leaving later in the day? Secure luggage storage may be available by prior arrangement.

🌿 RELAXED CHECK-OUT: There are no lengthy check-out chores. Simply turn off the lights, switch off the air conditioning (if in use), close the windows, lock up the suite, and enjoy the rest of your day.

If you have a moment, it's always appreciated if you could place used towels in the laundry baskets, pop any used dishes into the bus caddy in the closet, and send me a quick message to let me know you've checked out.

🌿 Early Check-In & Late Check-Out
Standard check-in is 3:00 p.m. and checkout is 10:00 a.m.
From time to time, I may be able to offer a 2:00 p.m. check-in or 11:00 a.m. checkout, but availability cannot be confirmed until the evening before your arrival or departure. As I accept same-day bookings, I'm unable to guarantee an earlier check-in unless the previous night has also been reserved.



A CLOSER LOOK
At Under the Hemlocks

SLEEPING & COMFORT
Enjoy a restful night's sleep in a queen bed with premium linens, blackout blinds, air conditioning, heating, a sound machine, an adjustable fan with a built-in air purifier, and thoughtfully selected comforts throughout.
An optional small double bed is available for two guests travelling together who prefer separate beds ($40 setup fee). **Under the Hemlocks is an open-plan studio. The optional second bed is set up in the living area, sharing the same room as the queen bed. The maximum occupancy of the guest suite is 2 guests.


THE BATH
Relax in the deep clawfoot soaking tub with a rain shower overhead. Fragrance-free amenities, robes, oversized towels, bath salts, bubble bath, and thoughtful extras create a spa-like experience. Please note that the shower is over the clawfoot tub and requires a higher step to enter.


KITCHENETTE & DINING
The well-equipped kitchenette includes a fridge, freezer, air fryer, microwave, rice cooker, dishwasher, cookware, quality kitchen tools, and everything needed to prepare meals during your stay. Premium coffee, tea, and cooking essentials are provided, while the transformer table easily converts from coffee table to dining or workspace.


OUTDOOR LIVING
The suite extends into two completely private courtyards featuring outdoor dining, comfortable seating, a propane fire feature, gardens, a secluded double chaise lounge, and a seasonal outdoor prep kitchen with grill and side burner.


THE WRITER'S RETREAT
Follow the garden path to the screened, off-grid Writer's Retreat—a unique space created for reading, writing, sketching, birdwatching, or simply slowing down. A gel-fuel fireplace, battery-operated coffee pod station, books, writing desk, and woodland views make it one of the property's most distinctive features.


WORK, WELLNESS & NATURE
Whether you're working remotely or taking time to recharge, high-speed Wi-Fi, a flexible workspace, nearby hiking trails, forest bathing opportunities, and peaceful outdoor spaces make it easy to balance productivity with relaxation.


THOUGHTFUL DETAILS
From fragrance-free products and HEPA air filtration to QR codes throughout the suite and carefully selected amenities, every detail has been thoughtfully chosen to help support the rhythm of your day and make your stay as comfortable, practical, and relaxing as possible.


NO ANIMALS
Under the Hemlocks is unable to accommodate animals. A resident dog lives on the property and is naturally territorial toward unfamiliar animals entering her home environment. This policy is in place to help ensure the safety and well-being of all animals involved.

Thank you for your understanding.


HOUSE RULES & GUEST AGREEMENT

By booking, you agree to the following:

GUESTS: Only registered guests listed on the reservation may stay overnight. The primary booking guest must remain on the property for the duration of the reservation.

ID & PROFILE: A current profile photo is required. I reserve the right to request photo ID from anyone on the property during your stay.

SMOKE-FREE PROPERTY: Smoking or vaping of any kind is not permitted anywhere on the property. A $150 restoration fee applies if evidence of smoking is found.

NO ANIMALS: Under the Hemlocks cannot accommodate animals due to a resident dog's reactive behaviour toward other animals.

PROPERTY CARE: Open-flame candles, incense, and fresh flower petals are not permitted. Flameless candles are provided.

PROVISIONS: Complimentary tea and coffee are provided. Guests assume all responsibility for checking ingredients and allergens before consuming any food or beverages on the property.

CANCELLATIONS: Reservations are subject to the cancellation policy in effect at the time of booking.

DAMAGES: Guests are responsible for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.

LIABILITY WAIVER – FIRE FEATURES, PROPERTY & AMENITIES

Guests assume all risk associated with the use of fireplaces, fire pits, grills, decks, pathways, bathtubs, and outdoor spaces.

By booking, guests release the host from claims, injuries, damages, or losses arising from the use of the property or its amenities, including outdoor conditions, weather, wildlife, slippery surfaces, uneven ground, or fire-related features.