The house was fabulous. Built in 1790, it has great character. Nicely cared for, furnished with antiques and collected paintings and loaded with family pictures, we correctly felt we were staying in someone’s fine home - not just a house. It easily accommodated our family of 11, including having enough bathrooms so one ever had to wait. Despite its historical elegance, there are plenty of modern conveniences and a great kitchen for cooking. The grounds were also beautiful and well tended. We enjoyed the pool, which was nice itself but made even better by the vine-covered, and hence shaded, sitting area. The kids used the Gazebo to host an elegant wedding of two beloved stuffed animals.The best part was our host, Dana May, for whom the house is her family home. She communicated well and frequently and took care of any little things we asked. For example, we thoroughly enjoyed the giant bird feeder outside the kitchen window, which attracted delightful finches and sparrows. The hungry birds emptied the feeder twice. A quick text to Dana, and the feeder was refilled. We also had a special challenge in that one of our party, my adult son, uses a wheelchair. Well ahead of our stay, Dana facilitated having a temporary ramp put in to access the front door by meeting with the supplier, and she had a door removed and replaced by a curtain for my son’s bedroom to ensure his wheelchair would have access.Finally, location matters. Manchester-by-the-Sea is great!