Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown
The Cottage At Mountain Meadow Originally built as a guest house on a 45 acre country estate in Vermont just five minutes from Williams college, this secluded year-round Vermont home has always been called “The Cottage”, although a recent expansion to a family sized home stretches that definition. Three bedrooms, two full baths plus a pine-paneled loft with additional sleep options. Kitchen opens onto a large, bright and cheerful great room with floor to ceiling local fieldstone fireplace and skylights. Soak up the ambience of a cozy wood fire in colder months. Walk from the house and property directly onto the 240-acre Mountain Meadow Preserve trails…this protected land surrounds the estate. Lush and private woodland setting. Swim or fish for catch and release brook trout and bluegill in the large stocked spring-fed pond.
Relax with family and friends around the fire pit, pick wildflowers in the meadow, collect pictures of birds and wildlife, choose one of the many marked trails to explore, fish or troll the edge of the water with your net for pond life, and don’t forget you are still just five minutes from restaurants and shopping on Spring Street in Williamstown, and four minutes’ drive to the Williamstown access of the new Mohican Trail (mixed use trail: bike, walk, or run). Just thirteen minutes to MASS MoCA. A comfortable and warm home base for a ski weekend; it’s a scenic 16 mile/about 20 minute drive to Jiminy Peak (with no traffic until you reach the resort), and hour to Mount Snow. The trails surrounding the property are great for cross country skiers.
This home was constructed for privacy, with the front door opening to forest. No windows are visible to the main house up the road and vice versa.
King bed and ensuite bath in the master. Two bedrooms each with a full size bed. There is a twin bed and oversized sleeper chair in the loft. There is an additional foldout chair bed which can move easily to any bedroom. Sleeps 7-9.
We now have 1Gps fiber optic high speed internet.
We ask for no special check out instructions or requirements!
If the dates you have chosen over a year in advance end up being the date of one of the rare local festivals or events, we may raise rates and give you the right of first refusal. (This is to prevent a guest from reserving all the possible weekends of a future event long before the actual date is announced.) We look forward to hosting you!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Permission required for events. Fees may apply
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)
Dogs must be leashed. Another dog lives nearby.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
No check out instructions! Safe travels to you.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: Permission required for events. Fees may apply
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Frequently asked questions
Is Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown?
As of 26 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown on 9 Jul 2026 start from £252, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown located?
Situated in Pownal, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Green Mountain National Forest, Mountain Meadow Preserve and Williamstown Trailhead. Mountain Meadow Preserve Vermont Trailhead and The Dome Trailhead are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The property was clean and well stocked with everything you need. It is a great space to spend time with family as I did. Our host, Venetia, was more than accommodating. She responded quickly whenever I messaged her. Over all, great experience.
Venetia and Joe are wonderful and generous hosts. The house is comortable, very liveable, and very well designed with lots of great personal touches and conveniences. It is on a beautiful property with access to some great hiking trails. Five stars!
Evan Z.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct 2025
September in Vermont is beautiful! Look forward to seeing you next year.
Everything in the house is very clean and looks new. Functions very well for a family with lots of space for everyone.Photos may undersell the property. Very special in the woods. Colors were magnificent.
We had a wonderful stay! The house was very clean and well taken care of, and the pond on the property was absolutely gorgeous, such a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature. The loft upstairs was perfect for our guests and gave everyone plenty of space. Our host was incredibly friendly and quick to respond to any questions we had, which made the whole experience even better. Just note that the rental is on the same property as the host, but they were very respectful of our privacy. Overall, a beautiful and comfortable place to stay, highly recommend!
The property was beautiful! The kids enjoyed fishing in the pond with their grandpa. The hosts were nice enough to let us have a small impromptu family cookout and were very helpful when we accidentally locked ourselves out. It was a great stay!
Natasha L.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May 2025
You were ideal guests and we are glad the fishing was optimal!
The interior of the cottage is well appointed and aesthetically pleasing. All the comforts of home. The property is beautiful - feeding the fish in the pond was an unexpected delight! Venetia, Joe and family are kind, friendly, helpful people, who helped me feel welcome and cared for while also allowing me complete privacy. I highly recommend this property!
Christine I.
Stayed 45 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2025
You were the perfect guest, and we would love to have you back for the Williamstown Theater Festival season next year, or whenever you need a break!
What an absolutely gorgeous property this is! The pond, the trails, the easy access to Williams, Bennington, mountaintop beer and pizza - perfect for a Berkshires getaway. Absolutely amazing experience!
Melina G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Oct 2024
We would love to be your Roommate Reunion place next year!
Such a gorgeous house! We loved walking the nearby trails and how close it was to Williams. Venetia was the best!
Leia F.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Nov 2024
We’d love to have you back for the big game next year!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Cindy
13 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The location is quiet and the grounds are beautiful. Inside the house has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The host was amazing, even putting out fresh flowers from the property for our arrival. I highly recommend and would definitely stay there again!
Communication with the host was phenomenal and the home was cozy and inviting! The area around the home was gorgeous and had a great little hike on the property. We would definitely stay here again in the future!
Ashley M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jeanne
29 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The property owner was very responsive in communicating. We were very comfortable at the property and will definitely look to stay there next year for our annual trip
Everything in this home has a touch of thoughtfulness and taste. We loved it and our stay was very nice even though we were not lucky with the weather.
Valentina S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2024
We would love to have you back and will do our best to provide sun : )!
This was a wonderful weekend away! The house was beautiful - in the forest with hiking trails adjacent and just a stone's throw from Williamstown. It was just perfect for our family and we will be sure to come back.
Excellent place to stay for a visit to Williams College
We stayed at the cottage for parents’s weekend at Williams college with our teenage kids and dog. The cottage is spacious yet cost, had everything we needed and very conveniently located. Communication with host was great. Thank you for a great place, we’ll be happy to come back :)
We will be back! Our stay was top notch. Everything we hoped and more. The owner was very responsive and kind, the property is breathtaking and peaceful and the location is very convenient.
The cottage is really clean and organized. It's in a great location (off the beaten path but accessible to local attractions). It has a very charming decor and is comfortable and inviting.All questions before arrival were answered in a timely manner. Easy and fun.
Pmatty
We stayed at the property for 4 days over the Christmas break. The house is beautiful and modern and warm. The location was convenient to Jay Peak and Mass MOCA and the Clark art museums. The house is up a steep hill into the woods, so caution at night driving to and from. I believe they are working to upgrade the WiFi to the TV, which wasn't consistently working while we were there.
Would absolutely stay again!
Courtney H.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan 2024
Thanks for letting us know that your group couldn’t get a WiFi signal to the TV. We were able to get an extender installed by Fidium the day you left. Should be all set for future guests. We appreciate the feedback.
The home was modern, clean and efficient space for the 6 of us. The interior is actually a bit brighter than the pictures would suggest. Kitchen was well stocked. The loft had a TV room, plenty of DVDs and games, and an extra Twin Bed. Beds in general were comfortable and the sheets and comforters were modern.We were there during a heavy snowstorm and Venetia and her family were prompt and very responsive with our questions. They went over and beyond in helping us with one of our cars that had gotten stuck, given the ice on the roads.Would highly recommend!
eugene s.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Feb 2025
It was our pleasure…glad you got to truly experience Vermont in the snow!
My family and I loved this house. It's on a quiet property shared by the hosts, whose house is up the driveway a bit. The property is beautiful, surrounded by woods, with a pond full of fish. It's a calm, quiet, relaxing place.
The house has everything you'd need. The kitchen is well equipped.
Most of our activities were in Williamstown, and this house is just five minutes or so from the heart of that town. The address is VT, but this house is closer to Spring St, the Clark, and Williams College than many houses with a Williamstown address.
The hosts were very friendly and helpful. Great hosts.
We'd happily stay here again.
Venetia and Joe's property is a treasure! I almost don't want to gush about it because it will become so popular we won't get to stay there againBUT they deserve all the compliments.
The home is gorgeous with lots of natural light and all the amenities we needed. We were close enough to North Adams by car for the Solid Sound festival, but far enough away that we could enjoy the wildflowers, the fresh water pond, and the quiet of the mountains. The property also has a freshwater pond you can sit by, swim in, or just watch the turtles and the fish.
Venetia and Joe were very helpful and immediately responsive to any questions we had. They lent us lawn chairs for the festival and provided helpful advice for local activities.
We hope to return!
This is a comfortable nice property almost as advertised. Had all the amenities described. The shortcoming was the quality of the internet. We were advised that a high speed internet was 'coming'. It is adequate, just, for email but if visitors want to work the speed is unlikely to be adequate.
Also, if visitors need to work, there is really no table or such like to facilitate this.
The surroundings of the cottage are lovely and walking is nearby. The photos might suggest that it is a bit more isolated than the reality but we did not find this to be a problem.
The host was very helpful and quite unobtrusive.
We enjoyed our stay.
Geoffrey H.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Sept 2023
We apologize for the internet issues beyond our control. Our area is switching to a more advanced fiber optic system and our date of installation happens to be tomorrow. Since one company owns both, we all experienced a lack of support for the outgoing system. Future guests should have 1gig speeds. Thanks!
About the host
Hosted by Venetia
I have been a property manager for more than 15 years in Williamstown and Vermont, and this is my family's compound. We live here with my father, our adult children, approximately 2,376 songbirds, boatloads of chipmunks, the occasional shy bear, a pair of pileated woodpeckers, a territorial kingfisher, a great blue heron or two, some intrepid porcupine, and (when we are lucky) our pet moose Peanut.
Why they chose this property
One of my great-great-grandmothers left us a cross stitch portrait of her home, Okenkarr, in Alvsborg, Sweden. It reminded us so much of our property here on the Mountain Meadow Preserve in Pownal, Vermont, that our family adopted the name. It is an absolutely glorious and peaceful place in an ideal location, and we are delighted to share it with you!
What makes this property unique
We must be the only vacation spot where you can stand with one foot on your Vermont vacation property and one foot in Williamstown, MA. It's the ideal place for people who want to be close to Williams and Williamstown, yet feel as though their home base is nestled in a nature preserve.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests