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Mid-Century At Friendly Hills w Guest Passes !
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3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Sleeps 6
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Pittsfield, MA
- Hancock Shaker Village3 min walk
- Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
- Tanglewood Music Center20 min drive
- Pittsfield, MA (PSF-Pittsfield Municipal)5 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
2 Single Beds
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathroom 2
Spaces
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Mid-Century At Friendly Hills w Guest Passes !
Welcome to Friendly Hills, a one-of-a-kind Mid-Century home nestled on 6 private acres. Built in the 1950s by GE engineer Willard F.M. Gray, this passive solar retreat offers panoramic views, triple-pane windows, and ceramic tile floors that retain heat year-round. Enjoy direct access to private hiking trails, peaceful ponds, and nearby Hancock Shaker Village. Fast Wi-Fi, thoughtful design, and natural beauty make this perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers alike.
GE engineer Willard F.M. Gray decided to build his own house, as he was dissatisfied with the building standards of the time. Willard was a unique individual who wanted to make the entire home passive solar. To achieve this, he used triple-pane windows, insulated concrete walls, and incorporated principles borrowed from adobe houses. Inspired by many sources, Willard was also drawn to the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, hence the mid-century design aesthetics. Now even though Willard was excited by the idea of the project, the bank was not as enthusiastic about the idea of a passive solar house, and so declined to finance the project. Not one to miss out on his dream, he embarked on building it gradually over time, financing the project little by little. With the help of several dozen General Electric workers—whose names are listed on a plaque at the front—the house was built slowly over the course of ten years. To obtain the land, Willard purchased the hayfield from Sister Mary Dame of the Hancock Shakers, who were still an active community in the 1950s. Willard also became close friends with Amy Bess Miller, the founder and guiding force behind the preservation of Hancock Shaker Village. After completing the house, Willard lived in it from the late 1950s while also caring for his mother, the late Daisy Gray. He remained there until 1998, when he passed away. Since he had no other family nearby, he left the home to Ozzy and Carolyn Olson, whose family then took on the task of modernizing it into the home you see here today.
- no smoking
- no parties
- no overnight guests beyond those outlined in the booking
- quiet time 10pm - 7am
GE engineer Willard F.M. Gray decided to build his own house, as he was dissatisfied with the building standards of the time. Willard was a unique individual who wanted to make the entire home passive solar. To achieve this, he used triple-pane windows, insulated concrete walls, and incorporated principles borrowed from adobe houses. Inspired by many sources, Willard was also drawn to the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, hence the mid-century design aesthetics. Now even though Willard was excited by the idea of the project, the bank was not as enthusiastic about the idea of a passive solar house, and so declined to finance the project. Not one to miss out on his dream, he embarked on building it gradually over time, financing the project little by little. With the help of several dozen General Electric workers—whose names are listed on a plaque at the front—the house was built slowly over the course of ten years. To obtain the land, Willard purchased the hayfield from Sister Mary Dame of the Hancock Shakers, who were still an active community in the 1950s. Willard also became close friends with Amy Bess Miller, the founder and guiding force behind the preservation of Hancock Shaker Village. After completing the house, Willard lived in it from the late 1950s while also caring for his mother, the late Daisy Gray. He remained there until 1998, when he passed away. Since he had no other family nearby, he left the home to Ozzy and Carolyn Olson, whose family then took on the task of modernizing it into the home you see here today.
- no smoking
- no parties
- no overnight guests beyond those outlined in the booking
- quiet time 10pm - 7am
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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- Washer
- Dryer
- Free WiFi
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Pittsfield
Pittsfield is home to this holiday home. Bousquet Ski Area and Berkshire Museum are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Guido's Marketplace and Lee Premium Outlets. The Bookstore and Ebenezer II Gifts and Antiques are also worth visiting.

Pittsfield, MA
What's nearby
- Hancock Shaker Village - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
- Shakespeare and Company - 17 min drive - 15.3 km
- Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum - 17 min drive - 15.3 km
- The Mount - 19 min drive - 18.1 km
- Tanglewood Music Center - 20 min drive - 16.8 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 6 min drive
- Guido's Fresh Marketplace - 10 min drive
- Burger King - 10 min drive
- The Roasted Garlic - 6 min drive
- Hot Dog Ranch - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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