Entire chalet

Villino Tomtemsin (Totem Villa) | Steam sauna • Hot Tub

Villino Tomtemsin (Totem Villa) | Steam sauna • Hot Tub

Photo gallery for Villino Tomtemsin (Totem Villa) | Steam sauna • Hot Tub

Winter. Early nights. Deep starry skies. Summer. Surrounded by bird song.
This "get away" made the top 5, in Boston Magazine's choice, every year since!
A cozy, retreat, tucked into the woods, with 2 beautiful stone fireplaces.
as seen from the deck.
This architectural gem, hidden unexpectedly, in the Vermont woods.

Overview of Villino Tomtemsin (Totem Villa) | Steam sauna • Hot Tub

Reviews
6.0 out of 10
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8232 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer

Explore the area

Map
Fairlee, VT
  • Popular LocationLake Morey7 min drive
  • Popular LocationFairlee Town Beach7 min drive
  • Popular LocationLake Fairlee12 min drive
  • AirportLebanon, NH (LEB-Lebanon Municipal)32 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony

About this property

Villino Tomtemsin (Totem Villa) | Steam sauna • Hot Tub

An architectural gem, hidden in the VT woods, Villino Totemsin, "cabin of totems”, is a mid-century modern, timber frame, partially designed by famed Chicago architect A. Richard Williams. Built of whole trees (totems). Magical, funky, rustic, quirky, comfortable. The setting: private, woods (full of songbirds in warm weather, sheer beauty in winter). A view of the river valley, 2 stone fireplaces, huge windows and a wood-fired hot tub. Near lakes, rivers & mountains. 15 minutes to Hanover, NH.

THE SPACE
This timber frame home was constructed using entire trees, harvested from the property, they stand, like totem poles, visually joining the surrounding woods. The south-facing, wall of glass window blurs the boundary between inside and out. It's like living inside the Nature Channel, in a reverse snow globe, surrounded by weather, but cozy, inside.
Two stone fireplaces flank the main space, (though, I don't allow guests to use them, or open flame, in the house, when I'm not there.). Wide pine and oak floors made from timber from the property and milled just up the road. There is a separate food prep space contained in the upper "Sky Room" and on the main floor, a large full "cooks" kitchen, with a double oven, warming drawer, etc., available for guest use. (Please let me know, if you're interested in using the main kitchen. FYI: I live in the house, most of the time, so the refrigerator may be full-ish and the look and feel of an "in use" frig.)

Bedrooms:
• The Sky Suite is the upper floor of the house, a private room (10' x 30' with 14' ceiling (at its highest point.) with it's own bath, loft and deck (with view: open in winter, leafy in full spring/summer)
• The Sky Suite has an additional Full-size bed on the loft, not within the room, itself.
• The Red Room is on the main floor with its own claw-foot tub, sink and toilet in room. It boasts a very comfy queen-size 4-poster bed, leather armchair and small closet.
• Additional Bed: The Fireplace Bed.
This is a full-size bed in the main area on the main floor, yet sequestered off in the SouthEast corner, bedside the Fireplace, surrounded on two sides by floor to ceiling windows. While it somewhat open to the main floor, it is a fantastic space for sleeping, in full view of the dawn.
• The hot tub is available for an additional fee of $50.
• Finnish style, steam sauna available. Seats 2 people. Ladle water onto hot rocks to bathe in invigorating steam. Great after skiing, hiking, or just because! ($35 fee to include it in your stay.) Please be careful when using the sauna, the stove unit, rocks and steam will be very hot and can be dangerous. Rules for safe use will be posted and must be followed.


Privacy
Note: The Sky Room itself is private, with bed, table and chairs, lounge area, etc.. The loft area is semi-private, open to the main body of the house. There are folding screens to create privacy, but it is open to the ambiance, sounds, etc. of the main floor, below. Again, the loft is open to the house, semi-private , which really needs to work for you. Please consider this, before renting. Thanks!


GUEST ACCESS
Guests can come and go, as they wish.
Check in time: 3pm or later, unless arranged.
Check out time: Noon, unless arranged.

Some personal rooms will be closed off, in the house. Please do not enter spaces not listed here, the are for rental use: entry/mud room, open part of the main floor, main floor bathroom, Red Room, Fireside space, kitchen, Sky Suite.


GUEST INTERACTION
I may or may not be on the property (There is a small room below the house I may use.), but will not be in the house, at all, unless requested, or may be on the deck, working on heating the hot tub for you, etc.

THINGS TO NOTE
• The loft is "semi-private", please, look at the pictures to see how the space sits above the "great room" of the home.
• The Sky Suite (room and loft) are accessed by a spiral staircase (2' wide). Be aware that you may need to duck your head to avoid banging it! (Watch your head!)
• The loft does not have a railing. I've taken measures to protect you, but you'll need to be aware and keep yourself safe!
• Claw Foot Tub for Rental Space on Loft
The Sky Suite includes a dynamite, two-sided, 6 ft claw foot tub. The tub is on rental suite loft, not in an enclosed room, in view of the huge picture window face of the house, but tucked behind surrounding folding screens to create the level of privacy that you desire.
• Small Food Prep Room in Sky Suite
A microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator are in the Sky Suite, for your use.
• The entry (mud room), and downstairs bathroom and a couple other minor bits of the house are still in construction. This doesn't affect the rental suite, but you may notice it when you are here.
• We do not lock the door.

The neighborhood is very rural. This house is in the woods and other homes are only visible from the edge of the deck, or through the woods. None the less, we have a variety of great restaurants in the area and Hanover, NH is right down the road (15 minutes) where concerts, movies, dance performances, etc. are usually available.

WINTER SPORT
A ski slope (the Dartmouth Skiway, visible out the front window) is about 15 minutes away and has two chair lifts, and bunny slope, lodge, rental center and very reasonable rates. Two larger ski areas are each 60 miles from the house: Okemo and Stowe, both outstanding options.
Cross country skiing is readily available near the house. The Lake Morey Resort golf course (1 mile away) is an excellent choice.

WARM WEATHER SPORT
Lake Morey is a large (600 acre) lake, a mile away and is great for swimming, boating, and maintains an fantastic ice skating track in winter. The Lake Morey Resort (at Lake Morey) has an 18 hole golf course (par 70), club house, bar, spa and special events.
River swimming holes abound, nearby, I'll leave a listing in the house. They are perfection. Really.
There are many local farms in the area that produce local foods, cheeses, meats, maple syrup and more. A listing of great visits will be available to guests.
Hiking trails are available all around the local area. For a bigger climb, the White Mountains are about an hour and a half away, providing excellent mountain hiking / climbing and more.

TRANSPORTATION
There is no public transportation in the area, but, über and lyft are in the area.

Property manager

harrison seano whitecloud
Lock

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Barbecue grill
Fireplace

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
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

About the area

Fairlee

This chalet is located in Fairlee. White Mountain National Forest and Thetford Hill State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Bear Ridge Raceway and Montshire Museum of Science. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Thompson Arena or Rumney Rock Climbing. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including swimming, golfing and skiing.
Map
Fairlee, VT

What's nearby

  • Lake Morey - 7 min drive
  • Fairlee Town Beach - 7 min drive
  • Lake Fairlee - 12 min drive
  • Treasure Island Beach - 14 min drive
  • Dartmouth College - 27 min drive

Getting around

  • Lebanon, NH (LEB-Lebanon Municipal) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • Hungry Bear - 13 min drive
  • Peyton Place Restaurant - 8 min drive
  • Leda's Pizza Restaurant - 6 min drive
  • Samurai Soul Food - 6 min drive
  • Fairlee Diner - 6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Villino Tomtemsin (Totem Villa) | Steam sauna • Hot Tub pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Villino Tomtemsin (Totem Villa) | Steam sauna • Hot Tub?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Villino Tomtemsin (Totem Villa) | Steam sauna • Hot Tub?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Villino Tomtemsin (Totem Villa) | Steam sauna • Hot Tub located?

Situated in Fairlee, this chalet is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Lake Morey and within 9 miles (15 km) of Connecticut River and Lake Fairlee. Treasure Island Beach and Thetford Hill State Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

6.0
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 0 out of 1 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 1 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 1 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 1 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 1 reviews" "

6.0/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

6.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Not your run of the mill place
Totemsim is a very unique/eccletic property to say the least. The location is great. Makes you feel like you are in the treetops. There is a lot of stuff (understatement) in the house that guests have to maneuver around which at first was off-putting, but we came to enjoy playing "I Spy" as everywhere there is some new little thing to notice and marvel about. Harrison was a very communicative and responsive host. I wish we had more time to talk with him.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

About the host

Hosted by harrison seano whitecloud

Host profile image
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas

People also search for