Under the Hemlocks Fall Sanctuary: Deep Clawfoot Tub & Off-Grid Writer’s Retreat

Escape to Under the Hemlocks—a refined, scent-sensitive guest suite, small and elegant by design.

Crisp autumn air brings the private courtyards to life, with fireside evenings and the screened, off-grid Writer’s Retreat offering a place for morning coffee, reading, writing or simply doing nothing at all.

Under the Hemlocks holds the simple pleasures of a cosy New England autumn—changing leaves, books by the fire and long soaks in the deep clawfoot tub.

Ideally situated in the Pioneer Valley, Under the Hemlocks offers easy access to Amherst and the surrounding area.

For Thanksgiving and the holiday season, Under the Hemlocks offers a peaceful retreat close to family and friends, with a quiet space of your own at the end of the day.


UNDER THE HEMLOCKS AT A GLANCE

🌿 REFINED RETREAT: Completely private boutique bijou studio (small and elegant) • No shared spaces • Maximum 2 guests

🌿 SCENT-SENSITIVE: Scent-sensitive • Allergy-conscious

🌿 GUEST SUITE: A private wing of the main house with a guest-only entrance.

🌿 LAYOUT: Open-plan studio • Queen bed, seating area/optional second bed & kitchenette share one space • Separate bathroom

🌿 BATH & SHOWER: Deep clawfoot tub • Rain shower overhead

🌿 KITCHENETTE: Very well-equipped

🌿 SECOND BED: Optional • $50 housekeeping preparation fee • Under the Hemlocks accommodates 2 overnight guests maximum

🌿 AIR CONDITIONING: Air-conditioned

🌿 WI-FI: High-speed • Indoors and outdoors

🌿 ENTERTAINMENT: Intentionally television-free

🌿 PRIVATE COURTYARDS: Two completely private outdoor spaces

🌿 GARDEN SANCTUARY — Known as the WRITER'S RETREAT: Separate • Screened • Off-grid

🌿 SEASONAL NOTE: The Writer's Retreat is open April–October and closed November–March

🌿 LOCATION: Minutes from Amherst Center • Amherst College • UMass Amherst • Emily Dickinson Museum

🌿 EASY DRIVE: Smith College • Mount Holyoke College • Deerfield Academy • The Williston Northampton School • The MacDuffie School

🌿 PARKING & ACCESS: Dedicated driveway and parking • Private entrance to the guest suite

🌿 QR CODE: Single Guest Hub QR code for suite how-to guides, amenities, local recommendations, and other useful tips for your stay

🌿 GUESTS & VISITORS: Maximum 2 overnight guests • Visitors by prior arrangement

🌿 NO ANIMALS: Due to resident dog

🌿 CHECK-OUT: No chore list • Simply turn off lights & A/C • Secure the suite


THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED FOR:
• Couples Getaways & Special Occasions: Anniversaries, honeymoons, birthdays, Valentine's and quiet escapes.

• Visitors to Amherst & the Pioneer Valley: Parents, alumni and those here for college visits, weddings, local performances and events, or the Emily Dickinson Museum.

• Rest & Creative Restoration: Writers, artists, avid readers, nature lovers, fall foliage trips, and quiet recharge.

• Refined Solo Stays: Midweek remote work, writing retreats, and peaceful professional travel.


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

🌿 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 space, 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.


A CLOSER LOOK At Under the Hemlocks
Discover the spaces, thoughtful details, and practical information that make Under the Hemlocks unique.

THE GUEST SUITE
Under the Hemlocks occupies its own private wing of the main house, completely separate from the host’s living space and accessed through a guest-only entrance. Inside, the studio is arranged as one open, cohesive space, with the sleeping, seating and kitchenette areas flowing naturally together beneath the cathedral ceiling. A separate bathroom completes the guest suite, while the private courtyards extend the living space outdoors.

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 ($50 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 sink, running water, grill and side burner.

GARDEN SANCTUARY — THE WRITER'S RETREAT
Follow the garden path to a screened, off-grid garden sanctuary known as the Writer's Retreat—a unique space created for writing, reading, 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.

Please note: The Writer's Retreat is screened and intentionally uninsulated. Temperatures inside reflect the weather outdoors.

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 the Guest Hub QR code 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: The primary guest must remain on the property for the duration of the reservation. The additional guest’s full name must be listed on the reservation.

ID: I reserve the right to request government-issued photo ID from any guest at check-in or during the stay.

VISITORS: Visitors require prior approval and full names. Visiting hours are 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

SMOKE-FREE PROPERTY: Smoking or vaping of any kind is not permitted anywhere on the property. A restoration fee of $150 or more, based on the extent of remediation required, may apply 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.

CARE OF THE GUEST SUITE: Under the Hemlocks has a no-chore checkout. If spills, stains, or accidents happen during your stay, please message me so I can take care of them immediately. Excessive cleaning or damage beyond normal use may result in additional charges.

SEPTIC SYSTEM: Only toilet paper may be flushed. Please do not flush wipes, including those labelled “flushable,” or any other products.

🔌🕯️🌹 Guest-brought plug-in heating devices, 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.

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.