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

Escape to a private bijou guest suite under the hemlocks—a refined, scent-sensitive retreat, small and elegant by design.

Fall outdoors—private courtyards for crisp-air lounging and fireside evenings; the screened, off-grid Writer's Retreat for morning coffee wrapped in a blanket, writing or reading.

Under the Hemlocks invites you to slow down, unplug and embrace a cosy New England autumn—fall foliage, crisp mornings, fireside warmth and long evening soaks in the deep clawfoot tub.


Ideally situated in the Pioneer Valley, the guest suite is minutes from Amherst Center, Emily Dickinson Museum, Amherst College and UMass. Catch a college football game or experience this year’s Emily Dickinson Museum Tell It Slant Poetry Festival, then return to a peaceful setting for a quiet retreat 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

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

🌿 BATH & SHOWER: Deep clawfoot soaking tub • Rain shower (deep step-up to enter; teak stool provided)

🌿 PRIVATE COURTYARDS: Dining • Seating • Fire pit • Propane grill with side burner • Outdoor kitchen prep station with sink (weather-dependent)

🌿 GARDEN SANCTUARY — Known as the WRITER'S RETREAT: Screened • Off-grid • Fireplace • Writing • Reading • Relaxing • Birdwatching (no A/C or insulation; temperature reflects outdoor weather)

🌿 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

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

🌿 SECOND BED: Optional (request when booking; $40 setup fee; maximum occupancy remains 2)

🌿 KITCHENETTE: Very well-equipped

🌿 AIR CONDITIONING: Air-conditioned

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

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

🌿 ENTERTAINMENT: Intentionally television-free

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

🌿 GUESTS: The primary guest must remain on the property for the duration of the reservation. Additional guest full name must be listed on the reservation.

🌿 NO ANIMALS: Due to resident dog



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



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

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 ($40 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 QR codes throughout the suite 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. Additional guests must be listed by full name on the reservation.

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

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.

🕯️🌹 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.