This is a unique private and rustic retreat. Nestled downstream of the dam from Stockbridge Bowl, the house is located in a very private wooded setting serenaded by the waterfall and river. The house is a very unique three story with many windows, a back yard deck and a third floor deck off the main bedroom. The second floor has one bedroom, an office and main bath. The first floor a wood stove, half bath and open floor plan. The interior is unfinished structural framing that has aged to a comforting patina. The furnishings are simple, a bit worn, but comfortable. The atmosphere is one of an artisits studio with a meditation platform above the third story bedroom that requires a climb to the perch. Holly is a gracious, responsive and very helpful owner. The hot tub was not working and a bit of a disappointment, but Holly did all she could. Many VRBO units advertise hot tubs, but few are working or clean enough for inviting use. This tub was well kept, just not functioning. All toll, not for everyone, but a special jewel for the adventurous!

My wife and I were looking to take a week away from our daily lives mainly to think about some big approaching life changes ahead, but also to do a little winter hiking, visit some museums, and go out for some great meals. We were looking for a place that lent itself to opening up our thinking, and Holly's place turned out to be perfect. It was bigger than we needed for just the two of us, but because of the open, flowing layout, we used every bit of it, from the dining table overlooking the falls, to the couch by the back porch, to the window seats by the stairs, to the second floor desk (also overlooking the falls), to the third floor loft. We loved it so much that we never went out for dinner until our last night, because we kept deciding we'd rather be here, putting dinner together, a fire in the wood stove. We unexpectedly had to leave for a couple days in the middle of the week to help with a family matter, and luckily were able to extend our stay an additional night, because we really weren't ready to go. Holly was extremely helpful with that process and with all the communications throughout the rental process. Happily, by the end of the week we got our thinking done, made some big decisions (!), we got out into the woods most days, saw Mass MOCA and the Clark Museum, and just had a wonderful, peaceful, soul-nourishing time. This is truly a unique house. You can see pretty much the entire structure looking up from the window seat, and I often wondered how the designer came up with a layout that is at once so unusual and so completely natural. We have only good things to say, and hope to be back.

This is not your average rental. Custom designed (c. 1969-ish) by an architect whose appreciation for this spot is apparent from every angle, this is a cozy, super comfortable and interesting. space with a very open flooplan, high ceilings, lots of windows and tons of light. It's not fancy, it's not high brow -- but it is a very special place. A place that inspires and heals. The lovely, thoughtfully landscaped property abuts the edge of Stockbridge bowl and when you sit where the property meets the woods, the sounds of the waterfall, stream and birds are a mesmerizing, meditating combination. We spent a magical Columbus Day weekend here 18 months ago with family, friends and dogs and keep trying to figure out how and when we can go back!