Retreat in the Woods

This quiet, private cottage in the woods is the perfect space for a personal retreat. It’s removed from the busy-ness of downtown areas, but close enough to get where you need to go. This space is ideal for a weekend of “me time”—walks on a winding country road, reading by the fire, writing, meditation, and simply recharging. The mattresses are new & comfy. The bookshelves are stocked. The well water is clean, clear, & cold. Give yourself the gift of time in the woods of western Massachusetts! The space Originally built in 1975, most of the cottage was recently updated. The result is a rustic space with touches of luxurious comfort. Nestled into the woods on a winding country road, the cottage sits on a few acres. Whether laying in bed or sitting on the 3-season porch, guests will find themselves surrounded by trees. You may even spot a black bear, owl, or other beautiful wildlife. There are neighbors on both sides, but they are just far away enough to not be obtrusive. For those nervous about being alone in the woods, the closest neighbor is a state trooper who keeps an eye on the place. The kitchen has an antique gas stove, although only the stove top works. We provide guests with a toaster oven, single induction burner, and microwave. There’s a coffee pot & electric kettle, and we provide an assortment of tea. The kitchen also has a blender & bread machine, cookware, utensils, and a charming set of vintage dinner ware & cups. Guests should plan to bring their own coffee & food, and we are happy to provide a list of local farms & shops. The bedroom is large and very cozy, with floor-to-ceiling darkening curtains that give the sensation of being cocooned in the space. There is a comfortable seating area with a chaise lounge & chair, plus a bookshelf with a take-one-leave-one library. The queen bed has a newer, 12-inch memory foam mattress. Guests can expect high-thread-count cotton sheets & quality pillows. The living room holds a daybed with a newer mattress, soft bedding, and lots of pillows. Single guests and couples can use this space as a sofa, but it also serves as a second bed for those who need it. The bathroom has a tub and shower, boasting strong water pressure and a tankless hot water system. Hand soap, body wash, shampoo & conditioner, and clean towels are all provided. The 3-season porch serves as evidence of the cottage’s original 1970s roots, with rustic wood walls & floors. The screened windows allow for fresh air without the bugs. While it’s not wired for electricity, the magic of an extension cord allows for a few lights, a power strip, and a fan to circulate the air. The lack of insulation means that it can get quite hot midday, but it’s a sublime space for morning coffee and evening relaxation. There is a table and chairs for al fresco dining, a single bed for an afternoon read/nap, and a cozy chair for relaxing in the (nearly) outdoors. It’s a great way to enjoy a sheltered view of the wild backyard—and possibly some wild life! From the original artwork to the bohemian vibe, this is truly a one-of-a-kind space. Guest access The entire cottage is available for use Other things to note As this is a wooded cabin in western Massachusetts, it’s important for guests to remember that black bears and other wild life are present. For some folks, this is an exciting prospect. For others, it can be nerve-wracking. There are some simple strategies to protect yourself, and we offer these in the welcome letter. For those with kids, please note that the wood stove does not have a barrier. Although it doesn’t happen often, the power does occasionally go out on severely windy or stormy days. With a well that runs on electricity, guests should be aware that power outages mean no running water. We provide extra stored water for flushing, hand washing, and drinking. There is firewood to keep the house warm, and a stash of candles for use in an outage. If the power is out and weather allows me to get to the cabin, I can provide a camp stove and anything else you may need.