Solar Living Emerson Brook Forest 2

Writers, artists, musicians, naturalists, social and environmental activists, families, students, travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and people needing a respite from the buzz and hustle of life will enjoy the peace and wonder of this solar homestead in the lush Emerson Brook Forest. In collaboration with neighborhood non-profit, The Sustainability Project, guests are invited to participate in nature based community leadership programs scheduled during their stay by donation. The space Solar Living in the Emerson Brook Forest: Beginning in 2011, once the last of my three children moved away, I decided to share this spacious homestead with others through AirBnB. Oriented for southern exposure, my "off grid" battery-based solar electric homestead had its beginnings in 1981. In August of 2022, I had my home connected to the electrical grid and will soon begin supplying solar power to the grid. I had air-source heat pumps (mini-splits) installed, the cleanest and most efficient home heating and cooling system available. This is just one part a tale of life-long learning, environmental stewardship and progress. My home, located 12 miles from the vibrant city of Keene, is a bit of a showcase for nature-based values and philosophy. I list two bedrooms with queen-sized beds. Other rooms may be available to registered guests upon request. Each of the rooms have special qualities and I continuously get compliments on the quality of the beds. About Solar Living in the Emerson Brook Forest: Beginning in 2011, once the last of my three children had moved away, I decided to share my spacious homestead with others through AirBnB. Oriented for southern exposure, this grid tied, battery backed-up solar home had its humble beginnings in 1981. Located 12 miles from the vibrant small city of Keene, my home has evolved with nature in mind. Two bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed are listed through Airbnb. Other rooms may be available to registered guests upon request. Each of the rooms has a comfortable bed, a view and beautiful artwork. On occasion, when needed and possible, I offer my second floor master bedroom with an adjacent living room. This space does not have its own bathroom, but provides a sense of privacy, and accommodates up to four people. The house has a wheelchair accessible ramp to the main floor bedrooms and bath. In addition to comfy bedrooms, guests have access to a sunroom with a Kawai piano, a ground-level den with a woodstove, hammock and couch; 2 shared bathrooms (one with a shower the other a bathtub), a living room, as well as south and north facing porches. An open-concept kitchen faces birdfeeders, a fruit orchard and perennial gardens. I invite people to bring partially prepared simple meals. I have a small refrigerator that I’m happy to share. Willa, a 45 lb. rescue pup from down south, is quite reserved but enjoys being around people. Two domesticated cats, Maude and Daenerys live in a protected area separate from the people living space. Help me keep my home safe for guests with cat allergies by not intentionally or unintentionally inviting them in. For the well-being of, and out of respect for our resident animals, I am unable to host my guests' companion animals. Guest access In addition to comfy bedrooms, guests have access to several gathering places including a sunroom with a Kwai piano, the kitchen, a living room, a ground level den as well as south, north and west facing porches. Two bathrooms offer on-demand heated water for shower or bath. My open-concept kitchen has an electric range, a refrigerator, dishwasher, hot water kettle, and toaster. My kitchen table faces feeders (winter only so as not to attract bears) a fruit orchard and perennial gardens. There are 5-6 parking spaces either in front of the shed or right across from the driveway. Please be certain not to block anyone in. Please remove shoes and boots in the entrance room. During the cold season, slippers are recommended. Please be mindful to turn off lights and other electrical appliances when not in use. Please do not light or tamper with wood stoves. Use the remote for the mini split heat pump to adjust heating or cooling in common areas The WiFi password is 12345678. A note about accessing my house in the winter—depending on the weather and road conditions, scaling Emerson Brook Drive road can be extremely challenging, especially for city cars without 4 wheel drive and studded snow tires. Regrettably access to my home during winter weather conditions may be limited to those who are able to hike 2/10 (two tenths) of a mile up hill. . During your stay As documented by my reviews, I thoroughly enjoy the social aspects of hosting. I see every guest who enters my home as a gift and love learning about the world through other people’s eyes. That being said, guests looking for solitude are appreciated and welcomed. Other things to note There are 5-6 parking spaces either in front of the shed (where there is a welcome sign and a Black Lives Matter and Values statement) or right across from the driveway. Please be certain not to block anyone in. Please remove shoes and boots before you enter the living room. During the cold season, slippers are recommended. Thank you for taking care of my quilts. I would be happy to give you an extra sheet to cover the quilt if you need to use the bed as a workspace. Please do not try to light or tamper with wood stoves. Use the remote for the mini split heat pump to adjust heating or cooling in common areas. Please be mindful to turn off lights and other electrical appliances when not in use. Please remember that where you are staying is not a motel or a rental property. You are staying my home... one that I built and have tended with love for 43 years. I really do my best to provide a clean, welcoming and loving environment for all of my guests. Please let me know if something needs attention or improving. At times there are opportunities for work exchange both at my home and with neighboring non-profit, The Sustainability Project. Please reserve a night to begin the conversation so we can see if your skills match our current needs.