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. 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. In addition to comfy bedrooms, guests have access to several gathering places including a sunroom with a Kwai piano, 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. Our 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. 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. 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. My home is nestled in the beloved Emerson Brook Forest. It’s a refuge from the fast pace world, a place to unwind, and reconnect to the natural world. Our home is adjacent to miles of surrounding woodland trails suitable for hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, mountain biking, swimming and exploring. The immediate neighborhood includes The Sustainability Project’s Emerson Brook Forest Nature Center, which features wheelchair accessible trails and edible forest gardens. We are an easy drive to several public recreational areas including Pitcher Mountain (great blueberry picking from July through August) and beautiful Mount Monadnock (reputed to be the second most climbed mountain in the world, after Mount Fuji in Japan.) Mole Hill Theater which hosts live music and theater is a seven-minute drive away. Nearby Keene is home to Keene State College (and the Redfern Art Center and Thorne Sagendorf Art Gallery) and Antioch University, the Colonial Theater, several recreation parks and nearly 90 restaurants from which to choose. The Keene Music Festival, hosting more than 90 bands of all persuasions, takes place annually on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. While there is not public transportation between Gilsum and Keene, I'm willing, when my schedule allows, to pick up and drop off our guests traveling by bus, train and airplane for a fee of .55 per mile including driving miles before and after pick up and drop off. 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.