The Starflower house is quiet and serene, powered by the sun (solar) surrounded by 10 private acres of meadow, forest and ancient stone walls. Welcome to a unique retreat; a quiet oasis of relaxation in the Berkshires.
During the summer, there is a large fire pit for smores and campfire stories. Enjoy our outdoor pizza oven/ cast iron "cook-it-all" from Lodge (includes grill and griddle). Relax on the wrap-around deck, outdoor rocking chairs, and the outdoor dining table and chairs for six. For your entertainment, we have high speed internet, badminton, ping pong and fusball. And, best of all, glow in the dark badminton birdies for use under the starry skies and firefly lit forests of New Marlborough. The house is air conditioned and close to hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming at York Lake, Thousand Acre Swamp or Umpachene Falls. You can walk down the country road for a coffee or sandwich at the Southfield Store or go for a run down the road past beautiful antique farms. The house is an easy drive to Tanglewood and the town of Great Barrington and close to several historic towns offering unique shopping, cuisine, and cultural attractions. We have central air conditioning and heating. Please ask about longer term stays, we do give a significant discount for 2+ weeks.
The Starflower house is located at an elevation of 1500 feet, so in the winter season you may be able to build a snowman, cross-country ski or snowshoe at the Starflower even after the snow has melted in other parts of the Berkshires. This feature also keeps the property cooler than the surrounding areas during the summer. Some of the best ice-skating opportunities are close-by, including York Lake and Thousand Acre Swamp off Hotchkiss Road (renters need to verify safety for skating first). Downhill ski or go tubing at nearby Butternut, Otis or Catamount. Butternut now has nighttime tubing! You can also just stay at the house and sled down the slope in the backyard using our sleds. The Goodnow Preserve and the 100 Acre Preserve and Naumkeag, are nice for a visit all year round. When you return from your adventures, you can curl up with a book by the wood stove and listen to your favorite tunes on our Apple speakers.
Enjoy our fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living room, washer and dryer, 2 full bathrooms and 3 restful and well-appointed bedrooms. We have high speed internet for working/Zooming during your stay. The dining room and outdoor deck dining can comfortably accommodate 6 people. Rocking chairs face the forest for a relaxing spot to drink your coffee or wine and enjoy listening to the birds. There is a large barn/workshop on the property as well, but rest assured that no one will be staying there while you are visiting.
Stay warm and dry when you drive up to the house by parking in our attached two car garage. Three bedrooms with organic Keetsa mattresses (one full, and two queen beds). In the common room down-stairs there are a number of single cots with twin mattresses for additional guests. Please let us know if you would like to use them.
While we are happy to have dogs (please confirm first with the host), we unfortunately cannot allow cats in the house due to allergies. Guests with dogs must use doggie bags to pick up any dog waste in the yard. We are in a forested setting where an amazing assortment of wildlife abounds, including bobcats, mountain lions, wolves, bears, large raptors, coyotes and porcupines. Please be aware that your pet may be considered a snack by some of our forest inhabitants. We request that you keep your pet on a leash at all times when it is in the yard.
Please note that this is a long-term rental (6+ months minimum). Rent includes garden maintenance, water and internet. Plowing, electricity, and linens are not included. Electric bill is low because of the solar panels.