Boston area house & gardens, near parks, farms, woods trails, shops, buses

Ideal location for a family or group that likes to get outside, play, and explore. Steps to Whipple Hill conservation land trails, including great sunset views from the highest point in Lexington. Short walks to parks, soccer fields, playgrounds, ponds, community farms, bus line. Short bike ride or drive to Minuteman Bike Trail, shops, restaurants, grocery store, banks, etc. in Arlington Heights. 12 minute drive to Tufts University, the Mystic Lakes, Winchester, Lexington, Belmont, centers, or Alewife area shops and MBTA trains. 20 minute drive to Harvard Square, Cambridge and Historic Concord MA. Half hour drive to Logan Airport and/or downtown Boston. Two hour drive to White Mountains and Pioneer Valley of Mass.

Rental includes 9 rooms plus 2 full bathrooms, upstairs laundry room, unfinished basement with storage and coldroom/root cellar in the winter months. 3 Bedrooms plus 1 large office/optional Queen bedroom and 1 small office/twin bedroom. Oak hardwood flooring throughout, except for tile in the bathrooms and laundry room. Kitchen features include natural maple cabinets and oak shelving, vermont soapstone countertops, undersink water filter, large dining table that is counter height (doubles as prep space), a large freezer-on-the-bottom refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster oven, brand new induction stove, doors to the porch and backyard patio. In addition to an efficient soapstone woodburning stove in the living space, efficient air source heat pumps heat the house in the winter and air condition/cool in the summer. Heat pump electric water heater provides plenty of hot water for a household of up to 9 people. One of the first floor rooms has a baby grand piano that is kept tuned.

Easy, free car parking in driveway and on street (private way). Backyard has a peastone patio and grassy area and forest-garden hillside, surrounded by a sturdy five-foot wire perimeter fence with gates. East side of house has a spacious porch, yard, garden, bike shed, and small sledding hill. West side of house has a toolshed, roof overhang and steps to basement door. Front of house has steps and small landing to the front door, fruit/flower/herb garden with small trees.

Two young, healthy, active cats live here, staying inside overnight and free to roam outside and inside during the day. We’d prefer that renters care for the cats, however, we may be able to make other arrangements if needed. The cats are gentle, friendly and accustomed to small children and neighborhood dogs.

Kids ride their bikes on the street and many friendly neighbors and dogs walk by. Very safe and friendly neighborhood on quiet streets off the beaten path.

Our extended family lives in the house across the street, on call for house questions/needs in addition to ourselves. They and other friendly neighbors are happy to help orient you.