Under the Hemlocks – Refined Boutique Retreat Near Amherst & UMass

Under the Hemlocks – Refined Boutique Retreat Near Amherst & UMass

Escape to Under the Hemlocks — a refined boutique guest suite inspired by the surrounding hemlocks and designed for slower-paced stays, quiet focus, and restorative evenings.

Conveniently located just minutes from Amherst College, Amherst Center, UMass Amherst, and the Emily Dickinson Museum, Under the Hemlocks offers a quieter retreat while remaining close to the area’s colleges, trails, cafés, and cultural landmarks.

The suite is located within a modern addition to a 1910 farmhouse and is intimate in scale yet thoughtfully detailed. Cathedral ceilings lend an airy feel that extends into the outdoor living spaces, from morning coffee in the courtyard to alfresco dinners and firelit evenings beneath the trees. The screened off-grid Writer’s Retreat offers a quiet hideaway for reading or creating, while the secluded double-chaise nook invites afternoon naps, stargazing, or simply unwinding.

Inside, enjoy a dreamy queen bed with adjustable settings, a deep clawfoot soaking tub with rain shower, a bespoke kitchenette, and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property — including the outdoor retreat spaces. The suite is intentionally television-free, encouraging a quieter pace once the laptop closes.

IDEAL FOR
• Weekend getaways & quieter weekday escapes
• Restorative retreats & staycations
• Meaningful catch-ups
• College visits and local events
• Bleisure travelers balancing work and rest
• Fall foliage escapes & leaf-peeping weekends

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
• Queen bed with adjustable head settings, quality linens, blackout blinds, and climate control
• European small double bed available for an additional fee

IMPORTANT NOTE ON SPACE
This is a compact open-plan studio guest suite. The second sleeping option shares the same room as the primary bed and makes the suite feel significantly more compact when in use.

THE BATH
• Deep clawfoot soaking tub with rain shower
• Robes and quality towels provided
• Please note the tub requires a high step-over for entry and exit

KITCHENETTE & DINING
• Fridge/freezer, microwave, rice cooker, toaster, personal blender, and air fryer
• Coffee machine and electric kettle with complimentary tea and coffee
• Fully stocked with dishes, glassware, cutlery, and kitchen essentials
• Compact dishwasher for easy cleanup

OUTDOOR SPACES
The private courtyard extends the living space outdoors with:
• Grill and prep area
• Bistro seating and fire pit
• Seasonal outdoor kitchen
• The screened Writer’s Retreat for reading, writing, or quiet evenings

Outdoor areas are weather-dependent and may occasionally close during periods of heavy rain, snow, freezing conditions, or state fire restrictions.

FOR WORK OR REST
• High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the suite and outdoor areas
• Modern transformer table for dining or workspace use
• Television-free environment designed for a quieter, slower-paced stay

WELLNESS & NATURE
• Minutes from the Robert Frost Trail, Amethyst Brook, and Buffam Falls
• Yoga mat, weighted calming pad, and reflective books provided
• Seasonal forest bathing sessions available by inquiry

IMPORTANT NOTES
Because of the layout, furnishings, outdoor features, and lack of childproofing, the suite is not suitable for babies or children under 12.

The property is located in a peaceful wooded residential setting. Occasional sounds from neighbors, wildlife, my family, grandchildren, or resident dog may occasionally be heard.

As part of the woodland setting, guests may occasionally encounter insects or wildlife such as foxes, possums, or black bears.

The suite is maintained as a scent-sensitive environment. Guests are kindly asked to avoid heavily fragranced products during their stay.

Guests should be aware that a resident dog lives on the property and is reactive toward unfamiliar animals. For safety reasons, this property is not suitable for guests traveling with animals.

GUEST ACCESS
• Private driveway with dedicated guest parking
• Vehicle turnaround area
• Gravel pathway leading to the entrance
• Three steps up to the deck entry
• Private guest courtyard
• Keyless entry with personalized access code

INTERACTION WITH GUESTS
I personally welcome VRBO guests upon arrival and remain available throughout your stay if needed, while still respecting guest privacy.

You may occasionally see me or family members tending gardens, landscaping, or seasonal snow removal around the property.

Please let me know promptly if anything needs attention so I can help make your stay as comfortable as possible.

HOUSE RULES & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

By booking, guests agree to the following:

• Only registered guests may stay overnight. The primary booking guest must remain on the property for the duration of the reservation.

• I reserve the right to verify guest identification.

• Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the property. A $150 restoration fee applies if evidence of smoking is found.

• Open-flame candles, incense, and fresh petals are not permitted. Flameless candles are provided.

• Guests are responsible for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.

LIABILITY WAIVER – FIRE FEATURES & OUTDOOR AMENITIES

Guests assume all risk associated with the use of fireplaces, fire pits, grills, decks, pathways, bathtubs, and outdoor spaces.

By booking, guests release the host from claims, injuries, damages, or losses arising from use of the property or its amenities, including outdoor conditions, weather, wildlife, slippery surfaces, uneven ground, or fire-related features.