The Pondhouse - A Magical Place

Relax, rejuvenate and unplug in this ultimate rustic getaway experience in the country. In our beautiful screened Pondhouse, you can gaze at the stars and listen to the sounds of nature from your cozy warm bed. Feel the breeze as you sleep in this magical place unlike any other you will have ever seen. Your whole being will be nourished by your time spent here. With an outdoor fire pit, outdoor hot shower, composting toilet and outdoor sink, the Pondhouse is now completely self contained. Read just a few reviews and you quickly understand that the Pondhouse is truly an EXPERIENCE. It is a transformative, magical retreat. **We're asking that all guests are vaccinated.** Please read this carefully! : the Pondhouse is not for everyone. No electricity. No walls-SCREENS only. NO WIFI or cell service. (But you can now usually get service on the hill behind the Pondhouse about a 2 min walk) You will hear animals in the woods. There are bugs! You might see a spider in the Pondhouse. Don't worry - mosquitoes aren't an issue inside. No kitchen. No stove (but there is a well stocked outdoor fire pit). No heat! But tons of blankets. You take chances with the weather. We've had guests love a cozy rainy weekend and even book an extra day during 30 degree temperatures. Still interested? Read on. . . Please be sure when you make a reservation that you acknowledge that you have read this carefully. Peter has built a composting toilet, outdoor sink and HOT! shower so the Pondhouse is completely private now with no more access to Peter's studio. We are just a 2 minute walk from you and available to help or answer questions. I greet you when you arrive and show you the ropes, then you probably won't see us the rest of your stay! When making a reservation be sure to put the exact number of guests. While the Pondhouse can sleep 5 people, the pricing is based on 2 people and there are extra charges for more people. We are unfortunately no longer listed as 'dog friendly' because of a few unpleasant interactions with guests dogs and our dog. BUT, if you want to pitch your super friendly dog please write me. ----- We now have an outdoor composting toilet, hot shower and sink! All about 50 feet from the Pondhouse. There is a fire pit a few steps from your door. It’s stocked with paper and chopped wood (or chop your own), so you can make a fire to roast marshmallows, cook a whole meal, or just hang out and enjoy the feeling of camping. We also provide cast iron frying pans, plates, cups and utensils, all bedding, with lots of warm blankets, towels, candles and fire wood. CAUTION: *No Wi-Fi or cell service in the pond house - come to unplug! Cell service is available in spots on our road. *No nearby transit, and we are in the boonies, so you’ll need a car *Planning this as a surprise? I strongly suggest that you KNOW that your partner will love this. I've seen a few surprises not work very well. Glamping is not for everyone! *We are on 50 acres and sound carries. This means no loud music. *Please be respectful of the peace, quiet and serenity of our property *MUST arrive before dark - there is a $50 charge for latecomers. This is just so you know how important it is to arrive before dark. My husband, Peter Kitchell, and I are artists and have lived here for almost 32 years. Peter has carefully cultivated and nurtured the land, which includes building the Pondhouse with Hemlock trees from our woods. We have three buildings (our home and studios) a two minute walk from the Pondhouse. We are good at respecting our guest’s privacy but are also happy to chat and answer any questions. I've made a great list of places to eat (including dog friendly & vegan!) ** Having a special anniversary? Give us a budget and we can decorate with extra special things like flowers, treats, or whatever you'd like! This is truly an amazing place. ***PLEASE READ ENTIRE LISTING DESCRIPTION AND RULES BEFORE REQUESTING A RESERVATION.*** We want to make sure that your stay meets your expectations... When making a request, please tell us a little about yourselves, your interest in the Pondhouse and indicate that you have read the full listing and house rules... Thank you! A fire pit just outside the Pondhouse is available for fires and grilling. New this season because of Covid - no more access to Peter's studio. Composting toilet, outdoor sink with running water. Outdoor shower. We welcome you, give you ‘a tour’ and are happy to help with anything you need. PLEASE PLAN TO CHECK IN BEFORE DARK. This is essential. This isn't the kind of place where you pick up a key and let yourself in, and it’s essential to get the tour while it’s still light outside. Please let us know when you leave - we like to hear how about your stay, and to say goodbye! It's quiet. It's the country. Ashfield is closest town about 8 min away. Sh Falls is about 12 min away. Great site for hikes. Elmer's for breakfast! The best pancakes in New England. Country Pie for Pizza The Lakehouse - Ashfield - Right on the lake. Great scene at night at the bar or hang on on the deck overlooking the lake. Shelburne Falls is about 12 minutes away. WHERE TO EAT ( fancy and amazing) Gypsy Apple Bistro, 65 Bridge Street, Blue Rock Restaurant, Sh Falls, SO good. Vegan options. Mocha Maya’s, ( good coffee) 47 Bridge Street, Hearty eats - vegan (like us:) and gluten free but also has fish and chips. We love it! Enjoy the beauty of the woods on our property of 40 acres or the many nearby trails and parks. We are located within 30-45 minutes of six colleges and many attractions in the Pioneer Valley, as well as North Adams and Williamstown. There are a few amazing restaurants nearby in Shelburne Falls and great pizza in Ashfield. We will be happy to give you all kinds of info on the best places. Check out galleries and artists studios in Shelburne Falls, walk across the gorgeous Bridge of Flowers, take a raft trip down the Deerfield River with Zoar outdoor (possibly guided by our son who works there! ) Check out the amazing glacial formations the "Potholes." In the summer swim and sun at Ashfield Lake, check out the Ashfield Farmers market on Saturday, or see amazing summer theater at Double Edge Theater. Be sure and print your directions - your cell/gps will probably not work nearby. I will text you my directions a few days before. Be sure you've given a cell # in your profile. We need to be here when you check in, so communication about arrival time is essential. I plan my schedule around meeting you - and ask that you respect this. I try to be flexible, but sometimes need to agree on an arrival time, so please stick to this and communicate if you are running late.You can always check in before going back out to lunch or dinner. New Yorkers! Avoid the traffic getting out of NYC by taking the train to New Haven. You can rent a car from Avis - super easy and less expensive than renting in the city!