10/10
Our trip: Halloween Week near Salem, MA.
This was a high-quality experience through and through, and the host was equipped to be present, resourceful, helpful, communicative, or hands-off as desired.
The home is placed in a neighborhood that conjures descriptors like "idyllic," "cozy," or "picturesque." After long days of walking, crowd-navigating, and sightseeing, making it back to Mike's felt like a restorative sigh of relief.
The house feels charmingly historic yet modernly equipped, gratifyingly classy yet comfortably homey. We didn't have time to enjoy all of the domestic amenities available to us. While it held appreciable novelty for a young couple from Austin, TX, it provided all the familiar comfort we could have asked for.
The location made going to Salem for Halloween festivities simple but also proved strategic for taking a break to visit North End (Boston) or a refreshing walk to the nearby beach.
It is a challenging balancing act to be practically convenient for immersing yourself in the activities of Salem or Boston on any given day while exuding a sense that you are returning "home" to something secluded from any hustle or bustle.
The host, Mike, was fully prepared with recommendations, suggestions, and expertise, allowing for an almost configurable experience. Just as the property itself navigates the balance between all it has to offer (seclusion/accessibility, historic/modern, luxury/familiarity), Mike was able to balance his presence as a host. I felt he could have been our professional travel coordinator just as quickly as he could have been a longstanding family friend.
I would look for an excuse to stay here again. I have rented in several different settings (from historic mansions in Galveston to centrally-located apartments in New York City to quiet shoreside homes in St. Joseph, MI). This stay at Mike's home combined what I liked most about each of my previous rental experiences.
James S.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022