Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac while being a 5-minute walk to the Gilman square green line stop, less than a mile from the Union Square, Assembly Square, and the Sullivan Square subway stop which goes directly into downtown Boston. This hidden gem is close to everything a traveler might need - James Beard nominated restaurants, ethnic markets, & more!
Open floor plan living space & minimalist furnishings great for movement artists and people looking to stretch out or go a bit more bohemian.
The space
Modern renovation in a century-old house, decorated with global art pieces from the host's travels. As it is an old house you will find old house things if you look; think old wood doors and old window frames that may have survived years of use (and sometimes abuse) from past owners, that paint can only do so much to cover, in ever settling door and frames.
Sleeps up to a total of 10 guests in 2 bedrooms, each with a queen size memory foam bed. For extra guests beds may include a fold-out foam mattress, foam/air hybrid mattress, or a Japanese style sleeping mat. The space is optimized for up to two couples. For more than a couple of couples sharing beds, my space is a cozy alternative to hostels for larger groups who just need a place to crash.
Distinctive details and eclectic decor add character to every room. The hand-made low-rise bed platform in one bedroom has a decorative canopy with lantern lights to lend an exotic feel and a quiet atmosphere ideal for resting. This 11x11 room is specially designed for guests and has plenty of space for your personal items in the credenza and closet. The closet stocked with extra pillow, umbrella, and blanket. The credenza contains chargers, converters, board games, and other things you may find useful.
Bright and colorful design marks the ng of the master bedroom (12x12), with plenty of floor space and a couple of empty drawers in the desk dresser.
For those who appreciate a non-toxic environment, and for whom health is important - enjoy an eco-friendly home boasting natural materials, where organic and sustainable are main themes. The host is phasing in 100% organic cotton sheets, towels, & duvets are from Oddbird, Coyuchi, and other reputable brands with GOTS (global organic textile standard), keeping in line with the host’s values for sustainability & comfort. Fresh air is ensured by a large HEPA IQair HealthPro Plus which guests are welcome to use.
The open floor plan of the living room has plenty of space to stretch out, do yoga, or whatever helps you unwind after a day out and about. Guests are welcome to use the yoga mats, blocks, straps and other equipment available. The space is also a few blocks from local yoga studio, Some Yoga Studio offering affordable community classes, pilates at Assembly Square, Crossfit gyms, etc.
More traditional seating is eschewed for a low to the ground sit-around table in the living room combined with Victorian sofa, pouf ottomans, and a giant bean-bag chair. The kitchen has bartop seating for two.
Guest access
You'll have a fully equipped kitchen to work with, with modern stainless steal appliances, hi speed blender, knives, dishwasher, and more! I've tried to take thorough photos of the available areas of the building to be clear exactly what the place is / has / offers, and what it does not - yes that mini-fridge and coffee is in the guest bedroom closet.
Other things to note
CAVEATS: Think of my place less as a hotel and more like staying with at a friend's while they're out of town. This is my condo, so while it is ready to host, Boston only allows the rental of primary residences people live at - This means the common area is spacious, has some fun games and books, the kitchen is exceptionally well equipped with all sorts of quality gadgets and well kept knives, and you're welcome to cook in it as if it were your own!
On the flip side though, this is not a hotel; it is a private residence If you're looking for a hotel experience, this isn't it. Keeping with my sustainability focus- I don't throw out sheets and towels because they may have an ink stain or the mild discoloration that comes in time, there are some personal items around, the place isn't 'kid proofed,' there are personal belongings in some places.
While I have great professional cleaners, personal homes are rarely super-sterile environments and you may see the occasional seasonal ant visitor or other seasonal 'guest,' find an errant bottle cap in some tucked-away corner, a too-interesting-for-your-children-book-mark in one of the cookbooks, etc. So if you're looking for starched sheets, hotel sterility and sanitation, this is not the place for you. If you wanna feel like staying in your cool friend's place while they're out of town, my house is your house and I've loved the connections I've made with people in my 10+ years of hosting!
The front bedroom is a dedicated guest bedroom, a closet with extra blankets, pillows, and other amenities, storage space, etc. You can see pictures to get an idea. The credenza is about 80% empty aside from things guests may appreciate, such as spare chargers, ear plugs, converters, board games, storage for personal items, etc.
The master bedrooms has "my stuff" in it... so while it is prepped for guests, and is a plenty big room, it does not have closet access for guest, and a few empty drawers in the dresser-desk. It may be closed off if it's just one guest, or two sharing a bed. Similarly, the kitchen will also have things like my food in the fridge (but it's not listed as an amenity, either). There is a dedicated guest refrigerator in the guest room given past guests have indicated liking a refrigerator free of anything else.
Guests are welcome to use basic things like salt, pepper, spices, etc.
There is no dining room / kitchen table with chair seating for 4+ people, but rather a bartop counter with two stools. See pictures and consider what your needs are!
PARKING: Somerville is in a dense urban area where the very limited free parking so it's not listed as an amenity. I live in a resident parking only area. There's no predictable guaranteed and easy free parking within 5~ blocks of the house. There are paid off street and on street options, but they can be complicated and it's best to clear those up well before you make your booking. Details and pricing in the house rules.
CANCELLATIONS & TRAVEL INSURANCE: has made it easier than ever to buy insurance with every booking in case your plans may be in the air.
As this is not a full-time rental, the pictures are broadly accurate, but there may be minor, mostly superficial, changes & improvements that don't in any way shape or form impede use of the space.
