Charming, Rustic, Casual Summer Home set in the middle of a nature preserve. This cottage is not fancy, but fully furnished, with 4 small bedrooms (2 queens, 1 dbl, 2 twins plus a extra twin in the upstairs open hall), full kitchen with D/W, and washer/dryer in basement. One bedroom on main floor (queen), 3 bedrooms (queen,double, two twins) upstairs. Main bath upstairs, with small powder room on main floor. Stone patio with table and chairs and BBQ, and a big grass yard that is mowed regularly in the summer. The house was built ~1830, around a great stone fireplace with hand-hewn chestnut beams, and is great for families. Floors aren't completely flat, but it's a perfect, peaceful retreat for a couple or two. The main bathroom is on the second floor, with a shallow bathtub/shower combo. Water is from a well, that produces the best drinking water on the east coast! You can walk to a swimming pond and walk the local trails, incl the Appalachian. Or you can drive anywhere in the foothills of the Berkshires, you're 2 miles from the closest small deli/grocery in Cornwall Bridge, and 7 miles from Kent, CT, or 10 miles to Bantam / Litchfield. PLEASE NOTE: 1. This house is in a rural country location. You are surrounded by a deciduous forest, there are lots of animals: deer, racoon, porcupines, foxes, occasional black bear! There are mice and chipmunks, and sometimes these tiny critters come inside. We de-mice regularly, but if you are afraid of mice, nature, or forests, this is NOT the place for you. 2. The Beehive is part of an ASSOCIATION, where the land is owned in common. The ASSOCIATION WILL NOT RENT to convicted sex offenders. Dogs must be in control, and excessive barking or aggressive behavior is not allowed. Lots of fabulous side trips in the area. Loads of hiking trails, inc the Appallachian. Take the train into NYC if you need a big city hit, closest station is Harlem Valley/Wingdale on the Metro line. Drive up to Mass Moca in western MA, it's about 2.5 hours to North Adams. Boston is 4 hours, and Vermont and Maine are a days drive. Kent, Bantam, New Preston, Litchfield and Torrington have good restaurants, and great shops. The Beehive is well-loved by it's owners, and the walls are adorned with lovely paintings and antique furniture mixed with vacation necessities. We have Optimum internet service. There is no TV service, but there is a TV, and a Roku. There is a stereo you can cast your tunes through. A place to relax, unwind, and be close to nature.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Lovely cottage on quiet country road in Millerton, New York, on 23 acres.
Millerton
Lovely cottage on quiet country road in Millerton, New York, on 23 acres.
The Beehive is part of an Association that does NOT rent to convicted sex offenders. The forms that must be signed include this rule.
There are two rental agreements that require your signature as a formality to rent. It is a nature preserve with the property owned in common.
Reunions or large gatherings MUST be approved in advance. We must alert the neighbors regarding parking and noise. Excessive barking not allowed.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: NO
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Cornwall Bridge
Located in Cornwall Bridge, this holiday home is in a rural area. West Cornwall Covered Bridge and Seven Hearths Museum are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area and Hopkins Vineyard. Clarke Outdoors and Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates are also worth visiting. Water tubing and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Housatonic Meadows State Park - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
Mohawk Mountain Ski Area - 12 min drive - 13.1 km
Mohawk Mountain State Forest - 12 min drive - 13.1 km
Getting around
Appalachian Trail - 34 min drive
Oxford, CT (OXC-Waterbury - Oxford) - 53 min drive
Restaurants
Warren General - 8 min drive
Cornwall General Store - 5 min drive
Highwatch Farm - 10 min drive
The Pink House - 12 min drive
Pine Lodge Restaurant - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Sweet Beehive Cottage / Berkshire foothills. MONTHLY RENTAL / minimum 15 days pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Sweet Beehive Cottage / Berkshire foothills. MONTHLY RENTAL / minimum 15 days?
As of 28 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sweet Beehive Cottage / Berkshire foothills. MONTHLY RENTAL / minimum 15 days on 30 June 2026 start from NZ$204, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Sweet Beehive Cottage / Berkshire foothills. MONTHLY RENTAL / minimum 15 days?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sweet Beehive Cottage / Berkshire foothills. MONTHLY RENTAL / minimum 15 days?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sweet Beehive Cottage / Berkshire foothills. MONTHLY RENTAL / minimum 15 days?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Sweet Beehive Cottage / Berkshire foothills. MONTHLY RENTAL / minimum 15 days located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Kent Falls State Park and within 6 miles (10 km) of Housatonic River and Housatonic Meadows State Park. Clarke Outdoors and Connecticut Antique Machinery are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Everything from the charming home to the beautiful property was lovely. It was truly a home away from home for almost three months! We adored every minute!
We had a lovely time at the Beehive. As we were there for over a month, we truly got to know the house and the area; what a wonderful bit of solitude so close to NYC. Still, the area is so pleasant, if solitude is not on the agenda the Litchfield has so much to do. The old (actual colonial) house itself was the perfect size and set-up. A great place to stay!!! We will be back again!!! Very comfortable and comforting.
Host massively misrepresented the property: it does not meet standard building or safety codes. It will have no running water during a power outage (which are frequent) as the well pump is powered by another property with an inconsistent generator not run 24/7. There was limited internet & weak cell reception, despite host assurances of both. The host was rude and unhelpful. She left a dead mouse in a trap for me to deal with upon my arrival, and admitted she had not cleaned the property before my arrival. The “swimming pond” is stagnant and unfit for swimming. STAY AWAY!!!
Nora A.
Stayed 30 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 August 2024
The reviewer, Nora, unfortunately experienced unusually powerful storms during her stay, which brought down trees and cut power (there is a generator so she was never without electricity or propane) 3 times during her month stay. This has never happened before in July. Prior to her staying, she requested a substantial discount, not wanting to pay VRBo fees, which I granted, foolishly. I told her I would not have a cleaner in prior to her arrival since I was there until 9 days before she arrived and left the house spotless. Sadly, a mouse trap was overlooked, and she encountered a dead mouse. When she notified me of the mouse and her fear of dead things, , my cousin down the street came and removed it within 15 min of her calling. This is after she called to tell me how beautiful the house and forest were, how lovely the pond was, etc.
The storms took out the internet, and although i attempted to be in constant contact, Nora rebuffed my assistance, and would not respond to my texts.. She became angry because I said I would not continue discounting her stay. She was mostly interested in not having to pay, and trying to get more money back. I should have realized this when she asked for the first discount. The house does share a well, and my neighbors who befriended Nora, turned on the generator pump during the outages anytime she asked. Nora had no real experience of what it’s like to live in the rural countryside. She wanted to blame me for the weather and the internet outages. There was one major storm the day after she arrived where power was out for ~ 24 hrs. The other storms were small outages, that were resolved quickly. Our description of our lovely, rustic country home is accurate and fair. . Although Nora continued to berate me to VRBo, she continued to stay in the house despite her complaints. She befriended my neighbors, had them babysit her dog (they kept me informed of her situation) and apparently she enjoyed our home quite a bit. I find Nora’s review to be dishonest. If you’re planning to rent to her, be forewarned! PS: the pond is spring fed. We all swim in it, it is a country pond surrounded by trees, with leaves and forest detritus on top that clears itself naturally over the little dam. If you’re afraid of nature, you won’t appreciate our corner of beauty.
We spent a fantastic 5 weeks at the Beehive. The house is well stocked with dishes and beds. The perfect getaway with friends and family. We cooked, relaxed, swam in the pond, painted, and enjoyed. Easy drive to a ton of farm stands, markets, and other essentials. Our daughter went to camp. It is a great location. We would definitely come again. Gwen was excellent with communication and we felt well taken care of.
The Beehive is located in beautiful, serene surroundings. Cornwall Bridge is a lovely town ideally situated with easy access to outdoor activities, fine dining, antiquing, etc.
Gwen is an exceptional host - generous, thoughtful, patient and helpful. She went the extra mile for us by arranging for internet service to the house. Communicating with her was a breeze - always prompt with her responses. We truly appreciate her letting us stay and for taking care of our needs. Thanks, Gwen!
This house is a perfect match for me and my active family. Surrounding rustic area excellent for trail walking.
Jacqueline M.
Stayed 42 nights in Jul 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mark F.
5 April 2019
Old and Charming
This house is close to 200 years old, but well maintained. Gwen the owner is freindly, and helpful with any issues. Property is convenient to main roads to Sharon, Goshen, Kent, etc., on hill with some mountain views. New heating system for hot water and hydronic radiators. Plenty of parking. No road noise. Washer and Dryer in basement.
Mark F.
Stayed 26 nights in Nov 2018
Verified
8/10 Good
Kelly S.
30 October 2018
Happy Country Abode
We had lovely month in Cornwall Bridge. The house is very basic but had all the necessities for our stay. The kitchen was well outfitted although disorganized. When we arrived, the house was quite dirty (lots of dust, cobwebs, dead bugs, etc.), so we spent the first two days of our time there getting it in better order. I suggest that guests bring their own linens. The overall community was very friendly. We enjoyed meeting neighbors and taking walks in the woods. Don't miss the sculpture walk!
Kelly S.
Stayed 31 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thanks for the review, Kelly. We are glad you were able to enjoy the area. I’m sorry it was dusty, it should have been cleaned thoroughly before you arrived. I woukd have had the cleaner come back if you had let me know! We are working to improve the organization and keep linens, etc., updated and fresh. We are just installing a new on-demand hot water system. Gwen
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Karen M.
1 September 2017
Quaint, Charming, Peaceful Farmhouse
I just spent one month at the Beehive guesthouse. If you are looking to get away from all of the hustle and bustle and find some peace and quiet, this place is for you. With only 11 other houses on this private road, you climb up the side of the mountain and into an oasis of chirping birds and crickets and the buzzing of insects to fill the air. It is an old farmhouse. It is simple and not pretentious. It has everything you need. Yeah, you are going to get some insects and moths inside with you (and somehow I still can't figure out, a bird made it in!)....but isn't that part of the country charm? I have never in my life drank water so perfectly clear, clean and refreshing. I had such great joy watching the fascination of my cats as they watched out the windows and held conversations with chipmunks in the mornings, and as they watched the swirl of moths in the evenings. All of the neighbors that I met were so friendly, welcoming, and inviting.
I enjoyed hopping around to the various farm stands and farmer's markets (one of the neighbors, Alisa, sells produce grown on the mountain on Saturdays in West Cornwall) to get supplies for my daily meals. Megan's farm located at the Kent Land Trust, just south of downtown Kent even has a freezer full of local farm raised meats for sale! Make sure to bring singles, fives and change with you for the farm stands to pay for your goods as you can stop in day or night and help yourself to what you need. I loved my stay at the Beehive and in Cornwall so much that I have just put an offer in on a property two streets away!
Karen M.
Stayed 31 nights in Jul 2017
About the host
Hosted by Gwen and Patrice Demombynes
This home has been in the Demombynes-Tippett Family for many, many years. It is part of a private association, and was built in ~ 1830 or so, based on the hand-hewn chestnut beams that make up the structure of the house. It was lovingly restored and winterized over the years, without altering it's antique character.
Why they chose this property
This is a very desirable location, 2.5 hours from New York City. We are willing to share it with people who will appreciate it's history, location and charm, for those hot summer months when getting out to the country is such a joy.
What makes this property unique
This is a unique and special home. People who enjoy the history of antique homes, and the charm of less-than-perfect cottages will fall in love with this place and this area. The house is a 5-acre plot, part of a 660 acre association, Dark Entry Forest, which is owned in common. It is managed deciduous forest, and it's private, quiet and lovely. Birds, deer, woodchucks, occasional bears, foxes, etc, reside with us.