A True Shangri-La-Country Retreat W/Pond, Gardens and Huge Deck and View
Modern comforts in this gorgeous, passive solar, post and beam house on 50 private acres with a view of the Green Mountain foothills. All season beauty and tranquility; great for family holiday gatherings! High Speed Fiber Optic internet and cell service makes it easy to work reliably and relax.
Two huge bedrooms (450 sq ft) and a third medium sized. One of the bedrooms has a king size bed, the two others have queens. There are two and a half bathrooms - one in the master bedroom. Bedrooms are on the second and third floors accessed by a fairly wide spiral staircase.
Passive solar house (wood pellet / radiant heat - warm floors) is spacious and comfortable; washer, dryer, expansive and well-equipped kitchen, wood floors, large living room/dining room with wood stove and a 34' x 12' deck that looks an amazing view of the Green Mountains.
This property has a little of everything. A third of a mile off a quiet country road with a pond, fire pit, streams, perennial gardens galore, with awesome hiking trails, lakes and cross country skiing nearby. Field stone fire pit and gas grill for great summer and fall hanging out.
Ashfield, MA is a quintessential New England town with great amenities - Elmer's a community owned coffee shop, the Lake House (lunch and dinner right on Ashfield Lake), Country Pie (a decent pizza place) as well as Neighbors (a gas station and convenience store.) So while you'll be out in the woods you're not in the middle of no-where.
Ashfield has a wonderful town beach, town tennis courts (free), and a community golf course available to all. There are well marked town hiking trails in several locations and the DAR State forest just minutes away with swimming, hiking, skiing galore. Ashfield also has the Double Edge Theater, an ensemble of multi-talented artists whose performances are immersive events that are physical, lush and dreamlike.
Minutes from the historic, quaint New England town of Shelburne Falls, MA; 30 minutes from the restaurants, culture and shopping of Northampton and Greenfield, MA, forty minutes from Amherst and an hour to the cultural gems of the Berkshires; Mass Moca, Tanglewood, Jacob's Pillow, the Clark Museum, The Mount - Edith Wharton's homestead, etc.
It is also 30 minutes away from Smith College, 40 minutes from Amherst, Hampshire and UMass/Amherst and 50 minutes from Mt Holyoke College and all they have to offer. Cultural and educational events and museums including the Smith College Museum of Art, Mead Art Museum, Beneski Museum of Natural History and the Eric Carle Museum.
Plenty of sports activities year round including rafting, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, down hill skiing, snow shoeing, fishing and swimming. Check out Zoar Outdoor, Berkshire East, Stump Sprouts, Notchview Nordic skiing for more information.
Dozens of nearby farm stands sell locally grown and produced products including maple syrup, grass fed beef, hard cider, eggs, fruit, honey, yoghurt and raw milk, eggs, vegetables and flowers
Only two hours from Boston; three and a half hours from NYC.
The owner lives mostly on the premises in a studio apartment above the garage; you may see her in the garden or feeding the birds but overall is pretty low profile. Feel free to enjoy fully the yard, the fire pit and the pond (sorry no swimming.)
Room type: Entire home/apt Accommodates: 6 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 Beds: 3 - one King, two Queens Minimum Stay: 3 nights Cleaning Fee: $150 Check In: 2:00PM Check Out: 12:00PM Country: United States City: Ashfield Cancellation: Moderate
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number C0023360130
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: Only small gatherings under 20 are permitted.
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
Ashfield
Located in Ashfield, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Bullitt Reservation and Chesterfield Gorge Reservation reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Land of Providence and Bald Mountain Pottery. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Zoar Outdoor/Deerfield Valley Canopy Tours or Look Memorial Park Tennis Center. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging.
Westfield, MA (BAF-Barnes Municipal) - 47 min drive
Restaurants
Ashfield Lakehouse - 10 min drive
The Conway Inn - 16 min drive
Country Pie Pizza - 9 min drive
Fresh Eggs And Produce At Minot's Ledge - 21 min drive
Elmer's - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is A True Shangri-La-Country Retreat W/Pond, Gardens and Huge Deck and View pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at A True Shangri-La-Country Retreat W/Pond, Gardens and Huge Deck and View?
As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A True Shangri-La-Country Retreat W/Pond, Gardens and Huge Deck and View on 10 April 2027 start from NZ$638, 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 A True Shangri-La-Country Retreat W/Pond, Gardens and Huge Deck and View?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A True Shangri-La-Country Retreat W/Pond, Gardens and Huge Deck and View?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A True Shangri-La-Country Retreat W/Pond, Gardens and Huge Deck and View?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is A True Shangri-La-Country Retreat W/Pond, Gardens and Huge Deck and View located?
Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Double Edge Theatre, Steady Lane/Hill Cemetery and Bullitt Reservation. Land of Providence and Chapel Brook are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Everything stands out re: our host, the lovely Mary, the house, the view….Shanghai-La is a haven for humans and wildlife: we enjoyed the magical interior —full of comfy spaces, intriguing artwork and books, as well as the outdoors —goldfinches, mourning doves, wild turkeys and deer.Even in the dead of winter, we loved our cozy retreat; we look forward to another visit.
diane r.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 February 2026
Thanks for being such terrific guests and for the great review. I hope you come back again soon!
Wonderful in every way. Our family of 4 stayed for a week. Mary was a superb host, so glad we got to meet. The house and grounds are beautiful, well-loved and cared for. Books, woodstove, a kitchen made-for-cooking, and even some snow made it a perfect winter adventure. The dog loved it. We will be back!
The property was as expected. Quiet and with a lot of space. We enjoyed our time here and had everything we needed to be comfortable. A great place to stay to in a calm and quiet environment
The property is amazing. Unfortunately, it was a rainy weekend, so I didn't get to explore as much as I otherwise would have. Property is very clean, with lots of space.
Kathleen H.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 June 2025
Thanks Kathleen for being a stellar guest! Come back anytime!
My wife and I reserved the house to attend the Green River Festival. We also wanted to celebrate her birthday, which was on Saturday. Some family members came and also enjoyed the place. It was beautiful, well equipped, clean and totally up-to-date. We even had a power outage, which didn’t affect us because of the Generator system. Great stay.
Patrick M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 June 2025
Thanks Pat for being great guests! Come back again soon!
The house was beautiful and absolutely immaculate. It was such a gorgeous and cozy retreat! Perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend. We are looking forward to coming back when the weather is warmer and the trees/gardens are green!
Michelle D.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 November 2024
Thanks Michelle for being a terrific guest. I hope I get the opportunity to host you again!
We have enjoyed vacation rentals in western MA and Vermont for 20+ years and none were nicer than this property. The views and gardens were so peaceful and beautiful. The home is lovingly cared for and the host was great. 9 days was not enough.
The house was clean and well stocked, the property was beautiful! Mary had great communication before and during our stay. We stayed here for our daughter’s UMASS graduation and it was about a 40 minute ride to campus. I only wish we had more time to stay and enjoy the house, yard and town!
I would just like to say that Mary was the most hospitable and friendly and generous owner we could’ve imagined. The house was profoundly clean, more than well stocked, with any possible thing we might need to make our stay even more enjoyable. Mary was immediately there with any answer to a question. We felt very much at home there. The house was beautifully decorated; it’s clear that it is well loved by the owner. The view of the mountains on the very large back patio was breathtaking. It was the best house we ever rented!
This home and property were beautiful! The views out of expansive windows and sundeck were stunning starting from picturesque fall foliage to snowy landscape. Our host was lovely and thought of everything to make our Thanksgiving stay delightful and cozy: super soft beds and extra bedding, fully stocked kitchen, wood for the fire in the stove, toiletries/towels/soaps and detergents/trash bags. It was one of our favorite stays. Magical!!!!
Angela M.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 December 2024
Thanks Angela for the great review. And thanks for being such a kind and responsive guest.
Loved the view off the back deck. The place stayed very warm a cozy. Host communicated well. Only disappointment is the jacuzzi tub does not actually work.
Mary's home is a beautiful and calming retreat in the mountains. I was teaching for a program in Amherst and rented the property for my family for a week. Kids loved the property and the gardens (and the newts in the Zen pond). Highly recommend if you're looking to escape the world for a bit and recenter.
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 July 2023
Thanks so much for being wonderful guests. Come back anytime.
Mary
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Amy M.
15 November 2017
Gorgeous, spacious, and gracious host
Huge, beautiful, spacious house with a gorgeous view. Perfect for the weekend tranquility we needed. Would be ideal for larger family gathering. Mary was accommodating with a very last minute request to book. House was clean, comfortable, had everything one needs. We will be back!
The property was beautiful, lush with great views. The house was spacious, furnishings comfortable and well-worn so it is well suited for pets and children. Location is remote, expect a 30 minute drive to get anywhere but you could see wild turkeys and black bears, The communication with host was excellent.
If you want to get back to a slow and beautiful life, rent this place! We ate clean food from nearby farmers and rocked on the chairs on the deck overlooking a gorgeous mountain range every evening with a glass of wine. Flowers everywhere on the property. Deer peeking at you from the woods, a gas cook range, a large bathtub in the master bedroom. We loved our hostess, Mary, who lives in the garage apartment adjacent to the house. Only 1600 people live in Ashfield. The lake is 7 minutes away. I paddle boarded there everyday and ate delicious meals at the Lake House and The Wicked Good Cafe. I actually cried on the way out down the driveway, it was a summer stay that I never wanted to end! The Dogs absolutely were in heaven and so were we!!!!
Jennifer T.
Stayed 34 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 August 2025
It was so great to host you and the dogs! And I'm glad you enjoyed your stay. I hope to see you soon!
We rented this house during our son’s graduation weekend. Gorgeous spot and plenty of room to host family. House had everything we needed - not only linens and sheets but even shampoo and soap, loads of kitchen appliances, and lots of rooms. Everything was extremely clean and it is just so awesome, our mouths dropped when we walked in. Mary was so nice and helpful and we loved chatting with her whenever we saw her out and about, which unfortunately wasn’t too often. We will definitely be back - thanks so much! - Sheila Doyle and Michael Lorant
Sheila D.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2022
Thanks so much Sheila. You and Michael were a delight. I hope to see you again soon!
This home is lovely. Nicely decorated and very homey with everything you need to be comfortable and prepare meals with ease. The beds are very comfortable with linens provided.
The back deck overlooks a forested valley with a beautiful view and the front yard is several beautifully landscaped gardens areas and a small pond. (the children loved the tadpoles and salamanders) The hostess (Mary) has the most beautiful mountain laurels which were in bloom during our visit. During our visit we also saw many deer and a couple of bear which everyone enjoyed.
Mary is a wonderful host and quickly responsive to questions.
We hope to visit again! Sean and Rebecca
Rebecca G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 June 2022
Thanks to you and Sean for being such kind and easy going guests. Please come back again anytime.
We needed a week just to unplug from our daily routines, and we found exactly that in this very tranquil and serene spot, surrounded by nothing but nature in all its beauty and grandeur. All the white noise that we hear every single day was replaced by bird songs and the peep of the frogs that were nestled in the grass around a beautiful pond in the middle of the spacious yard and surrounding gardens. Sitting quietly on the back deck, you will see nothing but mountains and trees that seem to go on forever. The house itself is spacious and full of natural light. There is plenty of square footage for everyone to spread out and find their own space. Mary, the owner, who lives right next door on the property was amazing! Gracious, friendly, accommodating, and always willing to help out in any way upon request. Otherwise, she allowed us to make ourselves at home without any intrusion or interruption. Mary was the perfect host. If you are looking for a tranquil place to just get away from it all, this is it!
Lawrence H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 July 2025
Larry, thanks so much for the sweet review! I loved hosting you and Al, Buddy, Betty and Doug! Please come back again anytime. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
About the host
Hosted by Owner/Property Manager
I am a documentary filmmaker and teacher. I spend a portion of my time in NYC but mostly here in Ashfield. When I am on site I live in an apartment above the attached garage that is completely separate from the house. You may see me in the garden or feeding the birds and I have my own private patio so the yard and pond and deck and firepit are all yours. Take over and enjoy!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests