Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
This vacation home accommodates 8 guests with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It features 1 separate living room and is pet-friendly, welcoming your furry family members. Mountain Meadow Preserve and Williamstown Trailhead offer outdoor activities for the whole family.
Highlights
Family fun awaits
Top-rated for families.
Beach equipment
A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Electric vehicle charging point
Barbecue
Toys
Internet
Refrigerator
Onsite parking available
Explore the area
Pownal, VT
Mountain Meadow Preserve
Place, Mountain Meadow Preserve
4 min drive
Williamstown Trailhead
Place, Williamstown Trailhead
5 min drive
Williams College
Place, Williams College
6 min drive
Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.)
Airport, Albany, NY (ALB-Albany Intl.)
69 min drive
Where you'll sleep
3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Bed
Living Room 1
1 Single Sofa Bed and 1 Single Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Garden
About this property
Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown
The Cottage At Mountain Meadow Originally built as a guest house on a 45 acre country estate in Vermont just five minutes from Williams college, this secluded year-round Vermont home has always been called “The Cottage”, although a recent expansion to a family sized home stretches that definition. Three bedrooms, two full baths plus a pine-paneled loft with additional sleep options. Kitchen opens onto a large, bright and cheerful great room with floor to ceiling local fieldstone fireplace and skylights. Soak up the ambience of a cozy wood fire in colder months. Walk from the house and property directly onto the 240-acre Mountain Meadow Preserve trails…this protected land surrounds the estate. Lush and private woodland setting. Swim or fish for catch and release brook trout and bluegill in the large stocked spring-fed pond.
Relax with family and friends around the fire pit, pick wildflowers in the meadow, collect pictures of birds and wildlife, choose one of the many marked trails to explore, fish or troll the edge of the water with your net for pond life, and don’t forget you are still just five minutes from restaurants and shopping on Spring Street in Williamstown, and four minutes’ drive to the Williamstown access of the new Mohican Trail (mixed use trail: bike, walk, or run). Just thirteen minutes to MASS MoCA. A comfortable and warm home base for a ski weekend; it’s a scenic 16 mile/about 20 minute drive to Jiminy Peak (with no traffic until you reach the resort), and hour to Mount Snow. The trails surrounding the property are great for cross country skiers.
This home was constructed for privacy, with the front door opening to forest. No windows are visible to the main house up the road and vice versa.
King bed and ensuite bath in the master. Two bedrooms each with a full size bed. There is a twin bed and oversized sleeper chair in the loft. There is an additional foldout chair bed which can move easily to any bedroom. Sleeps 7-9.
We now have 1Gps fiber optic high speed internet.
We ask for no special check out instructions or requirements!
If the dates you have chosen over a year in advance end up being the date of one of the rare local festivals or events, we may raise rates and give you the right of first refusal. (This is to prevent a guest from reserving all the possible weekends of a future event long before the actual date is announced.) We look forward to hosting you!
Add dates for prices
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Permission required for events. Fees may apply
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)
Dogs must be leashed. Another dog lives nearby.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
No check out instructions! Safe travels to you.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3237011vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: Permission required for events. Fees may apply
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
About the area
Pownal
Pownal is home to this holiday home. Williams College Taconic Golf Course and Waubeeka Golf Links are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit 62 Center for Theater and Dance and Hopkins Observatory. The Clark Art Institute and Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum are also worth visiting.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort - 31 min drive - 33.0 km
Getting around
Pittsfield, MA (PSF-Pittsfield Municipal) - 46 min drive
Restaurants
Cumberland Farms - 9 min drive
Lodge - 11 min drive
Stewart's Shops - 18 min walk
Dunkin' - 9 min drive
Lickety Split at Mass MoCA - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown?
As of 20 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown on 26 Jan 2027 start from AU$1,408, 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 Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Bright Modern Secluded Vermont Home: Fish Pond + Trails, 5 Mins to Williamstown located?
Situated in Pownal, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Green Mountain National Forest, Mountain Meadow Preserve and Williamstown Trailhead. Mountain Meadow Preserve Vermont Trailhead and The Dome Trailhead are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We enjoyed our stay! The home was clean, well-stocked, and very comfortable. I loved the serenity of the location. We took walks on trails through the forest and enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2026
I agree, it is peaceful. We would love to have you back sometime.
This was hands down the best rental we’ve ever had. So much bigger than it looks from the outside and my kids loved having the huge loft TV area to themselves. They loved fishing in the pond every day and we loved being able to access hiking trails right from the property. It is beautiful and secluded yet 5 minutes from Williamstown. Hoping to come back again soon!!! Thank you for a wonderful trip!!!
Myself, my husband, and our four adult children all stayed. The house had enough space for all of us. Everything you needed was already there! We had a wonderful time exploring Vermont, New York, and the Berkshires. We love the pond and ending our nights around the fire pit. Main Street in Williamstown was quintessential New England and we absolutely loved Images cinema.Great restaurants, and coffee all around!
We stayed at Venetia’s lovely cottage for a week, and that just wasn’t long enough! The cottage was well appointed and oh so cozy! We loved the secluded setting, yet we were close to everything we wanted to do. Going for hikes right out our front door was a bonus! And it was so peaceful to sit outside with my coffee in the morning and listen to all the birds singing! Venetia was so wonderful to work with. She was super responsive and so kind. We will definitely plan to come back sometime soon!
We stayed at this property for a wedding in North Adams and Williamstown, MA. The property was very clean and inviting. Beds were comfortable, and the layout was perfect. It was hot, but the AC unit in the living room kept the climate cool. The bedrooms had fans to circulate the air and provide comfort. We were tied up with wedding activities so we didnt get to enjoy the use of the property. There's a few restaurants right down the road into Williamstown. My husband took off early Saturday to bike at Thunder Mountain. The area was beautiful. And there's an adorable diner 3 minutes from the house: The Chef's Hat, where we had a great breakfast. Cleanliness and quiet are my most imprtant qualities, and this property met both. Venetia was very responsive and easy to do business with. Highly reccomend this property for anyone visting the Berkshires!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2026
Next time, come and linger! Chef’s hat is fun, and Cozy Corner across the street is famous for their pizza. We would love to have you back!
We had a wonderful time nestled in the woods with our family! We can’t wait to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Cindy
13 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The location is quiet and the grounds are beautiful. Inside the house has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The host was amazing, even putting out fresh flowers from the property for our arrival. I highly recommend and would definitely stay there again!
The property was beautiful! The kids enjoyed fishing in the pond with their grandpa. The hosts were nice enough to let us have a small impromptu family cookout and were very helpful when we accidentally locked ourselves out. It was a great stay!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May 2025
You were ideal guests and we are glad the fishing was optimal!
What an absolutely gorgeous property this is! The pond, the trails, the easy access to Williams, Bennington, mountaintop beer and pizza - perfect for a Berkshires getaway. Absolutely amazing experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Oct 2024
We would love to be your Roommate Reunion place next year!
Such a gorgeous house! We loved walking the nearby trails and how close it was to Williams. Venetia was the best!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Nov 2024
We’d love to have you back for the big game next year!
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Jeanne
29 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The property owner was very responsive in communicating. We were very comfortable at the property and will definitely look to stay there next year for our annual trip
The property was clean and well stocked with everything you need. It is a great space to spend time with family as I did. Our host, Venetia, was more than accommodating. She responded quickly whenever I messaged her. Over all, great experience.
Venetia and Joe are wonderful and generous hosts. The house is comortable, very liveable, and very well designed with lots of great personal touches and conveniences. It is on a beautiful property with access to some great hiking trails. Five stars!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct 2025
September in Vermont is beautiful! Look forward to seeing you next year.
Communication with the host was phenomenal and the home was cozy and inviting! The area around the home was gorgeous and had a great little hike on the property. We would definitely stay here again in the future!
This was a wonderful weekend away! The house was beautiful - in the forest with hiking trails adjacent and just a stone's throw from Williamstown. It was just perfect for our family and we will be sure to come back.
We had a wonderful stay! The house was very clean and well taken care of, and the pond on the property was absolutely gorgeous, such a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature. The loft upstairs was perfect for our guests and gave everyone plenty of space. Our host was incredibly friendly and quick to respond to any questions we had, which made the whole experience even better. Just note that the rental is on the same property as the host, but they were very respectful of our privacy. Overall, a beautiful and comfortable place to stay, highly recommend!
Everything in the house is very clean and looks new. Functions very well for a family with lots of space for everyone.Photos may undersell the property. Very special in the woods. Colors were magnificent.
Everything in this home has a touch of thoughtfulness and taste. We loved it and our stay was very nice even though we were not lucky with the weather.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2024
We would love to have you back and will do our best to provide sun : )!
Excellent place to stay for a visit to Williams College
We stayed at the cottage for parents’s weekend at Williams college with our teenage kids and dog. The cottage is spacious yet cost, had everything we needed and very conveniently located. Communication with host was great. Thank you for a great place, we’ll be happy to come back :)
The interior of the cottage is well appointed and aesthetically pleasing. All the comforts of home. The property is beautiful - feeding the fish in the pond was an unexpected delight! Venetia, Joe and family are kind, friendly, helpful people, who helped me feel welcome and cared for while also allowing me complete privacy. I highly recommend this property!
Stayed 45 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2025
You were the perfect guest, and we would love to have you back for the Williamstown Theater Festival season next year, or whenever you need a break!
About the host
Hosted by Venetia
I have been a property manager for more than 15 years in Williamstown and Vermont, and this is my family's compound. We live here with my father, our adult children, approximately 2,376 songbirds, boatloads of chipmunks, the occasional shy bear, a pair of pileated woodpeckers, a territorial kingfisher, a great blue heron or two, some intrepid porcupine, and (when we are lucky) our pet moose Peanut.
Why they chose this property
One of my great-great-grandmothers left us a cross stitch portrait of her home, Okenkarr, in Alvsborg, Sweden. It reminded us so much of our property here on the Mountain Meadow Preserve in Pownal, Vermont, that our family adopted the name. It is an absolutely glorious and peaceful place in an ideal location, and we are delighted to share it with you!
What makes this property unique
We must be the only vacation spot where you can stand with one foot on your Vermont vacation property and one foot in Williamstown, MA. It's the ideal place for people who want to be close to Williams and Williamstown, yet feel as though their home base is nestled in a nature preserve.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests