Rustic Ridge in Northfield, Massachusetts 01360
Northfield is near the New Hampshire and Vermont borders in the Pioneer Valley.
Rustic Ridge is a community of both seasonal cottages and year-round homes in Northfield Massachusetts. Many of the cottages date back 100 years and have been passed down from generation to generation, often remaining within the same family. The historical cabins were originally built by teachers and preachers who attended D. L. Moody’s Christian conferences, which began in 1880. At this time, the now slow town was bustling with thousands of visitors in the summers and housed a large hotel and Chateaux, which have since been torn down.
The cabins are rustic and uninsulated. We do not have A/C, but we have fans. We have fireplaces and wood stoves to keep warm. We do have running water, but only during the season! Yes, we have wi-fi and cell service.
The 3 cabins are next to each other.
Rest-A-While, is better know as “Papa’s Cottage” after my dear Papa, who bought the cottage in 1945 for $740. All three bedrooms are upstairs and there is an open ceiling and peak windows that help with ventilation. King bed in master. Two queen beds in “Aunt Mary Caryl’s room.” Full bed in “Dad’s room.” Full bathroom downstairs. 1/2 bath upstairs. Heat: wood stove in living room. Cool: Ceiling fans in each bedroom. Wall fan on porch and other fans. Full washer and dryer in backroom. Dishwasher. Shed with grill and yard games. Outdoor fire area. Cabin redecorated by Jessica Jackson Seth. ‘Eat out on the porch at the table [my Papa constructed] and look at my beautiful ledge of rocks.
Pine Ledge has 3 bedrooms: master with king bed upstairs, room with queen bed downstairs, room with 1/2 bath and trundle twin bed downstairs. Full bathroom upstairs. Heat: fireplace. Cool: upstairs and porch ceiling fans and fans in rooms. Stackable washer and dryer. Grills under the cabin. ‘Eat out on the porch at the table and look down the Ridge.
Crossroads Cabin has a room for meeting and yoga. We use the modern kitchen for group meals. It is also the owner’s sleeping quarters. Heat: Pellet stove. Cool: Fans everywhere. Outdoor fire pit and seating area with natural stones by Curtis Gray. Reconstruction designed by my best friend Jessica Jackson Seth and implemented by carpenters Phil Baker and Son. We love the new porch!
Transportation
The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL) 65 miles south. The drive is about an hour and 15 minutes. Check Jet Blue and Southwest for discount flights. You will need to rent a car for your visit. Boston Logan Airport is at least a 2-hour drive, but an option if you want to explore Boston. The bus from Boston is not recommended.
There is an Amtrak station in Greenfield, MA. Trains run to and from NYC.
Adventures
Northfield is located at the junction of the Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont state borders along the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River runs through the town. There are trails into the hills right outside our door. Nearby, you can hike a major mountain or to waterfalls. Play tennis or golf, or go rafting, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, fishing, boating, etc. ‘Or just hang out in your PJ’s and do arts and crafts, read, and play yard games.
