Meet essentially the most hospitable Airbnb host in Massachusetts

Journey

Their 1890 Berkshires property sits on about seven acres with stunning views of Mount Greylock and the Taconic vary.

When company keep in a North Adams Airbnb known as Netherwood, the appeal extends past the 1890 dwelling and scenic mountain views.

House owners Doug and Michael Schiazza spend time baking for every traveler. Michael, 65, a Stoneham native, makes his specialty — pumpkin raisin bread — and leaves it on the counter as a welcome present.

Airbnb not too long ago named the married couple essentially the most hospital host in Massachusetts in 2023 for attaining a 100% fee of 5-star critiques within the classes of cleanliness, check-in, and communication, all “vital hospitality and security classes,” in keeping with the web market for leases. The winners from every state needed to have a minimal of 100 critiques.

“It was a shock, and it was thrilling,” stated Doug, 52, a Michigan native, about his response to the information. “And definitely an honor to be acknowledged on this manner.”

The couple, married for 17 years, purchased Netherwood in 2016, renovated the property’s carriage home, and listed it on Airbnb in 2020 — throughout the pandemic.

“We didn’t know what to anticipate at that time,” stated Doug. “[We thought,] ‘Is anyone going to wish to go anyplace?’ What we discovered was there have been lots of people who have been on the lookout for a spot to go to get away from their properties.”

The 1890 property, which consists of a major home the place the couple resides and the carriage home rental, sits on about seven acres with stunning views of Mount Greylock and the Taconic vary.

The Berkshires is a simple promote, they stated. The picturesque area is chockfull of actions for vacationers, from snowboarding in chilly months to mountain climbing, kayaking, and biking throughout heat months to thrilling museums comparable to MASS MoCA all yr lengthy. They labored on making the keep equally as inviting.

“We have now stayed ourselves in very good Airbnbs, and a few them have been very inspirational for what we should always do,” stated Michael. “We talked to numerous house owners in different states who gave us recommendation. We didn’t provide you with all these concepts on our personal. We had mentors alongside the way in which.”

The couple didn’t have a hospitality background.

“Doug is a dean at Williams Faculty, and I used to be a highschool trainer for 33 years, so we had no expertise within the hospitality enterprise aside from staying at Airbnbs, a few of which have been inspirational for what we needed to do,” Michael stated.

After a cautious renovation, the two-story carriage home grew to become Netherwood, with three bedrooms, full with king beds and en suite bogs with jetted showers, a sitting space with a TV, and a kitchenette. Outdoors, the couple added a deck, seating, a grill, gasoline fireplace pit, and picnic desk.

The couple stated they clear the property themselves.

“You must be wiling to commit the time,” stated Michael, noting it takes as much as 4 hours to wash the area. “I do know I’d need someplace immaculate and so we attempt to preserve the place as clear as doable.”

Simply earlier than company arrive, Doug sends a message outlining “the how-tos” of the property, he stated, comparable to learn how to get into the important thing pad on the constructing, the Wi-Fi password, and learn how to use the HVAC system.

“I attempt to make it as self function it might be however make it clear that for those who need assistance, we’re proper there,” he stated.

Being a superb host means being receptive to suggestions, stated Michael.

“Our company have provide you with some actually good concepts over time that we’ve rapidly applied,” Doug stated.

For instance, based mostly on traveler solutions, the couple has added a shelf within the toilet, suitcase bins, and upgraded the sheets and occasional.

Doug stated they respect company’ privateness however clarify that they’re accessible for questions.

“We are actually 25 ft away from the visitor home,” Doug stated. “To allow them to come knock, they will textual content, they will name. We reply immediately. That’s a part of the communication piece, too, is being responsive.”

Doug stated small, particular touches such because the selfmade baked items and offering necessities comparable to milk, salt, pepper, oil, and tea go a good distance.

“You don’t need to do what everybody else is doing however what are some issues that you just really feel comfy doing that might be a particular factor?” he stated. “One thing that might be slightly greater than a typical keep?”

There’s one thing else that’s particular concerning the Airbnb: Netherwood is called after the household who owned the property for a lot of the twentieth century and raised three generations there, Doug stated.

“We requested permission of the Netherwoods to make use of their identify, and I feel they have been very flattered and touched,” Doug stated. “Numerous them have come by and visited with us and toured the carriage home. I feel they actually admire that now we have this tribute to their household.”

Netherwood prices $235 per evening. The bottom value contains one bed room suite plus the lounge and kitchenette space. Further bedrooms price $75 per evening. Examine availability right here.