student accommodation
Heartwell House is a beautifully designed retreat nestled in the Green Mountain National Forest with secluded spots indoors and outdoors for privacy and reflection. Built by the extended Gilburg-Grimes family, this spacious post-and-beam home is just 15 minutes walk from the studio where workshops take place.
Heartwell House has three floors and a loft. The first floor has shared kitchen, dining and living rooms plus a queen bedroom with a full bathroom. The second floor has two bedrooms, one with two twin beds and one with a queen bed, plus a sitting room with TV, sleeping nook, and a full bathroom. The ground floor has a finished bedroom with two twin beds and a sitting area beside the wood stove.
Please note that Heartwell House is not a commercially rented property and is only available to rent while workshops are in session. Watch a one minute video of Heartwell House.
Your stay is self-catering and Heartwell House is twenty minutes drive from the nearest supermarket. Each cohort decides how to organize and share meal planning, cooking and cleanup. Residents often carpool to buy groceries. The kitchen at Heartwell House is well-stocked with essentials and pantry items that may be used and replaced. During workshops students prepare their own lunches and eat at Heartwell House.
Outdoor shoes must be removed and left in the mud-room. No smoking.
bedrooms and sleeping areas
Heartwell House has four bedrooms. Room assignments are made by the House owners on a first come, first served basis, taking into account the resident’s health and personal needs. Residents share the two bathrooms.
Beds will be made up with fresh sheets when you arrive. Clean towels are in the first floor bathroom. Extra sheets and blankets are available.
cost and payment
Payment is due in full together with your 50% tuition deposit 60 days prior to arrival. Please read our cancellation policy.
checking in and checking out times
Residents begin their stay on a Sunday and leave on a Saturday. Check-in time is after 1pm. Check-out by 11am. If you need an extra night, or to arrive at an unsociable hour, please email your request to Deb Gilburg.
getting here
We are located in southwestern Vermont 10 mins drive from the Massachusetts border.
Driving times are approx 3hrs from Boston; 4hrs from Manhattan; 7hrs to Quebec City or Baltimore. For air travelers, Heartwell House is approximately 1.5hrs drive or taxi from Albany, New York, International Airport; 2hrs drive from Bradley, Connecticut, International Airport; and 2.5hrs drive from Manchester, New Hampshire, Regional Airport.
Nearest Amtrak train stations are in Greenfield, Massachusetts and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, both about an hour’s drive from the studio. There is bus service from New York City or Boston to Williamstown, Massachusetts, which is approximately thirty minutes drive from the studio.
PLEASE NOTE that our area and the surrounding towns are not serviced by Lyft or Uber.
Taxi service must be booked ahead of travel date. We recommend Norm’s Limo Service, North Adams Massachusetts (413) 663-8300 (15 mins away) and Transport the People, Pittsfield, Massachusetts (413) 443-7111 (55 mins away). you may also email me for a list of private drivers for hire.
Heartwell House is the last house at the top of Rue Madeline on the left, with green siding and a red roof. Your GPS will not work, so please print driving directions beforehand and use mileage calculations, especially after dark. The address is 1087 Rue Madeline, Readsboro, Vermont 05350.
telephone, wifi and warmth
Heartwell House has a landline which residents are welcome to use. There is no charge for incoming or outgoing calls within the USA. Cell service is spotty. Depending upon provider, you may not receive a signal.
The Wifi password is posted on the fridge.
When you arrive there will be hot water and the house will be warm. You may adjust the thermostat to your comfort level.
questions
There will be a green notebook on the kitchen counter with detailed information about Heartwell House and the surrounding area. If there’s anything else you’d like to know about Heartwell House before you book or during your stay please reach out to Deb Gilburg.
If you would like to share your room with a spouse or friend please email a request to Deb Gilburg.