After everyone trickled in and made themselves comfortable, we got to taking advantage of everything the property has to offer, from the well-stocked kitchen and game cabinets to the rollaway TV, which we used to broadcast one of the final Knicks games (they won!). But what makes this property truly special is the outdoor space. Set on five private acres, the dome is surrounded by nothing but green for miles—you can catch mountain views from every angle, saunter under sugar maples, and maybe even spot a deer or eagle in the distance. Watching two toddlers, a 10-year-old Schnauzer (yes, pets are welcome), and a bunch of my favorite adults run as fast as they could until their legs wore out did a little something for my inner child, I’ll tell you that much.
Even more wholesome activities took place on the 2,000-square-foot deck just out the back door, equipped with a stone firepit, outdoor dining setup, and umbrella-shaded loungers. S’mores were scarfed, bubbles were blown, and paperbacks were poured over on that patio, and my friend brought a projector for a little alfresco movie night on our last evening. It was a glorious space to bask in some June sun, but the Airbnb listing also features photos of guests enjoying a winter wonderland in the backyard—even sledding down some hills—and now I want to go back when there’s snow on the ground.
All in all, this property had everything we needed to enjoy each other’s company and a taste of Mother Nature—the hosts have really thought of everything, from extra blankets and bathroom products to baby gates and martini glasses. The only amenity the Shell House is missing is air conditioning, which I was stressed about before we arrived—we were expecting temperatures in the 80s, and I despise the heat. While it was warmer in there than I normally keep our apartment, opening the windows at night and closing the blinds during the day really helped keep things cool, and there were plenty of fans to go around. If it was breezy enough for me, it’ll be breezy enough for you, trust me.