The 3-story Mill Pond House has a large deck overlooking Lumbert Pond, with an ancient dogwood tree growing up through the floor. It sits on an acre of peace and quiet where you can see and hear birds sing. We are directly on the water, across from a small nature preserve. The pond is abloom with water lilies in summer. Swans and ducks glide among the blossoms. It’s nice for canoeing, fishing and observing birds and turtles. Very rarely you might hear the distant rumble of a motor.

The space
The outdoors is not manicured -- we use no chemicals or fertilizer, so don't expect a lawn. The land is wild, full of rhododendron and old pine trees. If I was a writer, the deck and the family room would be my favorite work spaces. Here, maybe, you can get inspired to plan next term’s lectures . . . .

The living room has a wood-burning fireplace. The family room leads out to the deck through a sliding door. There is a high-speed internet connection, WIFI throughout the house, and a large flat screen TV monitor.
On the walls, we have some of Doris' paintings and tapestries . The house is not childproofed, so only advisable for children older than 5. But the pond seems safe for responsible school age children who wish to explore the muddy shore line and catch turtles and tadpoles. We have a sturdy canoe you can use. But please bring your own life preservers; ours might not fit. An old aquarium sits on the shelf ready to be filled with whatever mysterious organisms a young scientist might net in the pond for observation and study.
The house has 3 air conditioners -- one in the mid-floor bedroom, one in the family room, and a brand new whisper quiet one in the top-floor bedroom. There is also a portable fan, and the windows and sliding doors are new and well screened for fresh air. Beside the three main beds, there are several auxiliary sleeping possibilities, such as trundle beds and conversion sofas for at least 4 extra guests. Each floor has some closet space.
Reminder: please no pets -- allergies!

Guest access
We priced the house for 4 but the house can easily accommodate a party of 8. When you rent our house, we include a beach permit, giving you access to all Barnstable County beaches, both salt and fresh water.
The Mill Pond House is surprisingly spacious, and you have the entire house to yourselves. The kitchen has all the basic amenities for cooking and eating for a family of 8. The stove is an electric ceramic top. Beside the refrigerator, there is a dishwasher, microwave, toaster oven and a Keurig coffee maker. There is an outdoor gas grill next to the deck and, if you prefer, a small charcoal grill.
The laundry, on the bottom floor, has a washer & dryer and a brand new high-efficiency boiler that makes plenty of hot water for showers and laundry – and heating, if necessary.
Every floor has a bedroom with 1, 2 and 3 beds, respectively (plus some extra trundle beds), each floor has a separate bathroom. We provide soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and sanitary disposal bags.
When you arrive, you'll find your beds made up and ready. The sheets and towels are freshly washed but not ironed -- so expect a few wrinkles. We provide a pillow on each bed. However, pillows are such personal items! If possible, bring your own to assure you sleep soundly.
If you can't make the normal check in times, give us fair warning and we'll try to meet you whenever you arrive to show you around the house. Our simple self-checkout allows you to leave as early as you wish to beat the traffic. Our preference is to personally see you off.

Other things to note
There is a one-time cleaning charge of $200.00. No cleaning service during your stay at the Pond House, but it might be available upon request planned in advance.