1891 Victorian Home Near Harvard
About this house rental
Nestled in Somerville, this lovely house for $850 per night is a great choice for your next break. Charming 1891 Victorian in exclusive Avon Hill neighborhood, 10-min walk to Harvard Sq, 5-min walk to Porter Sq. subway stop. Four bedrooms on the second floor, including a master suite w/ king size bed and ensuite bath, a second large bedroom with a Calif. king, and two smaller bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with a twin bed and second twin mattress. There is a separate full bath on the second floor and a half bath on the first floor.There is also a couch in that living room that opens into a double bed. Open kitchen, dining, living area on first floor, wonderful for entertaining. There is a 110' driveway for parking. Rear deck with table, patio with grille and 150 yr-old beech tree in a shaded back yard. It's a great retreat for a family gathering at graduation time, or for a family visiting the Boston area in July or August. Wifi and cable included. We do not do long term rentals (e.g. month-long), particularly in the fall when my wife is teaching at her university.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
Hot Tub / Spa
TV
Map of Somerville, MA
Reviews
4.7/5.0
Outstanding(31 Reviews)
5.0
I was part of a group of 7 and we had a fabulous time. The house itself was loaded with dishes and silverware and household items and we all had room to unpack as well. Even though the owners live in the house when they’re not renting we all had plenty of room for our own things.
Location was the other issue and it was amazing. We were in the Porter Square area and there was a grocery store, hardware store, etc. and then so many restaurants.
Totally positive experience. Thank you Dean & Veda.
5.0
Beautiful family home with very pleasant kitchen/dining/living area on ground floor and 4 comfortable bedrooms on second floor. Historic home with lots of books, atmosphere and relaxed setting with gracious hosts and spacious front and back porches for relaxing and enjoying the flowers and lawn views. Perfect location a couple of blocks from bikeshare and transit and restaurants, great residential neighborhood.
3.0
The house itself is beautiful, if a little worn. And our stay was fine, but the property description is very misleading. This is NOT a true VRBO. Not at all what I was expecting from the listing. The owners live in the house and move down to a basement studio when they rent the house. The closets, drawers, shelves and bathrooms are filled with their personal effects. They cleared off a shelf in the bedroom and moved clothes to either side of the closet, leaving a very small space for our clothes right in the middle of theirs.
Personal products handing in the shower.
Owner was frequently present.
Just be prepared.
4.0
It’s a nice neighborhood, older home that needs some updates but it was fine for our Boston wedding stay
5.0
Loved our stay. Was convenient to Harvard Square with parking for 3 vehicles. Home had lots of character and great for hosting large families.
5.0
We loved the house, wonderful historic building with lots of character. (my bedroom was in a round room). The living and bedroom accommodations were very comfortable. The location is very convenient -near restaurants, grocery shopping, other stores etc, and bus and subway stops.
5.0
We had a group of four adults staying in Cambridge as part of a pre-graduation trip. The location of the house was amazing and had everything we needed for a great stay. The host was communicative throughout and we did not have any issues.
5.0
This house was the perfect "home away from home" for both my family and another family traveling with us. The hosts were wonderful and helped us get situated before leaving the property to us for our stay. The neighborhood was beautiful, with easy access to many great restaurants and public transportation. We all enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend.
4.0
Dean & Vida are very sweet and gave a welcoming tour when we arrived. The house is clean, and they are very generous with their supplies. Spices, coffee, tea, paper towels, etc. Great for saving on groceries and restaurants while traveling. Lots of space, so it was awesome for spending time with family. Cheaper than a hotel (but not by much) and nice to have the communal space for a group. Beautiful back yard and a relatively short walk to the subway.
The only downside for me was the master bed — wildly uncomfortable. I honestly have no idea how they sleep like that. Hard mattress and the slightest movement makes the frame creak. If you’re a light sleeper you will wake yourself up adjusting. I have EDS and a ton of joint pain/sleep issues, so I ended up sleeping on a blanket on the floor most of the stay.
I also don’t recall if the listing said this, but there is a downstairs and upstairs neighbor. We did hear the upstairs one, which woke my partner up more than once. I knew it was an old home, so the info about neighbors would have been good to know ahead of time.
All that said, as long as your group is made of low maintenance sleepers, you will love this home!
5.0
Very good location to the local colleges for an October reunion basecamp. The kitchen and living room are large, as are the bedrooms. We used all 4 bedrooms on the upper level.
The house was easy to operate, sufficiently comfortable and convenient for our purpose. The owners provided good communication and this was an overall 'low-hassle' rental -- Thank you!
5.0
We enjoyed this property. Comfortable beds, plenty of bedding and linens. Lots of common space and a nice porch and back deck. Driveway parking. Dean and Vida welcomed us. Safe, beautiful neighborhood
5.0
We rented this home for a gathering of my extended family in the Boston area. This beautiful home had plenty of space for everyone to stay comfortably and kept us cool during an especially hot week in Boston. The neighborhood was great and there were many good restaurants and grocery options within walking distance. Communication with the hosts was easy and we enjoyed meeting them.
5.0
The owners were very warm and welcoming when we arrived, gave us a quick tour and then handed us the key. We stayed for a week and by the second day it felt like our second home. Our teenage kids loved the access to the T with plenty to do. We would definitely stay here again.
5.0
Cardinals vs Red Sox
What a wonderfule home. We spent the weekend going to baseball games and tourist attractions and the home was close to everything. Especially access to stores out on Mass Ave.
3.0
Big, old Victorian full of knick-knacks with little room to unpack except on couches. Location is wonderful. Front door is in disrepair and required detailed directions on how to wiggle open. I felt like the owners were doing us a personal favor letting us stay there as she started asking me to leave by 10 AM to accomodate cleaners when checkout is by 11 AM and sending multiple texts and calling. We left by 10 AM and they were on site as we packed up. Not run like a vacation rental but when options are few in Boston, may do just fine….
5.0
The property was spacious, clean and well laid out for a multi-generation family trip to MIT's graduation. It is conveniently located by the T and is about a 5 min ride to Kendall Square. Great restaurants and ice cream shops are located within walking distance.
We reserved for MIT's graduation weekend and the house did not disappoint. It was clean, the AC worked well, and there was enough space for those who wanted to take a nap or go to bed early to do so, while others could play cards and hang out.
5.0
Comfortable, convenient, great location
The owners were very warm and welcoming when we arrived, gave us a quick tour and then handed us the key. We stayed for a week and by the second day it felt like our second home. Our teenage kids loved the access to the T with plenty to do. We would definitely stay here again.
5.0
Great summer Boston trip
We had a great experience with this rental of 3 days for a party of 7-two families. The house is a perfect choice for two families. It has two bedrooms with king size beds. The location is super convenient, to the subway stations and restaurants. We love the great selection of herb tea that Dean and Vida provided! Overall we had a great time.
3.0
Several issues but location and size are good
Big, old Victorian full of knick-knacks with little room to unpack except on couches. Location is wonderful. Front door is in disrepair and required detailed directions on how to wiggle open. I felt like the owners were doing us a personal favor letting us stay there as she started asking me to leave by 10 AM to accomodate cleaners when checkout is by 11 AM and sending multiple texts and calling. We left by 10 AM and they were on site as we packed up. Not run like a vacation rental but when options are few in Boston, may do just fine….
5.0
Perfect for MIT graduation weekend!
The property was spacious, clean and well laid out for a multi-generation family trip to MIT's graduation. It is conveniently located by the T and is about a 5 min ride to Kendall Square. Great restaurants and ice cream shops are located within walking distance.
We reserved for MIT's graduation weekend and the house did not disappoint. It was clean, the AC worked well, and there was enough space for those who wanted to take a nap or go to bed early to do so, while others could play cards and hang out.
5.0
Was spacious enough for all 7 of us. We were very busy and subway was convienent. About a 30 min jaunt to the start of the Boston Marathon .
5.0
Close to subway line
Was spacious enough for all 7 of us. We were very busy and subway was convienent. About a 30 min jaunt to the start of the Boston Marathon .
5.0
The hosts are very welcoming, so we felt like we were staying at a friend's house. Six adults stayed here very comfortably for a graduation celebration. We loved walking around the neighborhood and the homey feel
of the house with many pieces of artwork and books. Our only disappointment was that while this house is located near Elizabeth Warren's Massachusetts home, we did not see her one single time our whole stay. Despite this, we would still highly recommend this stay.
5.0
The hosts are very welcoming, so we felt like we were staying at a friend's house. Six adults stayed here very comfortably for a graduation celebration. We loved walking around the neighborhood and the homey feel of the house with many pieces of artwork and books. Our only disappointment was that while this house is located near Elizabeth Warren's Massachusetts home, we did not see her one single time our whole stay. Despite this, we would still highly recommend this stay.
5.0
Comfortable
The hosts are very welcoming, so we felt like we were staying at a friend's house. Six adults stayed here very comfortably for a graduation celebration. We loved walking around the neighborhood and the homey feel
of the house with many pieces of artwork and books. Our only disappointment was that while this house is located near Elizabeth Warren's Massachusetts home, we did not see her one single time our whole stay. Despite this, we would still highly recommend this stay.
5.0
Excellent
4.0
Great location
We enjoyed staying at this house. I wish there had been some space to put clothes- the closets were all full with owners things. It felt more like staying at a friend’s house than at a house that is rented.
5.0
Boston trip
Excellent
5.0
Wonderful Cambridge rental
Dean and Vida’s house was perfect for our family get together. Three families, from different parts of the country, gathered for a ‘celebration of life’ for my mother-in-law who had passed away. The house accommodated all of us (4 adults; 4 children) very well. The kitchen was well equipped, the bedrooms comfortable, and there was space for us to gather around the dining table or on the outside porch for meals and socializing. The younger children will have great memories of playing in the yard, and trying to sneak up on the wild rabbits that inhabit the area.
Dean is a very friendly and gracious host. We enjoyed talking to him about the house, the neighbourhood and Cambridge. Highly recommended.
5.0
Dean and Vida’s house was perfect for our family get together. Three families, from different parts of the country, gathered for a ‘celebration of life’ for my mother-in-law who had passed away. The house accommodated all of us (4 adults; 4 children) very well. The kitchen was well equipped, the bedrooms comfortable, and there was space for us to gather around the dining table or on the outside porch for meals and socializing. The younger children will have great memories of playing in the yard, and trying to sneak up on the wild rabbits that inhabit the area.Dean is a very friendly and gracious host. We enjoyed talking to him about the house, the neighbourhood and Cambridge. Highly recommended.
5.0
Lovely home, lovely owners
This house worked well for a three-day residential meeting of our small working group. It has everything you would need and is in a great location convenient to public transportation and shops.
3.0
Very good
We were at the home for a family event in the area near by so the location was great. However, I did feel like I was staying with "family" with the host on location for the almost entire stay. This was new to our family having stayed at other VRBO over the last 15 years.
He was a excellent host, just not what we were used too with the host.
3.0
We were at the home for a family event in the area near by so the location was great. However, I did feel like I was staying with "family" with the host on location for the almost entire stay. This was new to our family having stayed at other VRBO over the last 15 years. He was a excellent host, just not what we were used too with the host.
5.0
Great house. Vida & Dean Johnson are super Owners. Made us felt welcomed. Even had us a glass of wine upon arrival & Dean brought our bags in from our taxi. Gave us tour of the home & info on ways to get around Boston & recommended restaurants.Highly recommend this rental.
5.0
Very enjoyable experience.
Great house. Vida & Dean Johnson are super Owners. Made us felt welcomed. Even had us a glass of wine upon arrival & Dean brought our bags in from our taxi. Gave us tour of the home & info on ways to get around Boston & recommended restaurants.Highly recommend this rental.
5.0
Dean and Vita were awesome. We enjoyed meeting them, and their home was just right
We were an extended family of 8. I was showing them all over Boston as I had grown up in Massachsetts.
This house had plenty of room and it was in a perfect location for us. The Porter Street Station MBTA stop was down the street and easy to get to. Took it every day into Boston.
In the summer, anyway, parking our van for out of town trips was very easy as there were open spots on the private permit parking street. If you are looking for a quiet place just out of town- Cambridge,
Then look these folks up-
Just perfect for us. Thank you Dean and Vita for sharing your home.
Bob T, Tucson Arizona
5.0
We were an extended family of 8. I was showing them all over Boston as I had grown up in Massachsetts.This house had plenty of room and it was in a perfect location for us. The Porter Street Station MBTA stop was down the street and easy to get to. Took it every day into Boston.In the summer, anyway, parking our van for out of town trips was very easy as there were open spots on the private permit parking street. If you are looking for a quiet place just out of town- Cambridge,Then look these folks up- Just perfect for us. Thank you Dean and Vita for sharing your home.Bob T, Tucson Arizona
5.0
Boston Gem
Upon arrival we knew we had picked the right spot for our 5 day stay in the Boston area. We were a group of 8 adults all visiting the area for the first time. Vida was an exceptional host providing us with all the information that we would require for our stay. The location was excellent as it is only a short walk to the Subway and various restaurants, bars and grocery stores. The home is well equipped and was very comfortable for 8 adults. We would not hesitate on recommending this beautiful property to anyone and would definitely stay here again. Thank Vida.
5.0
Very satisfactory.
This historic 1895 house located on a very quiet street a few blocks north of the Harvard Law School buildings is both convenient to the Harvard campus and shopping, but also proved to be spacious and accommodating for the eight adults that stayed there during Harvard graduation week. We learned during our stay that the third floor maid's quarters (not part of the rental) was the residence of retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter as a student. The street is apparently named after the founder of the Harvard Zoological Museum and/or the founder and first President of Radcliffe College. You are thus immersed in history. A very satisfactory stay!
5.0
Boston Marathon Stay
We had a group of 8 adults staying for 5 days. The home is lovely and comfortable. Vida made us feel very welcome. the house is very convenient to the subway, groceries, restaurants, and at the same times makes you feel removed from the bustle. It was great for a larger group since there were 4 bedrooms, but we could also all be together in the large kitchen, dining, and living area. If we come again for the marathon, we will definitely want to stay here again.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Somerville?
The average price for a rental in Somerville is $159 per night. This rental is $691 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at 1891 Victorian Home Near Harvard. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is 1891 Victorian Home Near Harvard pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at 1891 Victorian Home Near Harvard?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.
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