If I had my pick, I’ d choose both for different reasons. Hinata Retreat and Shelburne Falls Firehouse Studios, just beyond the Berkshires, are one-of-a-kind destinations that are only 15 minutes apart from the other, yet they’ re worlds apart. The similarity lies in the fact that behind each property is run by a husband-and-wife team who created a space that is appealing on so many levels. The projects were as much a labor of love as they were a reflection of the owners’ talents and sense of place.
Adults-only Hinata Retreat in Charlemont consists of 28 cabins— or personal oases— that offer spectacular sunsets and dark stargazing skies, mountain views and wooded mountain trails, fully equipped kitchens and a fine dining option. It’ s all about being completely unplugging, with plenty to do nearby, if so desired( like ziplining, white water rafting, a mountain coaster, aerial ropes course, mountain biking, skiing, and hiking). Most guests don’ t venture beyond the Hinata property, let alone outside of their private cabins.
The family-friendly Shelburne Falls Firehouse Studios consists of three boutique apartments— a three-bedroom, a two-bedroom, and a one-bedroom— that blend a relaxed industrial aesthetic with historic firehouse charm. The studios
feature modern kitchens and a bright, airy atmosphere. Each has its own character, with carefully selected furnishings, artwork, and attention to every detail. Firehouse Studios is located in the heart of a storybook village with walkable historic charm, restaurants, artisan shops, the famous Bridge of Flowers, Glacial Potholes, and even a trolley museum.
Escape to More Mountains
Hinata Retreat is described as a luxury mountainside escape. Its story begins with its owners, Jeff and Jen Neilsen. Jeff grew up in Agawam and has worked in real estate sales for more than 20 years. With Keller Williams Realty, he learned quickly what would become an important skill of how to read blueprints and manage new construction developments. With his wife, Jen, he later created the real estate group The Neilsen Team.
Jen grew up in Northampton and worked for 15 years at Big Y in customer and employee services— another important skill that would prove fruitful for the future. After they started dating, she moved to Agawam and then left after their first son was born. Their plan was to do long-term rentals, but when the market shifted toward sellers and property values continued to rise, traditional rental yields became less attractive. Eight months after their twin boys were born, Jen shared an Instagram post with Jeff of Bolt Farm Treehouse, a luxury mountain resort located 45 minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee. The resort consists of villas run by a husband-and-wife team.
“ I said we needed to go there. We needed some time away,” says Jeff. So they did and stayed several days. The day before they returned home, as they were drinking coffee in their private villa, they talked about how there was nothing like that where they lived.“ We were very inspired,” says Jen.
That inspiration motivated them to create a business plan for short-term rentals on a mountain with a view. After a lot of looking around, they reached out to a good friend in commercial real estate who knew a property that fit their vision— even though it wasn’ t on the market. It was the historic Warfield House Inn property, owned by the Schaefer family, who also owned the neighboring Berkshire East Mountain Resort. The 570-acre property was exactly what they were looking for, and they closed on the deal in October of 2024.
Jeff and Jen came up with the concept; Jen handled the interior design of the cabins and Jeff oversaw the construction. They employed Salmon Falls Builders in Pioneer Valley, Palmeri Electric in Shelburne
The natural surroundings that are found around Hinata Retreat in Charlemont. The on-site restaurant, The Perch, is an intimate upscale dining room, bar, and lounge serving both Hinata guests and the public by reservation.( Matt Harrington, courtesy of Hinata Retreat)
Fall 2026 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 69