Together with a small team, Jay and Jen coordinate housekeeping, guest communication, and the day-to-day details that create a consistently exceptional experience. Even with that support, Jay and Jen remain very hands-on, staying involved in the Firehouse’ s daily operations, and are on site daily. The couple lives just 12 minutes away in the hilltown of Heath.
Split by the Deerfield River and connected by bridges like the Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne Falls consists of neighboring communities of Shelburne and Buckland. Other rural hill towns surrounding the area include Ashfield and Charlemont. Where Hinata is a sprawling mountainside property in the woods, the Firehouse is just steps from the village’ s shops, restaurants, and local attractions. Visitors to Shelburne Falls can enjoy browsing unique shops featuring everything from home goods to pottery and artwork, and explore the historic old mill, home to artisan studios and a used bookstore.“ There are river walks, the old mill with artisan shops and a very popular used bookstore, restaurants, and little shops with anything from home goods to fashion to pottery and artwork,” says Jen.“ We even have our own little local brewery where you can sit on the deck looking at the river. You can walk from the Bridge of Flowers all the way up to the Fire Tower on top of the mountain and see the whole river valley. There’ s always something for people to enjoy. The age range is really large, from young kids to older people.”
Guests come from Boston, New York, California, Alaska, Texas, and all over the world, with some staying for weeks at a time. For those seeking adventure, Berkshire East Mountain Resort is a short drive away.
Jay and Jen are also aware of the important balance between welcoming visitors and supporting year-round residents. The Firehouse Studios occupy a historic building that had already been converted from its former municipal use before current shortterm rental regulations were adopted. They recently purchased the former police station and are transforming it into four longterm rental apartments, returning another underutilized building to productive use.
Looking ahead, they see their work continuing to focus on preserving older buildings, creating meaningful spaces, and strengthening their community. Jay and Jen’ s work is rooted in the belief that welldesigned spaces can have a lasting impact.
Firehouse Studios is both livelihood and love letter— to Shelburne Falls, to adaptive reuse, and to quiet hospitality. It invites you to step directly into the historic heart of a vibrant New England village. Hinata Retreat whispers a different invitation, calling you to lose yourself in a secluded, adults-only sanctuary of mountainside luxury and deep forest stillness. Both are perfect locations to take a short break not too far from the Berkshires. n
Hinata Retreat in Charlemont, 413-822-0561, hinataretreat. com
Shelburne Falls Firehouse Studios, 413-522-7725, firehouse-studios. com. Preferred booking through Airbnb or Vrbo.
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74 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2026