Mid-Century At Friendly Hills w Guest Passes !

Welcome to Friendly Hills, a one-of-a-kind Mid-Century home nestled on 6 private acres. Built in the 1950s by GE engineer Willard F.M. Gray, this passive solar retreat offers panoramic views, triple-pane windows, and ceramic tile floors that retain heat year-round. Enjoy direct access to private hiking trails, peaceful ponds, and nearby Hancock Shaker Village. Fast Wi-Fi, thoughtful design, and natural beauty make this perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers alike.

Things You’ll Love
– Berkshire Vacation Rental standard: coffee, creamer, fresh linens, towels, and toiletries.
– Outdoor firepit for cozy evenings under the stars.
– Six peaceful acres with private hiking trails right outside your door.
– Modern comforts: Wi-Fi, air conditioning, full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and pet-friendly space.

GE engineer Willard F.M. Gray decided to build his own house, as he was dissatisfied with the building standards of the time. Willard was a unique individual who wanted to make the entire home passive solar. To achieve this, he used triple-pane windows, insulated concrete walls, and incorporated principles borrowed from adobe houses. Inspired by many sources, Willard was also drawn to the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, hence the mid-century design aesthetics. Now even though Willard was excited by the idea of the project, the bank was not as enthusiastic about the idea of a passive solar house, and so declined to finance the project. Not one to miss out on his dream, he embarked on building it gradually over time, financing the project little by little. With the help of several dozen General Electric workers—whose names are listed on a plaque at the front—the house was built slowly over the course of ten years. To obtain the land, Willard purchased the hayfield from Sister Mary Dame of the Hancock Shakers, who were still an active community in the 1950s. Willard also became close friends with Amy Bess Miller, the founder and guiding force behind the preservation of Hancock Shaker Village. After completing the house, Willard lived in it from the late 1950s while also caring for his mother, the late Daisy Gray. He remained there until 1998, when he passed away. Since he had no other family nearby, he left the home to Ozzy and Carolyn Olson, whose family then took on the task of modernizing it into the home you see here today.