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Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England

Family-friendly vacation home in Andover with a fitness center

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Interior
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib
TV, fireplace, video games, DVD player
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 112750 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a map
Andover, MA
  • Place, Philips Academy
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Moncrieff Cochran Sanctuary
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Ward Reservation
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Boston, MA (BOS-Logan Intl.)
    ‪30 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

Andover

Located within a mile (2 km) of Philips Academy, this vacation home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Robert S. Peabody Museum. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
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What's nearby

  • Philips Academy - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Moncrieff Cochran Sanctuary - 2 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Robert S. Peabody Museum - 2 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Ward Reservation - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Pomps Pond - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Andover Station - 3 min drive
  • Lawrence, MA (LWM-Lawrence Municipal) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Otto - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Autograph American Tavern - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bake'n Joy Foods - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪LaRosa's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Somebody's Place - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England

“I'm so ready to put my feet up! Thank you for giving me a place to do so with my kids…we are happy to be here at The Rum Runner House again!” -- A returning Phillips Academy parent from afar.

Rum Runner House is a family-oriented property close to Phillips Academy, Brooks School, Pike School and Merrimack College. The home makes it possible to spend quality time with your student and his/her friends during your visit in a very comfortable & flexible manner. Well-stocked with HDTV, classic books & board games to suit a range of tastes, on-site recreational choices also include table tennis, basketball, street hockey, driveway soccer, bocce and Frisbee, baseball & football toss.

Enjoy getting to know your child's friends over a ping pong game, or by sharing nicely grilled steaks out on the fenced-in, brick patio. Have the freedom to spoil them by cooking up favorite family recipes that brings the group as close to your home kitchen as is possible. With the large amount of space, you can arrange with the Academy to welcome your student and friends to spend the night off-campus in 'your home away from home' -- a treat that is especially treasured by students who are themselves a long way from their own families.

In addition, The Rum Runner House has become a favorite venue of corporate managers looking for an excellent extended stay property for their valued employees. Such guests have included the New England headquarters of a Presidential campaign, financial executives and performance artisans.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a balcony or patio. There's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a fenced private yard.

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Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Printer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Gym
  • Table tennis
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,750 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Housekeeping: Daily maid service is not included in the rental.

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 5:00 PM
  • Check-out: 12:00 PM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25
Property Registration Number C0156050090

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do around this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Andover, close to Ward Reservation, American Legion Beach, and Tewksbury Country Club. You'll also find Ipswich River and Robert S. Peabody Museum within a short drive.

Is there parking available at this vacation home?

Yes, there is a garage.

Is this vacation home next to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

Is Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this vacation home include a fireplace, a kitchen, and video games.

Does Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home include breakfast service?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Lawrence, MA (LWM-Lawrence Municipal), which is 7.4 mi away (18 minutes by car). Another top airport is Beverly, MA (BVY-Beverly Municipal), which is located 18 mi away (30-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England?

Yes, every accommodation at Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England comes with a balcony.

Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 61 out of 72 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 72 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 72 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 72 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 72 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Kirsten A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Host was wonderful. House was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jim C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Host did a good job of telling us about the features of the house at check in
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexis B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our VRBO host communicated very well and was kind enough to accommodate our late check-in. When we arrived, there were thoughtful touches like coffee, creamer, and snacks waiting for us. The house itself was really cute with a charming, old-fashioned vibe.The only negative was that the sheets and pillowcases didn’t smell freshly laundered — not exactly dirty, but they had a “people” scent, like when you open an older person’s closet. It wasn’t a major problem, but I ended up putting a towel over my pillowcase and didn’t use the comforter.Overall, it was a pleasant stay, and I appreciated that our host even checked in on us during the visit — a really nice gesture!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

Liked: Cleanliness
House was large and all one level with wide hallways. Perfect for maneuvering my mother in wheelchair. Large nice bedrooms and common areas. Super friendly and very considerate host. Loved our stay here
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Rum Runner was our home base for the weekend of my mother’s funeral. We could not have had a better spot. Room for our kids and my siblings to sleep, and room for my entire family to gather afterwards on the patio and two living rooms. The owners were helpful and easy to communicate with. Thank you for making a difficult time stress-free!
Patio
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

William H.

Liked: Cleanliness

The perfect place to reunite.

The house is amazing the neighborhood is close to a lot of great restaurants and a short drive to anything you want. We did a friends weekend after not seeing each other for a few years. The house is spacious and warm. The living and sleeping areas are spread out so friends who wanted to crash were not bothered by those who stayed up late. I can’t wait to plan a family get away to the area and stay at this amazing property. The owner was incredibly helpful and made us feel like part of their family. I could go on for days about this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Katherine

Out of town family stayed here while I hosted a birthday bash at my house nearby. Great location and wonderful house for family to hang out in and enjoy time together
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place for a family holiday get-together

Ten family members from four states convened in Andover for a holiday reunion and retreat. This was a great house for that. Great layout, spacious common areas, ample windows to welcome natural light, a fully equipped kitchen (great for this group that did its own cooking), comfy beds, and a great location. The home is a testament to the solidity of post-war construction. Some other family members from the local area came to visit on a couple of occasions, and all commented on the suitability for our purposes: to get people together, allow for small groups to spread out when they wanted, and get a good rest after full days of togetherness. The host thoughtfully decorated a Christmas tree for us and pulled out other decorations to make the place festive. All in all, this was a great experience, and we'd happily rent the place again if the occasion arises.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great for big family gatherings

We had a great stay at the Rum Runner! We had a big family coming and going all thanksgiving week, and the house was perfect for all that activity. There was enough space for everyone to gather for dinner, and also spots for a bit of quiet time when needed. The bedrooms were cozy and versatile, and the big windows gave us beautiful views. The host was so accommodating and we couldn’t have had a better place to stay
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clayton L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place to relax and get together after long day.

We were looking for a place in the Boston area for our short term mission team. We wanted to be together and this home offered us that opportunity. It was clean and laid out well. It housed our group of ten. Plenty of beds and baths. Good kitchen and the host was so welcoming. We even got to use the grill in the large outdoor space. I highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diana C.

Liked: Cleanliness

The house that keeps on giving

Thanks for a lovely stay Steve. We really enjoyed our time at the Rum Runner. It's great that the house has two sections so the adults can sleep in while the kids play. The game room was lots of fun and the back living room so comfy and cozy. The beds were also very comfortable. Thanks for the snacks and drinks! Very thoughtful!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maureen B.

Liked: Cleanliness

50 HS Reunion

Wonderful spot for our group to gather for our 50th HS reunion. The additional treats were most welcome but especially the Keurig!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tyler G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful home.

Beautiful home in Andover that is perfect for groups of all sizes. Steve and his family are attentive, kind, and helpful hosts. Excellent location. Would rent again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

JENNIFER S., Andover

Liked: Cleanliness

So homey

This house was incredible. You felt like you were stepping back in time, and that made it cozy. The host, Steve, met us and explained the amazing history of his family home. He even provided snacks and drinks to help my family get started. I highly recommend this home.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Rum runner stay

Wonderful host , great layout with bedrooms away from the rest of the house. No worries about waking up the little ones. Very convenient to the North shore and new Hampshire
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Shahnaz S.

Family Get-together

We had a fantastic stay. The house is spacious and has a layout that provides quite bedrooms for family who needed to rest up after a long drive and spacious game room and kitchen with dining table for a perfect family catch-up, chat time. Most of the space and linens were clean and ready to use. However we did find signs of mice and household bugs, i.e. droppings in extra folding bed-frames and kitchen cupboards. The one bedroom has windows toward the street and car noise is quite loud, starting as early 5:30 am in the morning. Overall, I highly recommend staying at this place. Steve had stocked up the fridge with juice and snack which is very appreciated. We will certainly consider returning if there's another family event.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great

We had a nice stay. Comfy and plenty of room. We had 10 in our party.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Katherine K.

Family reunion

Shades were ripped and towels were all stained. Host graciously met us at start of stay and left snacks for us. Comfortable beds.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Our home away from home

In 2015, my family stayed at the Rum Runner House for my oldest son's wedding. This time my youngest son got married and imagine my joy when the Rum Runner House was available to rent this weekend since we had such a good time the first time we stayed here. My family thoroughly enjoyed EVERYTHING this house had to offer. The kitchen was well stocked, the full bathrooms and bedrooms were spacious and the game room entertained the younger and older generations alike. We have relatives living within 2-3 minutes from the Rum Runner House. It was very convenient to gather here and have dinner at times up to 16 adults and 5 children. Steve was the most gracious host with his prompt replies to my questions and went above and beyond his call of duty to make sure we got the lobsters we forgot in the house after we checked out. He also had snacks and drinks available upon arrival which we appreciated. All my children are married now but the Rum Runner House will be our first choice for the next family event.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Beverly H.

Not what was expected

Unfortunately, the property did not live up to the five star rating. I realized the home was older with older furniture but the condition of some of it was disappointing. The size of the property was good for a larger group. Beds not what stated. Bunk is a full bottom not queen. The two extra beds/cots were not usable for an adult size person. The space has a lot of potential but feels very unorganized. There were random old things in cabinets, for example, the laundry room had old socks and shoes. Kitchen cabinet doors loose as were drawers, dishwasher falling out when door was opened. The owner met us at the house to check in, tho I’m sure well intentioned, was not necessary and made some in our party uncomfortable. The checkout process was easy. The neighborhood nice, plenty or parking on the grounds
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Marcia P., Bismarck, ND

Liked: Cleanliness

Our son got married

House is a long rambler with dated furniture that has almost come back into style. It worked for us totally. I communicated with the host on day we were to arrive through app and via email but never heard from him. I was only informing him we would be coming in the next day due to plane connection complications. He never responded back with even an ok so we felt if we did need something he would not be available. The host had left some beverages in fridge and snacks for our arrival so that was very kind. Overall good home for our purposes.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great weekend away

Siblings, cousins, and I needed a place to stay while attending a baby shower in Bedford. We probably could’ve Hosted the baby shower in this house there was so much space and seating, even more than we expected. But we had fun playing ping pong and catching up when we got home from our family event and all slept great. Thanks for the comfy lodging!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous Stay

My stay at the Rum Runner was very special. The check in process was easy and friendly - Steve was lovely and showed me the lay of the land. He left snacks to get us started which won the hearts of my kids. ;-). The house is minutes away from the center of Phillips Academy. It is the perfect place for a family... great equipped kitchen, ping pong table, outdoor space, several generous bedrooms and the bathrooms were large. The house is very warm and has an interesting history. It was a treat to stay there - I will definitely be back with my full crew! Thank you Steve for making my kids drop off experience so much more enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Raphael G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spacious with a lot of character

My family enjoyed the space of the property & its surroundings. Proximity to places was not difficult & food delivery was easy as well. We enjoyed our time spent there & Steve was a great host professional, attentive & hospitable. We would love to visit & stay there again. This property definitely has everything you need & more!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nerdy Game Weekend

It was a good spot for what my group was wanting, which was a clean, spacious area to play some games together. Host was very communicative and accommodating. Also left us some unopened chips and juice, which was very kind!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

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