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

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

Living Room view with entrance to Kitchen and Dining Room. Large screen HDTV
Living Room view toward bedrooms, with library in background
Western exposure brightens the many windows during the afternoons
Computer Nook in Game Room. Wi-Fi access to FIOS internet
The Laptop Station is a perfect spot to stay in touch while enjoying family time

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 11255.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Andover, MA
  • Philips Academy
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Merrimack College
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Andover Country Club
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Lawrence, MA (LWM-Lawrence Municipal)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

The Canopy Room

1 King Bed

The Courtyard Room

2 Single Beds

The Dorm Room

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

The Fireplace Room

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

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.

Property manager

Steve
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

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

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
On-site 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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number C0156050090

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Andover

Andover is home to this holiday home. Addison Gallery of American Art and Public Health Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Water Park of New England and Collins Bowladrome. Travelling with kids? Consider Cedarland Fun Center and Whip Hill. Practise your golf swing on a nearby course, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as cycling and hiking in the area.
Map
Andover, MA

What's nearby

  • Philips Academy - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Moncrieff Cochran Sanctuary - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Merrimack College - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Andover Country Club - 7 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Water Park of New England - 23 min drive - 16.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Town Market Andover - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Somebody's Place - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Tokyo Steakhouse - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪LaRosa's - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Phillips Academy Area – Ideal for Families Visiting Campus & Touring New England located?

This family-friendly Andover holiday home is within 2 mi (3 km) of Philips Academy, Moncrieff Cochran Sanctuary and Ward Reservation. Hammond Pond Reservation and Addison Gallery of American Art are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Barbara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Tyler G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Clayton L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Paul B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

10/10 Excellent

Maureen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Diana C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

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

10/10 Excellent

JENNIFER S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Chelvi R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome place

Excellent.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Laura R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property and home!

My family and I stayed here while in town for a funeral. The house is wonderful, and although it’s on a Main Street it was really quiet. Steve is very thoughtful and provided drinks and snacks and the communication was wonderful. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Carol S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property for a group

The property was well stocked and very nice. The host greeted us and stocked a few things in the kitchen. Lots of room for a large group of family or friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

6/10 Okay

Katherine K.

Liked: Location

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

Raphael G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Kristine M., North Andover

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for Family attending wedding

Our daughter got married at our house and we were able to out some of our family up here. It was perfect, with plenty of room for 2 families. Thank you again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ryan A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Margaret D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This home was perfect for our family.

Having four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms was wonderful. We also had a washer and dryer. For us, the location was. perfect. We were near our extended family. I would stay at the Rum Runner again.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

8/10 Good

Tina C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Plenty of room for everyone

The rum runner is a large home with plenty of room for everyone. Large and clean bathrooms. Steve was a great host. Our only complaint is that the carpet is old and wearing out.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

6/10 Okay

Stella P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet, comfortable, and FUN

Owners were very accommodating, beds comfortable, ping pong table was so much fun, and the house was extremely quiet. Great layout and interesting history. We did have a minor issue with earwig insects so if bugs are a big problem for you, you may be unhappy. They are harmless and we just disposed of them.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Shahnaz S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Kathryn L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

8/10 Good

Marcia P., Bismarck, ND

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

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

Mary Ann H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.

Liked: Location

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

About the host

Hosted by Steve

Host profile image
The property has remained in the same family's hands since its purchase in 1947. The experience of sending its youth to far-away schools created an awareness of how the residence could provide a wonderful 'home away from home' for familes from around the USA -- and the globe -- entrusting their childrens' education to nearby New England private schools.

Why they chose this property

Located in sight of the Memorial Bell Tower at Phillips Academy -- the ground on which colonial troops mustered prior to engagement in the American Revolutionary War -- the property is named after the B-24 Liberator heavy bomber in which its original resident earned the Distinguished Flying Cross prior to returning home from Europe and building the home in 1947.

What makes this property unique

Nestled in the shade of three massive old trees on the property, this large home has served for decades as a perfect venue for gathering family with longstanding, and brand new, friends. Its one level design makes it inviting for even the very young and seniors. Combined with the potential to provide your boarding student with the ability to experience the day student lifestyle on their campus for a short period, Rum Runner House offers your entire family memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests