Alice's House

The Story of Alice's House

For more than 50 years, Alice’s House was an oceanside sanctuary, a gathering place for countless people - individuals, families and small groups who sought healing, renewal, reflection, and quiet space by the sea. John and Alice Feeney lived in this warm and welcoming house on Humarock Beach south of Boston for forty years, always opening their home and hearts to those who had no place to go or to a friend or stranger who needed support and comfort. In 1997, after Alice died, Janet Gibson, a friend of Alice, created a non-profit organization to perpetuate the spirit and the gentle healing power of this humble home.

In 2012, a catastrophic fire driven by 50 mile an hour winds swept through the seaside village of Humarock, destroying the house, but not its inner essence. Withindaysofthefire, hundreds of people wrote, called, and blogged to share their experiences at Alice’s House and the gifts they had received during their stay.

Some came to Alice’s House to heal a relationship. Some came to rebuild shattered lives. Some came to share joy. Some came to renew - emotionally, spiritually or creatively. Some came to do collective work, others came simply to be. Some came only once, while others returned year after year. Some stayed for one night. Some stayed for days or a week. They came from South Shore communities and from as far away as California and New Zealand. The people who came were all ages. They came by themselves and in groups. They were families, support groups, church groups, storytellers, artists, writers, musicians, work teams, and many more.