Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly

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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Wonderful

2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 692.9 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Fireplace
Washer
Kitchen
Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Galloway, NJ

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
‪1 min walk‬
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
‪6 min drive‬
Historic Smithville and Village Green
‪7 min drive‬
Atlantic City, NJ (ACY-Atlantic City Intl.)
‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Second Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

1.5 Bath

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Half Bath

Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Outdoor play area

Garden

About this property

The Sanctuary House
A Peaceful Escape Surrounded by Nature

A Place to Reconnect & Recharge

Whether you're sipping wine on the deck, stargazing by the fire pit, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, The Sanctuary House offers a true escape from the everyday. Here, you can slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Step into a world of comfort, charm, and serenity. Whether you're looking for a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a peaceful place to recharge, this thoughtfully designed home provides the perfect setting. Nestled in a quiet, picturesque community, it offers a seamless blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Outdoor Living
The Heart of the Sanctuary House

Step outside onto the expansive covered rear deck, where time seems to slow down. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the peaceful sounds of nature, and make memories under the open sky.

Multiple Swing Chairs & Cozy Seating
Perfect for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or unwinding after a day of exploring.

Outdoor Dining & Grilling
Fire up the gas grill and enjoy meals at the spacious L-shaped dining table.

Charming Fire Pit
Gather around with loved ones, roast marshmallows, share stories, and soak in the warmth of a crackling fire.

Spacious Yard
Plenty of room for kids and four-legged friends to run and play.

Warm & Inviting Interiors
From the moment you walk in, you'll be welcomed by a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. The open-concept layout is designed for connection and relaxation, with warm lighting, stylish decor, and thoughtful touches throughout.

Two Comfortable Bedrooms
Each featuring a plush queen-sized bed, soft linens, and plenty of storage space.

Gourmet Kitchen
Fully stocked with a five-burner gas stove, granite countertops, and all the essentials to cook and gather around the table.

Cozy Living Space
Sink into the ultra-soft microfiber sleeper sofa, enjoy a movie night on the smart TV, or curl up in the hanging hammock chair with a good book and a cup of cocoa.

Electric Fireplace
Adds a warm, inviting glow to the space, perfect for cozy evenings in.

1.5 Bathrooms
Designed for convenience and comfort, stocked with essentials for your stay.

Ready to experience the perfect balance of comfort and nature?

Looking for something different?
Choose from 14 Unique Homes!

Each of our homes offers modern comforts, charm, and easy access to top attractions. Whether you're seeking a cozy retreat, a family-friendly escape, a nature filled adventure, or a home on the water, we have the ideal stay for you!

Lake House ~cozy rustic serenity, wake up to Romeo & Juliet gliding gracefully across the water

Bridge House ~ lakefront bungalow, fantastic view of covered bridge across the lake

Paradise House ~ elegantly built on the water for comfort & connection

Country House ~ charming retreat close to shopping, eateries, beaches and more

Property manager

Joy St. James

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

High chair available on request and some toys

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)

20 lb max . leash req & pick up after on walks

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No more than 6 people permitted in the house at ANY TIME Parties prohibited. No more than 2 cars parked at the house. *No commercial vehichles

Pets must always be on leash. Please pick up after your pet during walks around the entire lake area. No pets permitted on bedding or furniture.

Resort speed limit is 10 mph. Please be respectful with others living/renting in Swan Lake Resort. No music outside after dark.

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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Absecon

Located in Absecon, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Atlantic City Beach, while Borgata Event Center and Boardwalk Hall are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Sahl's Father Son Farm and Harold E. Taylor Observatory. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Galloway, NJ

What's nearby

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center - 6 min drive - 6.3 km
Historic Smithville and Village Green - 7 min drive - 5.9 km
Seaview Golf Resort Pines Course - 11 min drive - 11.1 km
Harrah's Atlantic City Casino - 21 min drive - 23.9 km

Getting around

Absecon Station - 11 min drive
Atlantic City, NJ (ACY-Atlantic City Intl.) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

‪Gourmet Italian Cuisine - ‬9 min drive
‪The Carriage House - ‬6 min drive
‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive
‪Dim Sum And Then Some - ‬9 min drive
‪The Historic Smithville Inn - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly?

As of 15 Apr 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly on 16 Apr 2025 start from AU$450.87, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly located?

This family-friendly Absecon holiday home is located on a lake, within 3 mi (5 km) of Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Sahl's Father Son Farm and Harold E. Taylor Observatory. Historic Smithville and Village Green and Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge are also within 6 miles (10 km).

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

6/10 Okay

Lisa H.

26 Nov 2024

Liked: Check-in, communication

Listing needs to be updated

Definitely needs current photos. Living room furniture not as pictured. Bathroom is tub/shower, not as pictured. More detail to cleaning needs to be taken. Microwave, refrigerator and stove dirty/smudges. Hair on shower wall and shower liner not changed/cleaned. Splatters on walls. Tv in 2nd bedroom not working. Backyard disheveled. House was not what we expected from the photos. House next door has 2 little dogs that were outside barking during the night. They are also loose and came over to our dog who is reactive. Owner just stood on back deck watching, calling them. No attempt to get them. My hubby rounded them up so I could get our girl back inside before an incident.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Chad A.

21 July 2024

Liked: Check-in, location

Disliked: Cleanliness

Sanctuary house

Overall the house and area were nice, although the cleanliness of the house inside definitely needs some attention. The bedding/pillows seemed like they weren't washed(still had other people's hair on the pillows and under the sheets) bathroom sinks and shower still had hair in them. The refrigerator had a strong scent of rotted meat. The outdoor furniture was very dusty/dirty. I believe with a little better cleaning upon guest departures and arrivals this would be a great place. Overall the stay was nice.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

ashley a.

24 June 2024

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

Highly Recommend

First off, I want to give a huge thank you to Joy who went above and beyond to accommodate our situation. The place was clean and comfortable, decorated beautifully, and had everything you could need! Absolutely love the peace and serenity in this little community- although the homes are close to each other you still are able to enjoy your privacy on the back deck. I also tremendously appreciate that dogs are allowed (there were even cute little dog bowls already filled with water to welcome my pups). Definitely would come back here and take advantage of the the gym and kayaking they have on premises. Such a cute little community- you won't be disappointed!

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle R.

24 June 2024

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

What a gem

Immaculate! We had a wedding at the Smithville Inn and decided rather than 3 hotel rooms for 5 of us why not rent a house. We didn’t get a chance to explore the resort but it was really adorable. Would definitely stay again!

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Krista S.

20 May 2024

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

Peaceful and convenient

Clean and simple accommodations with a lovely back deck overlooking a small wood. Perfect for sipping coffee and watching the birds.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew J.

2 May 2024

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

Beautiful quiet property

We stayed there as my wedding venue was only 10 minutes away. It was so peaceful and relaxing. It felt like you were in the middle of nowhere but you were only 3 minutes from the garden state parkway. Highly recommended and would stay again

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Stephanie F.

5 Sept 2023

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

Sanctuary House end of summer stay

The area was conveniently located to all things we wanted to do while there. There was a nice walking trail. We were unable to use the paddle boats as they had dirt and water in them. Our house slept 5 but there was only enough porch seating for 3. The home is nicely done and the beds were comfortable, pillows not so much but we brought our own. I would agree with others on cleanliness. The countertops, fridge needed some wiping, the coffee pot still had coffee and coffee grounds in it. The dinner table was wet with something that smelled fruity, but nothing a few clorox wipes and the dishwasher couldn't handle. Overall the place is nice and we would stay again.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laina B.

12 July 2023

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

Relaxing

Second time we stayed here and we never want to leave. We’ll definitely be back

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amil H., Bronx, NY

10 July 2023

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

Good time

Great place to stay for a good time.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Miguel

7 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication

Buenas no mas el olor del agua un un poco mal olor

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Isela S.

8 June 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness, location

Wedding trip

After reading the review from Sept. 2022, I thought I would give this property the benefit of the doubt. Surely the complaints mentioned had been addressed. Nope. I too will start with the pro's. The beds were very comfortable, she left fresh eggs for us which were delicious and the stove is gas. The house is in need of a deep cleaning. Do not walk around barefoot, your feet will turn black. There was a grittiness to all the surfaces. There was old kibble in a dog dish with pieces scattered on the floor and stale water in the bowl. The dishwasher is still as described. The shower doors have no bottom track and just swing freely. No drain cover. Both mornings found dozens of dead knats in the shower. I looked up from the sink in the kitchen to see the next door neighbor (50 ft. away) standing on his deck only in his boxer briefs. Good grief! In my opinion the owner should remove this listing until she fixes the issues. I do not wish to return.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deven J., Bridgeport ct

11 May 2023

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

Trip to Atlantic city

I had a great time the house is beautifully decorated. Rooms were nice even pullout couch wasnt to bad. Grrst back porch . Definitely woukd like to go back this summer

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly W.

6 Nov 2022

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

A hideaway

It was a quiet place, the neighbors were very friendly everything was nearby.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Virginia K.

9 Oct 2022

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

Great weekend

House was beautiful everything was perfect, great location, loved the fire pit and area. All supplies we needed. Would definitely go back again.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

4/10 Poor

Jaime R.

12 Sept 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication

Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Misleading in many ways—beware

In the interest of leading with the positives, the check-in process was smooth and the beds were comfortable (with the exception of the pillows which were worn and need replacing). Otherwise, this house was a disappointment and the listing misrepresents many aspects. First, the house obviously hasn’t been professionally cleaned in quite some time. It was overall grimy and in need of cleaning attention. The dishwasher was falling out of the counter and the coffee pot had barely been rinsed out after the last use. The pots and pans you see in the photos are provided in a dirty, dusty, disorganized heap at the bottom of one cabinet in the kitchen and everything requires cleaning before use (if it’s even usable at all). Towels provided in the kitchen are stained and there are only previously used sponges available (and, a few paper towels left at the end of a roll, so plan to bring your own). The half bathroom has a sink so clogged it fills with just a simple hand washing. The hot water ran out quickly in the midst of two short showers each day. The patio that looks so beautiful in the photos is actually dusty and dirty and the couch is caving in, so it’s unusable. While this isn’t the owners’s fault, per se, the water reeks of sulfur and it tastes and smells terrible when showering or brushing teeth—this felt like icing on the cake with all of the other challenges. Finally, the house is in a glorified mobile home park—not quite the sanctuary the listing suggests. Overall, we felt totally mislead and would not recommend this property to someone else. This is a great example of VRBO needing to vet their properties and management more closely, so renters aren’t mislead to such a degree.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Malory G.

26 July 2022

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

Nice property

Nice wooded property in a campground. Beautiful inside, could be a little cleaner (didn’t seem like a cleaning company came through) but all in all a great place for going to a wedding at Renault.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Peter D.

17 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Disliked: Listing accuracy

Solid, dog-friendly home base for South Jersey vacation

We had a generally positive experience during our recent stay at the Sanctuary House. Among the positives: the appliances were new and worked well, the keyless entry was straightforward, and the property provided dog bowls for our pets. While this may have been our fault, we found the listing a bit misleading: the lake shown in the Vrbo photos isn't visible from the house and is about a five-minute walk away. We also found some other problems with our stay: the floors were sandy upon our entry and some basic supplies such as paper towels were not provided.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elainem54 G.

5 Apr 2022

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

We enjoyed our stay

Booking was easy. Joy is friendly, accommodating and on the spot helpful. The house is lovely and the area is quiet and refreshing. It was exactly what we needed for our wedding weekend. We all enjoyed our stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer W.

2 Dec 2021

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

Quaint place. Perfect location.

We took a family vacation for the holidays. Close to Brigintine, AC, Smithsville. Best part dogs stay free. 🥰

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Renee C.

26 Sept 2021

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

Anniversary getaway ❤️

Everything we we’re looking for, quite, peaceful, beautiful, a home away from home!! A+++++++

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amy G., Millstone, United States

19 Sept 2021

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

Absolutely Amazing

This property was nothing short of spectacular. My friends and I had such a great time here. It was so relaxing and the neighbors were all so nice and the area was gorgeous. Definitely coming here again.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

30 Aug 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Lovely home

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

4/10 Poor

Judith R.

13 July 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Disliked: Location

Review

I loved the rental. I was under the impression from the pictures that the house was private without neighbors close by. There are houses right next door on both sides. This is a retirement community. My sweet little dog chased a squirrel and the property manager threatened to fine me. The next door neighbor, permanent resident, was high on something and came out with his dogs off leash and wanted to join our campfire. I did NOT appreciate either of these 2 intrusions. This was NOT private.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ambrielle M.

20 June 2021

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

Fantastic getaway!

My family and I set off looking for something dog friendly and near the beach without being directly on the beach but we still wanted things to do while not at the beach. This was the perfect spot! 15 minutes to the beach and very close grocery and other shops. When we were not at the beach we really enjoyed spending time at the lake; fishing, kayaking and paddle boating. We loved that so much was available in the community shed as it really cut down on what we had to pack and bring along ourselves. The house was clean and well maintained. The fire pit and grill in the backyard were a big hit with my Fiance. And the wide open field area in the backyard was perfect for our dog. We loved how friendly everyone inside the property was, everywhere we turned were happy faces. We will return for sure and would highly recommend Swan Lake Resorts to our family and friends. Amazing time! Thank you!

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Jennifer B.

8 June 2021

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

Short family getaway

This property offered a clean comfy place to stay. It was 30 mins to the beach with free street parking. We enjoyed the complimentary kayaks and paddle boat without having to wait. We did find ticks to be a slight issue so bring bug spray. We would definitely stay at this location again.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

About the host

Hosted by Joy St. James

We love sharing our Swan Lake Resort with others to enjoy so that they can have a restorative experience. We are all about a safe and welcoming place to have fun and enjoy yourself. All of our homes focus on high-end bedding, clean comfortable furnishings and simply a great place to relax and unwind!

Why they chose this property

Tranquil setting in the woods with nature all around. We are only 1 minute from the Garden State Parkway and 10 miles from all the Atlantic City entertainment.

What makes this property unique

Situated in quiet lake community with walking trails and wildlife all around, yet near many conveniences and fun things to do nearby.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly

Photo gallery for Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Living Room 1

Master Bedroom

Second Bedroom

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

1.5 Bath

Half Bath

Spaces

About this property