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A peaceful luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views & nearby skiing!

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Peaceful and uplifting.
Sumptuous seating for six.
Snuggle up on the sheepskin with a good book or your beloved.
Living area
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6120.8 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Moretown, VT
  • Ben and Jerry's Factory
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Sugarbush Ski Resort
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Norwich University
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Montpelier, VT (MPV-Edward F. Knapp State)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 2

1 Double Bed

Reading Nook Daybed

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Outdoor Shower

Soap · Towels provided · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A peaceful luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views & nearby skiing!

As featured in Conde Nast Traveler (1/21/22)

Peaceful & impeccable retreat with a 180 degree view of Vermont's tallest mountains. Near Vermont's premier skiing, hiking, & outdoor adventures, you’ll love the sunset views and cozy atmosphere (huge sheepskin in front of the fireplace) and the attention to detail (live-edge wood details, spa-like bathroom). This is an incredible retreat for couples and families, adventurers and business travelers alike!
COMPLETE COVID-19 CLEANING

The stand-alone Above the Clouds Guesthouse was built with attention to every detail and a commitment to creating a peaceful, uplifting environment. While you're likely to travel to Vermont to partake in its natural beauty and outdoor adventures it's so lovely here that you may never want to leave.

Located at the end of a quarter-mile-long driveway that passes through birch and hemlock woods you'll find yourself perched at the top of the world overlooking a 180+degree mountain vista. Other than the adjacent main house (located across the driveway but placed so both houses have privacy), the only signs of life are lights twinkling across the valley at night and the wildlife that shares the land.

The 1000+ square foot open-concept second story can sleep up to four, while the 250+ sf downstairs can sleep another two on the sofa bed. Upstairs the hand-crafted wooden headboard, made from local maple, is a one-of-a-kind work of art that creates privacy for the queen-size primary bed. It is situated so it has incredible views of the surrounding mountains and enjoys morning sunrises and evening sunsets.

At the opposite end of the room, the reading nook has a sheepskin-covered daybed that can be separated into two twins or turned into a king-sized bed at night. The couch in the lower living room converts into a comfortable queen-size bed (plus a memory foam topper for those who want it).

Though the room downstairs is only separated by the open staircase, the downstairs becomes a cozy sleeping area. All bed linens, towels, and pillows are hotel quality with both down and non-down options.

Our spa-like bathroom has a shower large enough for two with both rainfall and hand-held showerheads, plus a pebble floor to massage your feet. The sink is made from a hand-carved boulder and sits atop a spalted maple live-edge counter held up by a birch tree base harvested from our property. The skylight overlooking the adjacent forest top fills the room with light. The live-edge wood sliding door is a beautiful piece of art. For those who want to bathe in the midst of Vermont's great outdoors, there is an outdoor shower that affords complete privacy and absolutely amazing views during the summer months.

For food prep and dining, the full kitchen has a KitchenAid dishwasher and Euro-fridge under-counter fridge/freezer (plus a full-sized fridge/freezer downstairs). It is equipped with gourmet appliances, including 2 high-efficiency portable induction cooktops, a full-sized microwave oven, a countertop oven large enough to roast a chicken. Best of all, is the dining atmosphere because there are incredible views from every window and a beautiful granite counter surrounded by comfortable leather bar stools.

The living room, with views in every direction, adjoins an 8'x20' deck with clear walls, providing an amazing place for outdoor living high up in the trees. During warm weather, sleep under the stars on the sumptuous deck furniture; BBQ on the Weber grill, dine at the teak table, and roast marshmallows (provided) over the firepit on the garden patio; or take a relaxing outdoor shower while looking out over the valley!

For your entertainment, the TV is hooked up to DirecTV and has a FireTV. There is also Bose Bluetooth speaker for listening to your favorite music. For some old-fashioned fun, there is a generous store of board games, books, and puzzles.

Both houses are powered by the sun and have high-speed fiber-optic internet (500 mbps up and down). We offer a complimentary Level 2 EV charging station.

TRAVEL: You'll definitely need a car to get here. Winter visitors will certainly want at least front-wheel drive and snow tires. During Vermont's mud season (generally from mid March through early April), however, AWD and good vehicle clearance are essential. If you're willing to put up with the mess of the mud, fresh maple syrup (and sugar on snow), as well as quiet-mountain and spring season skiing definitely make a mud season trek worth the adventure.


Property manager

Marianne Barton
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
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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
- No smoking anywhere on property. - Please take your shoes off when you enter. Clean slippers provided.

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
This property uses solar energy
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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Moretown

Located in Moretown, this holiday home is in the mountains. Sugarbush Ski Resort and Green Mountain Express Ski Lift are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Waitsfield Main Street and Northfield Shopping Mall. The Cabot Annex Store and Ceres are also worth visiting. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.
Map
Moretown, VT

What's nearby

  • Waitsfield Main Street - 18 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Mad River Glen Cooperative - 27 min drive - 22.4 km
  • Ben and Jerry's Factory - 28 min drive - 22.4 km
  • Sugarbush Ski Resort - 32 min drive - 25.7 km
  • Norwich University - 34 min drive - 19.6 km

Getting around

  • Waterbury Station - 22 min drive
  • Montpelier, VT (MPV-Edward F. Knapp State) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Red Hen Baking - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Lawson's Finest Liquids - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Mad Taco - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Three Mountain Cafe - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪American Flatbread - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A peaceful luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views & nearby skiing! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A peaceful luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views & nearby skiing!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A peaceful luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views & nearby skiing!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A peaceful luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views & nearby skiing! located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is steps from Mad River Valley and within 9 mi (15 km) of Mad River and Main Street Studio. Elaine Beckwith Gallery and Mad River Glass Gallery are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

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. 94 out of 95 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 95 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 95 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 95 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 95 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Peg D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect get-away spot
We spent a week in late January and loved it! The views of the mountains, including the iconic Camel's Hump, were unparalleled and the scene shifted depending on the weather and the time of day. Within an easy drive of Stowe, where we went cross country skiing, but we also spent a lot of time reading in front of the fire.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Breath of fresh air...
We had an amazing stay at Above the Clouds II! The attention to every detail from linens, toiletries, provisions, craftsmanship was perfect. The view was absolutely breathtaking and we literally felt like we were above the clouds!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay!
The place was clean, private and absolutely breathtaking views! Marianne & Bob have thought of every detail to make your trip comfortable and relaxing. 10/10 would stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Meg D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just the best stay!
This is by far the best property we have rented! It was such a lovely stay with our family. The owners go above and beyond to make the home and the property luxurious and welcoming!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lucas C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical views
It was everything our family wanted and needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our stay!
Perfect all around! Will be back...
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brittany D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great getaway
Views for days and had snow the whole time which made it a great winter wonderland. Any kitchen amenity needed was available. Thanks for a great trip
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Above The Clouds...
Great place to stay - the view is out of this world! Marianne is a very hospitable host who took particular care of us.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovingly Curated Experiance
There was nothing to be wanted throughout this stay. The items available for use in the house were lovingly curated to make the experiance everything you did not know you wanted it to be. It is clear the owners really care about their guests and want you to enjoy this special place as much as they do.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carl D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Above The Clouds exceeded our expectations
This property was perfect for us. Great views. The attention to detail was perfect. Great taste from choosing kitchen appliances to art in the house and around the property. It rained two days and it was easy to just relax and read or listen to music. We're spoiled now. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gail G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Luxury Experience with Amazing View
This was our second wonderful stay at Above the Clouds. The incredible view is what we love most about it. Many reviewers, including myself, have described how special the view is. The added bonus, however, is that when there, you feel as if you have landed in a soft nest of comfort and luxury up in the trees. Marianne and Bob have thought of every detail to make their place not just a VRBO accommodation, but a pampered indulgence! They have succeeded in creating a space that is pleasing to all the senses - from the sheepskin throws by the fireplace, beautiful lighting, soft linens, cozy robes and slippers, perfect pillows, spa ambiance and amenities in the bath, a welcome wine and cheese board, local maple syrup, waffle mix, and gourmet hot chocolate and spices. And, as is not always the case elsewhere, even the pull-out beds here are high quality memory foam and every bit as comfortable as the beautifully carved queen bed. Couldn't ask for anything more!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melody M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property with spectacular views
Stayed here for son’s wedding weekend. What a beautiful, serene environment. The owner’s hospitality was extraordinary-even left freshly picked blueberries! We look forward to returning soon
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom T., Greenville, SC USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a gem!
This place is gorgeous and the hosts are excellent communicators, gracious, and helpful. I especially enjoyed the outdoor shower and the panoramic mountain views from most windows. I’m looking forward to my next stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
In the clouds
Incredibly clean and upscale
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
“Above the Clouds” - highly recommend.
Great spot. Great views. Great decor. Great accoutrements. Great vacation. Property manager was very attentive. Hope to return soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gregory K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely Wonderful!
We’ve been coming to this area for the last 3 years to celebrate our anniversary and this was by far the best place we’ve stayed. The listing doesn’t do the views justice. Waking up and looking out the window at the foot of the bed and seeing the sun shining on the mountains was breathtaking. I wish we had more time to stay longer. The house had everything we needed and more and the hosts were great. They reached out at the time of booking and a few weeks ahead of our trip with all the details on the property and offered suggestions of places to go in the area. If we decide to come back to the area next year, we hope to be able to stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

C Elaine H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible view in amazing modern cottage
I didn’t really want to leave it. Just cuddle up under one of the many blankets and enjoy the view. It had all the amenities you could want and a few more. Some of the woodwork on the doors and furniture is incredible! Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vince L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely mountain retreat
Marianne and Bob’s cabin was absolutely lovely and made for the perfect weekend getaway for our family of five. The house was immaculate and mountain views were absolutely breathtaking. It is situated at the top of hill and is approximately a 25 minute drive to Sugarbush for skiing. I’m sure this home makes for a wonderful retreat in any season.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

John K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great getaway
My girls and I loved this place. Upscale furnishings, smart layout, well stocked and fantastic view. Very comfortable and private yet convenient to the ski areas. Host is a great communicator and super helpful. All you need to do is show up. We’ll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unbelievable views, lovely house, generous hosts!
My wife, two young children, and I visited for a total solar eclipse. We were completely blown away by the beautiful guest house, but especially the absolutely stunning views of the mountains. It would be hard to overstate how incredible it was to wake up to the view we had every morning. Marianne and Bob were extremely responsive and generous, and gave very detailed and solid advice when asked about how to make our trip successful. It was a really special visit with a lot of snow on the ground, and we are eager to come back and stay again in the warmer months!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Derek R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A room with a view.
My family, including two young kids, stated at this home above the clouds over the Labor Day weekend. The home was IMMACULATE and had every convenience. The owners were nearby and available, and very communicative leaving us potential itineraries, food recommendations, and overall being very welcoming. I cannot say enough and have never had as gracious a host for a vacation rental. The home was both cozy and had opportunities for separate space if needed. The views were incredible of the mountains both inside and with the outdoor space. The location was nestled with Waitsfield to the south and Waterbury and Stowe to the north. I would and do hope to return again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen M.

Amazing retreat with access to everything you need in Vermont!
We had a fantastic time at Above the Clouds! We cannot say enough about the amazing place and experience that Marianne and Bob have created. They have thought of everything you could ever want in a retreat. They are there for as much or as little guidance as you need. Great recommendations for restaurants, markets, bakery and even chocolate. We felt right at home. We highly recommend this property and hope we can get back soon for another retreat!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Nancy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heavenly Wedding!
Craig and I returned to Above the Clouds to get married!! High School First Loves reconnecting after 42 years! It was the perfect location to say our vows! Marianne and Bob were extremely helpful with helping us pull it all together! Thanks for the memories!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trish C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing views
My husband and I couldn’t have been happier with our stay at this beautiful house. Marianne and Bob were the friendliest host that offered tons of suggestions for best places to bike/hike/shop/eat. The house is absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing. We’ve rented plenty of places to stay over the years and this was definitely the best one yet. Their attention to detail was exceptional, from the details they put into the build of the house, to the thoughtfulness of the items they have in the house for their guests. We look forward to coming back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phil C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing house!
Above the Clouds was the perfect getaway! The house was exactly what we were hoping for. It made us feel secluded in the mountains yet close enough to town for food, necessities, etc. And the views from the how was as picturesque as described. Marianne is the ideal host and we appreciated the attention to detail throughout the house to ensure we had the ideal stay (e.g., detailed instructions, labels so you know where everything is, even leaving a crib and baby bath for our infant son). We highly recommend Above the Clouds to anybody looking for a quiet getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Marianne Barton

Host profile image
Marianne and Bob have spent the last 10 years living in Moretown, VT where they love to garden, walk the dogs, canoe, kayak, hike, bike, snowshoe, take photos, and host community gatherings in their home. They are mostly-retired environmental professionals and truly enjoy meeting new people. They delight in eating good organic food and shopping at the local farmer’s market in Waitsfield in the summer.

They are both perpetual optimists and consider themselves practical visionaries as they were mostly cutting-edge social entrepreneurs during their working lives. As hosts they’ve enjoyed meeting many of their guests. During that time they also do their best to guide guests to the places, restaurants, and activities Vermont has to offer.

Connor and Indigo have spent the last 20 years calling Vermont their second-home, spending their winters on the slopes and summers in the rivers and on the trails. They’re now helping manage the property from their home-base in Boston before they make Vermont their full-time home in the years ahead!

Why they chose this property

After decades of living in southern Vermont, Bob and I decided to move to the heart of the Mad River Valley because it's profound beauty and access to nature made our hearts sing. We went to see at least 60 houses before finding this one and knew this was the one as soon as we stopped at the end of the driveway (you'll understand why when you get here).

What makes this property unique

You can see four of Vermont's highest peaks from the sweeping 180-degree of the Mad River Valley. In fact, many Vermonters say ours is the most beautiful view they have ever seen. Where there aren't mountains there are gorgeous rock outcroppings, beautiful gardens, gentle forests, and magnificent stars (the Milky Way shines its magic on all clear nights and sometimes the northern lights bewitch the sky).

We designed the retreat to embrace this view -- including using an abundance of windows and clear walls on the large deck -- and the very essence of nature -- our use of natural wood, fire, and stone elements will delight you. The effect is simultaneously peaceful and uplifting.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests