Schoolhouse Spa Retreat on a Vermont Farm

Entire cottage in Shaftsbury, Vermont

  1. 6 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 2 beds
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Caroline
  1. Superhost
  2. 9 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

Featured in

airbnb magazine, September 2018
Rodale's Organic LIfe, February 2017

Your very own spa

Relax with the outdoor shower, sauna, and jacuzzi.
Escape to our historic and lovingly-renovated schoolhouse on a 250-acre verified-regenerative farm, where Green Mountain views meet modern comfort. Unwind in your private hot tub and barrel sauna after exploring farm trails, then fall asleep to the gentle sounds of sheep grazing in the pastures below. This is Vermont at its most authentic—working farm life with all the luxury. Level 2 EV charger, in-unit washer/dryer, and ductless AC for summer comfort.

The space
• Private spa deck (hot tub + panoramic barrel sauna; outdoor shower May–Sept)
• 360° mountain views + sunset decks
• Working regenerative farm stay (trails, sheep sounds, real Vermont)

YOUR PRIVATE RETREAT

This 800-square-foot renovated schoolhouse combines rustic Vermont charm with thoughtful modern design. Vaulted ceilings, wide-plank floors, and walls of windows frame 360-degree mountain views. Two spacious decks catch spectacular sunsets over the Green Mountains, while the open floor plan creates the perfect space for cooking, gathering, and unwinding. Level 2 EV charger, in-unit washer/dryer, and ductless AC for summer comfort.

SLEEP WELL

Two comfortable bedrooms sleep up to six guests. The downstairs bedroom offers a king bed and total privacy, while the loft bedroom features a queen bed with views over the living space. (Note: the loft ceiling peaks at just over 6 feet—taller guests prefer the downstairs room.) A queen memory-foam sleeper sofa accommodates additional guests.

YOUR OWN SPA

Twenty feet from your door, a private elevated deck houses your year-round hot tub, panoramic barrel sauna, and seasonal outdoor shower (May-September). Slip on your sandals and step into steaming water under the stars, or warm up in the sauna after a day on the slopes. This is your space alone—no sharing with other guests or owners.

COOK & GATHER

The well-equipped kitchen has everything serious cooks need (see our detailed kitchen inventory in the photo gallery). We stock the basics—salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, flour, sugar, and common spices. Grind fresh coffee beans in the morning, cook farm-fresh meals, then dine outside on the deck as the sun sets behind West Mountain.

MODERN AMENITIES

Fast WiFi and a Smart TV (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO) keep you connected when you want to be. Room-darkening shades and premium bedding ensure deep sleep. A propane grill, fire pit, and outdoor dining deck extend your living space into nature.

** THE FARM **

FIVE GENERATIONS OF STEWARDSHIP

This schoolhouse overlooks our family's 5th-generation farm—250 continuous acres managed without chemicals. We practice regenerative agriculture through Holistic Management, using our sheep and perennial crops to build soil health and biodiversity. You'll notice the results: healthy animals, thriving ecosystems, fresh air, and Vermont's rolling green hills the way they're meant to be.

Walk our trails through woods and pastures. Watch sheep graze at sunrise. Feel the satisfaction of staying somewhere that's actively healing the land. We love sharing this work with guests and answering questions about sustainable farming.

** THE LOCATION **

SECLUDED YET ACCESSIBLE

Three miles down a well-maintained dirt road, you're truly away from it all—yet just 10-15 minutes to Bennington for dining, groceries, and galleries, and 25-30 minutes to Manchester's designer outlets and fine dining.

FOUR SEASONS OF VERMONT

• Fall: Peak foliage viewing from every window (early October is spectacular)
• Winter: Four ski mountains within 50 minutes, plus Nordic trails nearby
• Spring: Mud season authenticity, sounds of spring, and quiet trails (4WD recommended)
• Summer: Swimming holes, hiking, farmers markets, and endless outdoor dining

NEARBY ACTIVITIES

• Bromley Mountain: Easy 35 min (skiing/riding)
• Stratton Mountain: Easy 45 min (skiing/riding)
• Magic Mountain: 45 min (skiing/tubing)
• Mount Snow: 50 min (skiing)
• Hiking trails, state parks, Bennington Museum, craft breweries

Check our detailed Guidebook for our favorite local restaurants, shops, and hidden gems.

** IMPORTANT DETAILS **

GETTING HERE

The property sits at the top of a hill on a dirt road. We recommend AWD/4WD for November-April stays. The town plows and sands during storms, but Vermont winters require a capable vehicle. (April is mud season—roads can be soft as the snow melts.)

WHAT TO BRING

Slip-on shoes or slippers for walking to the hot tub deck in winter. Your favorite coffee (though we provide beans and a grinder). Any special spices beyond our basics. Groceries from Bennington or Manchester. Firewood for the outdoor fire pit.

HOUSE POLICIES

No pets. No smoking. 6 guests maximum. Check-in after 3 PM, checkout by 11 AM. Self check-in with keypad code.

FARM LIFE

You're on a working farm—expect to hear tractors occasionally, sheep bleating, and all kinds of wildlife. These are the authentic sounds of Vermont, and most guests find them peaceful rather than disruptive. The farm and animals are what make this place special.

** YOUR HOSTS **

We're a multi-generational farming family passionate about regenerative agriculture and sharing this incredible land. Our kids grow up climbing trees, tending sheep, and learning where nutritious natural food comes from. We live to be outside—gardening, hiking, skiing, anything on or in the water.

We've hosted for 9 years and earned Superhost status by responding quickly (within an hour), being available when you need us, and stepping back when you want privacy. Follow our farm journey @studiohillvt.

Guest access
The entire schoolhouse, both decks, yard, and spa deck are exclusively yours. We'll point you to scenic farm trail walks if you'd like to explore the property. Ample parking right at the house.

Other things to note
⭐ 4.98 rating across 750+ reviews
🏆 Airbnb Guest Favorite
💬 "Peaceful," "beautiful views," "perfect escape," "authentic Vermont"

Guests especially love: the outdoor shower, watching sheep from the deck, sunset views, the sauna after skiing, complete privacy, and walking the farm trails.

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Mountain view
Valley view
Kitchen
Wifi
Free parking on premises

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Rated 4.98 out of 5 from 755 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 99% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 1% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Shaftsbury, Vermont, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

The house is located 3 miles down a well-maintained dirt road. It is a secluded location, but there are a wide variety of dining and activities within 15-30 minutes of the farm.

It is a 10-15 minute drive to Bennington where you'll find dining, shops, and groceries, and a 25-30 minute drive to Manchester.

We have TONS of local recommendations in our Airbnb GUIDEBOOK. Click "View Guidebook" to see a map of our favorite dining, shopping, and activities in the area. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about specific activities you're interested in.

This is a beautiful part of Vermont, with loads of hiking, recreation, state parks, skiing, arts, and activities nearby. We're also about 15 minutes from Bennington College.

Bromley Mountain, 35 minutes (Alpine skiing/riding)
Stratton Mountain, 45 minutes (Alpine skiing/riding)
Magic Mountain, 45 minutes (Alpine Skiing, tubing)
Mount Snow, 50 Minutes (Alpine Skiing)
Prospect Mountain, 20 minutes (Nordic skiing/snowshoeing)
Wild Wings, 45 minutes (Nordic skiing/snowshoeing)
Viking Ski Touring (Nordic skiing/snowshoeing)

Meet your host

Superhost
828 reviews
4.98 out of 5 average rating
9 years of hosting
Born in the 80s
My work: Farmer, Airbnb Host
Farmer. Imagineer. Lifelong art & design geek. Over-ambitious DIY-er. Hugger of Trees. Shredder of Gnar. IG @studiohillvt ------------------------------------------------------------- I'm inspired by watching my kids grow up on our family farm, and finding ways to make the land, and creatures who live here, stronger and more resilient. We live to be outside; in the garden, hiking, skiing, doing anything on or in the water. We're passionate about raising healthy food, and learning to live simply and self-sufficiently. We love welcoming people to the farm, and sharing this incredible corner of planet Earth!

Caroline is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 3:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
6 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm