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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Mountain views, luxurious surroundings, nearby skiing, and a hot tub!
Moretown
Mountain views, luxurious surroundings, nearby skiing, and a hot tub!
- No smoking anywhere on property.
- Please take your shoes off when you enter. Clean slippers provided.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 979463
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the neighborhood
Moretown
Located in Moretown, this vacation 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. Green Mountain Cultural Center and The Cabot Annex Store 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.
Montpelier, VT (MPV-Edward F. Knapp State) - 34 min drive
Restaurants
Red Hen Bakery And Café - 21 min drive
Lawson's Finest Liquids - 20 min drive
The Mad Taco - 20 min drive
Three Mountain Cafe - 21 min drive
Emily’s Bar & Bistro - 20 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.
How much does it cost to stay at A peaceful luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views & nearby skiing!?
As of May 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A peaceful luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views & nearby skiing! on Aug 5, 2026 start from $398, 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.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the 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!?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is A peaceful luxurious retreat with stunning mountain views & nearby skiing! located?
Situated in the mountains, this vacation 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 mi (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
This house was perfect for our Vermont getaway! The property is extremely clean and has everything you need for a week or more of stay. We enjoyed six wondeful days here. We've stayed many places in Vermont, but the view here beats everywhere I've ever been. Can't wait to go back!
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!
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!
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.
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 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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
This property is a unique gem to say the least. The views are breath taking, the architecture of the house gives it a feel of its own and Bob and Marianne are the best hosts on the planet. You are only about 20 minutes from Stowe and other smaller scenic towns and beautiful drives all around. This property will not disappoint and will leave you with a feeling of thankfulness that you were blessed enough to enjoy this truly unique and magical space.
Ross
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Helen M.
Jan 7, 2018
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!
Helen M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 21, 2020
Thank you for this lovely review Helen! You and Scott are most welcome to come stay anytime, of course...
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!
Chris Q.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
About the host
Hosted by Marianne Barton
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