Gathering families, friends, & coworkers

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Entire home

Former Lutheran Church remodeled into a vacation home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

14 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6812000 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Kitchen
Washer
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Gym

Explore the area

Clear Lake, WI

Clear Lake Area Historical Museum
‪2 min walk‬
Apple River
‪14 min drive‬
St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake
‪17 min drive‬
Amery, WI (AHH-Amery Municipal)
‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

14 bedrooms (sleeps 68)

Airplane Adventure Room #202

2 Queen Beds

Angel Room #104

2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bell Tower Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Bicycle Adventure Room #107

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Bird Sanctuary Room #108

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Bunk Room #1 Garden Level

6 Single Bunk Beds

Bunk Room #2 Garden Level

7 Single Bunk Beds

Floral Room #101

2 Queen Beds

Hockey Room #105

1 Double Futon and 1 Queen Bed

Lady Luxury Room #106

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Sun Room #102

2 Queen Beds and 2 Double Beds

Teal Traditions Room #201

2 Queen Beds

Third Level Couch

1 Double Futon

Train Room #103

2 Queen Beds and 1 Single Bed

World Traveler Room #203

2 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms, 4 half bathrooms

Bird Bath Lower Level

Toilet · Shower only

Garden Bath Lower Level

Toilet · Shower only

Ladies Shower Room

Shower only

Men's Restroom

Toilet

Men's Shower Room

Shower only

Second Level Full Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Second Level Half bath

Toilet

Women's Restroom

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Separate dining area

Outdoor play area

Garden

About this property

A large church dining hall and kitchen are just a few of the amazing gathering spaces in this facility. The Great Room, overlook, bar, large deck, and lower level lounge provide space for relaxation and fun. This is the perfect set up for family and friends, set in beautiful Western Wisconsin... just an hour from the Twin Cities or Eau Claire, WI. Reunions, retreats, weddings, and recreational gatherings recommended!

Property manager

Bobbi Schlussler

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
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Please do your best to put games and puzzles back, complete in their boxes.

Seasonal parking restrictions: No overnight parking on city streets during the winter season. Off street parking is available on our empty lot.

Please return the furniture to the position you found it in. Take a picture when you arrive, if you plan to move it around.

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

Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99

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

About the area

Clear Lake

Located in Clear Lake, this holiday home is in a rural area. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Clear Lake Area Historical Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Joel Marsh Wildlife Area and Magnor Lake. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Clear Lake, WI

What's nearby

Clear Lake Area Historical Museum - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Amery Swimming Beach - 14 min drive - 13.8 km
Apple River - 14 min drive - 10.7 km
St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake - 17 min drive - 20.8 km
Wapogasset Lake - 20 min drive - 19.7 km

Restaurants

‪China Garden - ‬15 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
‪Lake Magnor Store - ‬8 min drive
‪Cabin Bar & Grill - ‬4 min walk
‪Ellie's Ice Cream & Coffee - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gathering families, friends, & coworkers pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Gathering families, friends, & coworkers?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gathering families, friends, & coworkers?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Gathering families, friends, & coworkers located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is steps from Clear Lake Area Historical Museum and within 9 mi (15 km) of Magnor Lake and Apple River. Amery Dog Park and Camelia Lake are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Exceptional

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

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Susan T.

18 Jan, 2025

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

Family Holiday

We had a great stay in Clear Lake. The house was big enough to comfortably fit our large extended family and the location was close to the everything. The beds were comfy, the kitchen was well equipped for large meals, and the gathering areas were perfect for our group. We will definitely stay again!!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Guin M.

10 Jan, 2025

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

Perfect family gathering

We appreciated how thought out and well equipped the property was.The kitchen was stocked with everything we could possibly need and the rooms were spacious. This property was perfect for our large group.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margie O.

31 Dec, 2024

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

Perfect Big Family Getaway

This was an amazing property for our large family to gather together to celebrate Christmas. There was plenty of sleeping, dining and gathering space.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher S.

23 Oct, 2024

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

Huge space, perfect for our needs

Property manager was kind, communicative, and responsive to questions. Thoroughly cleaned. Tons of beds, private bedroom space, huge kitchen well stocked with equipment and dishes, and multiple large areas to hang out. We had ~35 people and there was tons of extra space. Clear Lake is a charming town, very small, with friendly locals and a grocery store in short walking distance. Just an hour from MSP airport as well. We had a wonderful time and intend to return when we come back through the region. Perfect!

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pathao V.

6 Sept, 2024

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

Christian Family Retreat

We were greeted by Bobbi. She was very friendly, She gave us a tour of the building and history of each room. Each bedroom had a theme which we liked. We had 42 people which the building had plenty of space for everyone to sleep and enjoy themselves. The kitchen was fully stock with pots, pan, cooking tools, crock pots, coffee machine, plates, spoons, etc. Everything you needed. They went above and beyond with supplies of towels to use for 3 days event. I've been to other VRBOs, this place provided liquid dish so we can wash dishes, hand soap, extra toilet papers, women personal hygiene's in the bathrooms, shampoo & body wash. We are very thankful to be able to experience this place. Church on the outside, but magical mansion of abundance inside. We got to do praise and worship in the main bar room which was holy spirit filled! Plenty of space to park cars. Plenty of yard space to play volleyball and activities. Would recommend to others and go back another time. I would love if there was an ice machine so we can make more ice for larger group verse the small ice cube trays.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David J.

11 Aug, 2024

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

Family reunion

Beautiful facility that easily accommodated our large group.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Jordan C.

2 Aug, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Youth Group Trip

This location was perfect for a large group. Lots of space for everyone and a great kitchen and dining space.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen H.

2 Aug, 2024

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

Large family

We are a large family group, coming from all over the country. This was an ideal place for us to be together. The large kitchen allowed us to cook together; the multiple living spaces allowed various groups to be together -- or apart. Lots of bedrooms allowed us to sleep as privately as we wanted.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Madeline S.

15 Jul, 2024

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

A fantastic second stay

This was our second time staying at the sanctuary with 12 adults and 14 kids. It was the absolute perfect space for us. Plenty of room for meals and for kids to run around. Plenty of bedrooms so we all had our own space and a great lounge area upstairs. Super close to the lake and a short drive from the Twin Cities. We look forward to coming back next year.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie K.

11 Jul, 2024

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

Perfect for large gatherings

We had a family reunion with ages ranging from 3 months to 80 years old. There was plenty of room for everyone. The kitchen was large and stocked with more cooking accessories than we could ever need. The dining area had enough tables for eating, plus extra for games and puzzles. The upper area had ample comfortable seating. The bedrooms and bathrooms were very clean. Separate shower rooms were handy with ample towels, etc. It was convenient having laundry facilities on site. Bobbi was quick to respond to any questions leading up to and during our stay.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Betsy M.

7 Jul, 2024

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

Very nice layout of property.

Very nice property with great layout.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill E.

1 Jul, 2024

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

Family Reunion

The Sanctuary was an excellent option for my family for the reunion. We have nearby property that could not accommodate the whole famiy. Staying and cooking at the Sanctuary allowed us to enjoy days on the farm and evenings all together.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tori M.

24 Jun, 2024

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

Great family reunion spot

We had 25 people for our reunion from MN, CT, NJ, PA, CO, TX, and it was the perfect spot! Fun things to do nearby, plenty of bedrooms/beds, lots of space to hang out, well appointed kitchen with everything we needed. We hope to come back some time soon!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher M.

25 Mar, 2024

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

Sanctuary was awesome

a group of old friends stayed for a weekend to play board games and reconnect. The sanctuary was the perfect match for space and sleeping arrangements. Thanks!

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan T.

5 Jan, 2024

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

Family get together

We loved our stay at the Sanctuary!! The location is great, close to town, the lake, and 30 minutes to the ski hill. The kitchen is well stocked and clean. The bedrooms were plentiful and comfy! Bathrooms were clean and well stocked with towels. There were tons of games and space to enjoy them in the large gathering area. Communication with the property manager was excellent. This was a perfect spot for a big family get together!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Senia D.

2 Jan, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Halteman Christmas

Ww loved how much room there was for the 40 of us. There were tables to play games, put puzzles together, quiet places to nap or several seating areas to have great conversation.

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

23 Oct, 2023

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

Great spot for family reunion

This place is amazing. It has lots of space for multiple families. It is very clean. The kitchen has everything you will need to prepare meals for lots of people. The downstairs area is perfect for kids to gather while the adults can gather upstairs. We had a great weekend. We will be back. There are lots of steps to multiple levels so in case there are mobility issues this won't work for you.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julia S.

28 Aug, 2023

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

Perfect place for a reunion or retreat

This was a great location for our friend group to do a reunion and work remotely for a couple weeks. The lake is a 15 minute walk or 3 minute drive, there are a couple coffee shops within walking distance, and the house itself is massive. It does still look like a church and has a lot of crosses and angels, so just be prepared for that. But it was very well set up for a large group -- 2 large fridges and a freezer in the kitchen, every kitchen item you could need. Lots of dining space and comfortable spaces to hang out and watch movies. This was truly a perfect space to relax and have fun. It was clean and comfortable. Only challenge was the internet -- it was very fast but seemed to have a firewall or something that resulted in it being choppy and kicking us off regularly. We mainly handled this by pairing with our phones, so might recommend bringing a MiFi if you're working remotely. The Village Coffee Shop nearby also had very reliable internet, so we went there fairly often as well.

Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie L.

14 Aug, 2023

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

This was a great place

We had a family reunion here with 37 people. The space was awesome! Lots of spaces for all of us to gather together. The kitchen was amazing!! The manager was great and very accommodating! We would definitely consider staying here again.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

14 Aug, 2023

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

Great Place for Large Groups

The Sanctuary is a great spot for large gatherings!! Very clean, huge fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Plenty of space to hide away for a little alone/work time if needed. Property manager was on top of things and so helpful. Town is small and welcoming and an hour from the twin cities. Definitely recommend this property!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lizzie L.

9 Aug, 2023

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

Wonderful family vacation

Our large extended family had a lovely stay here. Fully stocked doesn't even come close to describing the kitchen. Very comfortable for a large group! Highly recommend!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Jonathan B.

2 Aug, 2023

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

Family Reunion

The beds are comfortable. The place is clean. The kitchen is well-stocked and there is a lot of fridge and freezer space, among numerous other positives. Overall, we were pleased. One thing I would point out for those who might not read the captions of all the pictures is that the Bell Tower room is a walled-off room in the corner of the dining room. For my family's purposes, we did not to use the room as a bedroom and we didn't, but I think we would have been disappointed if we needed to use it as a bedroom.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenni G.

19 Jul, 2023

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

Family Reunion

This was a great place to host or summer family get together. A wonderful kitchen for preparing meals for our large group!

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Madeline S.

17 Jul, 2023

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

Wonderful spot for a large group

We loved our stay at The Sanctuary! It was the perfect spot for our large group, including many small children. Plenty of space for meals, play, and hanging out. We appreciated the fully stocked kitchen and laundry. We look forward to coming back next year!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ericka D.

3 Jul, 2023

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

Highly Recommended

The Santuary ended up being a great property for our family reunion. With everyone traveling from out of state, it was a risk - but it paid off. There is a ton of space, 3 areas with TVs to sit and chat or relax, large bar area, huge kitchen stocked with everything you would ever need, tons of table space (and more fold out tables if more is needed), games & puzzles & books to use stashed in various locations. For those looking for nightlife, this isn't the right place. But if for those in seach or a quiet, large, clean, well maintained location that can sleep a ton of people - this is a great option!

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023