Stained glass windows are stunning from the inside of the sanctuary, and when the sanctuary is lit, they make a lovely Instagrammable backdrop for a selfie like no other!
The Holiday Season is a special time in Clifton Gorge, and a joyous experience at Sanctuary 1890.  Come stay with us in late Fall to get in the Holiday Spirit!
Stroll through this light display at Smith Creek PArk, just a few minute walk from the Church! Enjoy that special time when leaf peeping season gives way to holiday lights.  You'll find homes and businesses decked out for the season.
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
We mark the start of the holiday season by adorning the doors with holiday wreaths.  It's a small preview of what you'll experience upon entering....
In late Fall, the glow of the main fireplace gets dressed up with the glow of the Holiday season.
Come late Fall, the twinkling lights are out in full force.
Seasonal touches bring the warmth of the season.
Regale your friends and family with your musical styling or give a beginner's try!  This Yamaha upright piano that used to fill the church with hymns is now yours to make beautiful music with during your stay.
The only standing bridge of its type in the U.S., Humpback Bridge is a 100 foot long bridge constructed in 1857 located in what is now a 5 acre wayside park with picnic tables and restroom facilities.
Com see us during the holidays and take in a show at the historic Masonic Theater.
The Holiday Season is special here.
Relax and slumber in a king bed with memory foam mattress, with a headboard with integrated USB plugs, nestled in an enclosure that allows open air sleeping under the stained glow of stained glass or the privacy of curtain enclosure.
Falling Springs Falls is just a short drive away, accessible via a scenic overlook, and a perfect spot for Instagram worthy photos!
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
As you drive into town from the East from art 64 you’ll be treated to colorful art and artistry reflective of the character and talent of Clifton Forge
Enter from the side entrance into the kitchen with your door code.  No keys to keep track of.
Relax with a book as the sun streams through the colored glass.
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Whether it's coffee, tea, hot cocoa, y
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Plain coffee not required.  Make your coffee or hot cocoa your own with these flavored syrups.
If you like to cook, In the kitchen you'll find stainless steel cookware.  If you don't, let us guide you to our favorite spots to grab a bite!
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 retains much of it's historic character and 19th century charm, including its original stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary, and even the kitchen.
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Formerly the "Cloaking Room" this space offers a twin daybed, it's own infrared fireplace, bathed in light.
The twin daybed has a memory foam mattress for maximum comfort when lounging or sleeping.
Grab a good read to relax in front of the fireplace or bring your own favorite book.
The full bathroom is located down a few short steps from the "Cloaking Room."  It's spacious and includes full shower/bathtub combination.
The bathroom is just four short steps down from the "Cloaking Room" and is generously sized, and well stocked with bath towels and shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
The church's vestibule provides ample space for hanging coats and pews to sit and remove boots in the glow of a pair of stained glass windows.
Catch view of the beautiful Alleghany mountains from the front steps.
This electric fireplace provides a gentle glow and a bit of warmth with the touch of a button.
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Lexington-opoly anyone?  You can probably guess with our proximity to the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA (30 minutes, all highway) why this game is a favorite here.
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Nap here! Wake up refreshed and free from aches and pains, as the stunning view of stained glass windows above adds a touch of peaceful beauty to your relaxation.
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Clifton Forge has several trails within its town limits, so one does not need to venture far to enjoy the benefits of hiking. Hazel Run Trail, Fairmont Trail, Smith Creek Trail and Lovers’ Walk are four trails within Clifton Forge.
Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge
Picture postcard perfect views like this will draw you in. Whether you want to hike, fly fish, take a lazy drive, or just pull into a scenic overlook, splendid views abound!
How many LOVE signs can you spot around town?
Behind these doors lies sanctuary - rest and relaxation, slumber beneath the glow of stained glass, and an escape to a simpler time with good food, walkable towns, & outdoors without the tent!

Sanctuary 1890 at Clifton Forge - Clifton Forge

5 guests
1 bedrooms
1 bathrooms
CabinEntire place
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Hosted by Jennifer & Adam

8 years hosting on Houfy

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Pets are allowed

Case by case basis; 2 per stay; fee required

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About this place

Home 4 Your Holidays! 5 min 2 Douthat, Stained Glass Glow, King Bed, Fireplaces

🎄We’re Dressed for the Holidays! Just bring your presents!
🕊️ Peaceful Vibes & ⛪️ Stained Glass!
🛏️ Sleeps 5 | 🎹 Piano | ☕ Coffee Bar |
🍁 Fall foliage & 🌲Douthat State Park
🔑 Keyless entry for easy check-in
🔥 Two Fireplaces
👑 King, Queen, Twin - memory foam!
🐶 Dog friendly
📍Walk to shops, restaurants & the arts!
✨ Perfect for Families, Friends, or Couples

Sanctuary 1890 – A Sacred Space Reimagined

Welcome to Sanctuary 1890, a one-of-a-kind vacation retreat nestled in the heart of Clifton Forge, Virginia. Once a beloved church, this historic gem has been lovingly transformed into a peaceful, light-filled sanctuary blending timeless charm with modern comforts.
Bask in the Glow of Stained Glass

From the moment you arrive, the beauty of the original architecture will captivate you—arched doorways, intricate woodwork, and stunning stained glass windows await behind the original wooden doors.

Inside, the open-concept sanctuary invites you to relax and reconnect in a space like no other:
Vaulted cathedral ceilings that soar overhead
Original stained glass windows that bathe the room in warm, colorful light
Spacious, open floor plan designed for gathering, resting, and dreaming

A Kitchen with Soul! - Whether you're brewing coffee or preparing a full meal, the kitchen retains the church's original character while offering modern-day convenience.

Kitchen features:
Apartment-sized 4-burner electric stove with oven
Refrigerator with freezer
Toaster/convection oven
Electric kettle
Keurig for single brews or carafes of coffee
Flavored coffee syrups for customizing your morning cup

Sleep Beneath the Stained Glass!
Instead of traditional bedrooms, the sanctuary offers three distinct sleeping spaces that embrace the open design while allowing for privacy and rest.

Sleeping arrangements:
Queen Canopy Bed on the Dais
Memory foam mattress
Optional bed curtains for coziness or openness
Views of stained glass in every direction

King Bed at the Heart of the Sanctuary
Memory foam mattress
Custom headboard with shelves, USB ports, and outlets
Surrounded by reimagined pews for a semi-private experience
Optional curtains for privacy or a full 360° stained glass view

Twin Daybed in the Cloaking Room
Bathed in natural light
Memory foam mattress
Direct access to the full bathroom
Private exit for fresh air
Cozy electric fireplace

Explore Clifton Forge!
Step outside and stroll into a storybook downtown filled with small-town charm. Within walking distance, you’ll find:

Downtown delights:
Quaint shops and boutiques
Cozy cafes and locally-owned restaurants
Friendly locals and a strong sense of community

Nearby attractions:
C&O Railway Heritage Center – Explore vintage locomotives and learn about the area’s rich rail history
Historic Masonic Theatre – Catch a film, live performance, or concert in a beautifully restored historic venue

Whether You're Seeking...
A spiritual retreat
A creative escape
Or a memorable getaway with family or friends

...Sanctuary 1890 offers a stay like no other—a peaceful retreat where stained glass and soaring ceilings meet plush beds and modern amenities including:
High-speed Wi-Fi
Central heating and air conditioning
Comfortable memory foam beds
Fully equipped kitchen
Upright piano for guest use
Walkable to downtown Clifton Forge and the Clifton Forge School of the Arts
NOTE: Washing machine and clothes dryer are located in the separate detached garage building and are shared with the tenant in the separate apartment above the garage.

Guest Capacity: Sleeps up to 5 guests comfortably

Nearby Attractions
Douthat State Park
Humpback Bridge
Island Ford Cave
Historic Masonic Theater
Clifton Forge School of the Arts
Virginia Horse Park (Lexington, VA)

Welcome to a truly unique and enchanting vacation experience in the heart of Clifton Forge, Virginia! Our vacation home, once a charming church, has been meticulously transformed into a one-of-a-kind retreat that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Bask in the Glow of Stained Glass

As you approach the property, you'll be greeted by the picturesque facade of the former church, adorned with stunning stained glass windows and intricate architectural details. Step through the original wooden doors, and you'll find yourself in a spacious and thoughtfully designed living space that preserves the awe-inspiring character of the building.

The main living area boasts soaring vaulted ceilings that reach towards the heavens, allowing natural light to cascade through the original stained glass windows, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the living and dining spaces, creating an ideal setting for gathering with family and friends.

The kitchen is a harmonious blend of modern functionality and classic charm. Equipped with modern appliances, it invites culinary enthusiasts to whip up delicious meals while surrounded by the historic charm of the church's original features. Here you'll find an apartment sized four burner electric stove with oven, a refrigerator with freezer, toaster/convection oven, kettle for tea, a Keurig for single brew cups or carafes of coffee, and flavored coffee syrups to customize your brew.

Instead of separate bedrooms, the open-concept sanctuary provides two separate sleeping areas. A queen canopy bed on the dais offers the comfort of memory foam mattress and the choice of the seclusion of bed curtains, or the full view of the stained glass that bathes the room with light and color. A king bed takes center stage where the congregation once sat, offering the comfort of a memory foam mattress and a headboard with shelves for an evening read and USB plugs and power outlets for your tablets and electronics. Pews are reborn in this space to provide enclosure that retains connection to the larger space and curtains offer the option of privacy or a 360 degree view of the stained glass windows that surround you for slumber. It provides a peaceful sanctuary with plush bedding and unique architectural details offering the unique experience of waking up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the stained glass, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the walls.

Formerly the Cloaking room, through two doors on the side of the open-concept main sanctuary, you'll find a room bathed in daylight and offering a twin daybed with a memory foam mattress. The Cloaking Room offers direct access to the full bathroom shared with other guests, two entrances into the open-concept Sanctuary, a door to step outside for fresh air, and an electric fireplace for warmth and relaxation.

Step outside an explore the historic downtown, where quaint storefronts and locally-owned shops offer a delightful shopping experience, while cozy restaurants invite residents and visitors to savor delicious meals in a relaxed atmosphere. The friendly faces of shop owners and warm greetings exchanged on the streets create a sense of community that defines Clifton Forge as a charming town that seamlessly blends history, natural beauty, and small-town hospitality.

Just a short walk away you'll find the restored C&O Railway Heritage Center, showcasing the area's pivotal role in the development of the rail industry where you can explore vintage locomotives, learn about the history of the railway, and appreciate the significance of Clifton Forge in shaping the region's transportation legacy. Or, see a movie or a performance at the charming Masonic Theatre, a historic venue meticulously restored, which serves as a cultural hub for live performances, concerts, and community gatherings.

Whether you're seeking a spiritual retreat or a luxurious getaway, our former church vacation rental in Clifton Forge, Virginia, provides an unforgettable experience that marries history, elegance, and comfort. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this lovingly restored space and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Amenities:

High-speed Wi-Fi
Central heating and air conditioning
Comfortable memory foam beds
Fully equipped kitchen
Upright piano for guest use
Easy walk to downtown Clifton Forge and the Clifton Forge School of the Arts

Guest Capacity: Sleeps up to 5 guests comfortably.

Nearby Attractions:

Douthat State Park
Humpback Bridge
Island Ford Cave
Historic Masonic Theater
Clifton Forge School of the Arts
Virginia Horse Park in nearby Lexington, VA

---> Click my Profile Image to see Reviews and our Outer Banks, NC (OBX) homse, Admiral's Watch OBX (Oceanside, 4 bedroom, 2 bath) AND Captain's Cabin OBX (Soundside, 2 bedroom, 1 bath)

Sleeping configuration

"The Cloaking Room"

1 single bed

Other sleeping area or Living room 1

1 king bed, 1 queen bed

What this place offers

28 Amenities
Washing Machine
Iron & Board
Hair Dryer
Linens Provided
Full Kitchen
Oven
Patio
High Speed Internet
Desk chair
Smart TV
Smoke Detector
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Processing...

Nearby activities

8
Kayaking
Cycling
Swimming
Fishing
Basketball
Hunting
Bird Watching

Property Suitability

Please review these important guidelines to ensure this property meets your needs and expectations.

Child friendly

No events allowed

No smoking allowed

Parking Included

Meet the Host

Jennifer & Adam profile picture
Jennifer & Adam

Owner

English
We live and work in the hustle and bustle of the D.C. metro area and had always enjoyed visiting the Outer Banks with its eclectic mix of activities ranging from familiar to unique, usually staying in hotels due to time and budget constraints. When the opportunity arose for us to purchase a classic beachbox in need of some TLC, we jumped at the opportunity to own a "bit of the beach" and to share it with others so that they can experience a piece of the magic that is the heart of the Outer Banks.
Response Rate
100%
Response Time
within a few hours
Member Since
November 2017

Have Questions?

Jennifer & Adam typically responds within within a few hours

Select travel dates

Getting around

Clifton Forge is located at Exit 24 on Route 64 in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia.

To Douthat State Park: 5.7 miles
To Covington, Virginia: 13 miles
To Humpback Covered Bridge: 16 miles
To Falling Spring Falls: 18 miles
To Lexington, Virginia: 29 miles
To The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA: 35 miles
To The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, WV: 36 miles
To Roanoke, VA: 44 miles
To Blacksburg, VA: 77 miles
To Charlottesville, VA: 95 miles
To Charleston, WV: 150 miles
To Richmond, VA: 166 miles
To Washington, DC: 218 miles

Consider Amtrak for a comfortable train journey! Amtrak also provides train services from Washington, D.C. and areas to the north down to Clifton Forge via the Cardinal Line which connects New York to Chicago and points in between. Check the Amtrak website for the most up-to-date schedules and ticket information.

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Policies & Rules

Check-In
4PM
Flexible timing
Check-Out
10AM
Standard
Max Guests
5 People
Including infants
Min Age
18
Primary renter
Not Allowed
Smoking • Parties
$Security Deposit
300
Refundable

Click sections for details • All policies strictly enforced

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