Barnard Vacation Rentals, Lodging | Vermont

I’ll admit, I was hesitant to book this place after seeing a review mentioning mouse droppings, but the rest of the reviews were so positive that I decided to give it a chance—and I’m so glad I did! I’ve stayed in many vacation rentals over the past decade, and this one easily ranks in my top five favorite stays. We arrived right at 4 PM, and the cleaner was still finishing up. I noticed other guests mentioned the same in their reviews. It wasn’t a big deal for us—the cleaner was friendly and just wrapping things up—but it’s something that could definitely be improved in the future to ensure the home is ready before check-in time. The property itself is absolutely beautiful. The scenery is straight out of a postcard—the pond, the flowing stream, the trees, and the small waterfall right outside the home are all breathtaking. To reach the front door, you cross a charming little wooden bridge over the waterfall pond and walk up a few stone steps. It’s lovely, but worth noting that it wouldn’t be ideal for guests with mobility issues. Once inside, the home was spotless (after the cleaner left). The spiral staircase was such a fun and unique feature, and I loved going up and down it. The upstairs area is a bit tight, so taller guests—especially over six feet—will need to watch their heads. The beds were very comfortable, and I slept great every night. The kitchen has a Keurig, which I was excited about, but unfortunately there were no K-cups or coffee supplies provided—a small disappointment for a coffee lover like me. The washing machine was also out of order, which was a bit inconvenient since I packed light expecting to do laundry. It wasn’t a major issue, though; I just had to stretch my outfits a bit. I loved the little details that gave the home so much character, like the moose and deer mounts on the walls. The heated bathroom floors were an amazing surprise for my cold feet in the mornings, and the view from the bathroom window was stunning—definitely the most scenic spot for a morning “number two”! My absolute favorite part of the home was the front deck. Sitting outside listening to the waterfall, the birds, and the breeze through the trees was pure serenity. We took full advantage of the kayaks and paddleboard on the pond, though it was a little too chilly for swimming during our stay. I’d love to come back in the summer to enjoy that. What stood out the most was how peaceful and private everything felt. It truly felt like we were tucked away in the woods, far from civilization, and it made for one of the most relaxing vacations I’ve had in a long time. All in all, this home exceeded my expectations, and I’ll definitely be keeping it on my list for future stays. I can’t wait to come back someday with my family!