Author
Katherine Englishman
Photographer
via AirBnb
Photo by Vermont Schoolhouse Farm Cottage
Chances are good that we don’t need to try too hard to convince you to book a cabin in Vermont. The Green Mountain State is home to some of the most coveted natural landscapes in all of the Northeast. And adventures aplenty—thousands of acres of forested land and mountainous terrain to explore year-round by way of an endless network of skiing and hiking trails etched into its beautiful topography. Not to mention, more maple syrup, craft beer, and Ben & Jerry’s per capita than you could ever actually need—or, consume, for that matter. No complaints here.
Instead, allow us to play tour guide and highlight all the state has to offer, especially in the VRBO and Airbnb rental space. Northern Vermont, with the lively town of Burlington, several excellent ski resorts like Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Stowe, and more, is home to countless vermont cabin rentals—from cozy log cabins and ski chalets, to hip A-Frames and off-grid escapes.
The southern end of the state may not have bragging rights as the home of the Beast of East or Burlington’s lakefront property, but it doesn’t need to. From skiing at Okemo and Killington down to arts in Brattleboro and Stratton and plenty of biking, kayaking, fly fishing, more skiing, and just about every other outdoor activity you could think of—Southern Vermont has all the goods and then some.
Plus it's just shy of a three-hour drive from Boston, and about four and change from New York City, while Montreal, Canada, the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire, and the Adirondack region of New York state can all be reached in under a four-hour drive from Northern Vermont. In NE speak, that's not a bad drive.
Make a long weekend out of it and book your own Green Mountain getaway from our top picks for the best Vermont cabin rentals in this state's lush landscape.
20 Best Airbnbs in Vermont for an Outdoorsy Weekend Away
Canopy House — Stowe, VT
Vibe: Eclectic & Cozy
Less than a 10-minute drive to downtown Stowe, this boho A was voted one of the top Airbnb's in New England by Condé Nast and Boston Globe-impressive! Inside, rustic wooden furniture meets eclectic, cozy details and a hot tub and seating awaits on a private deck outside.
Rate: $451/night
Schoolhouse Cottage — Shaftsbury, VT
Vibe: Rise n' Shine
Newly renovated, this converted schoolhouse looks out over a 270-acre regenerative organic farm, and the surrounding Green Mountains. The interior features rustic furniture and colorful textiles, while outside, a spacious deck hosts a newly added hot tub and barrel sauna.
Rate: $307/night
Little Red Cottage — Wilmington, VT
Vibe: Beach AND Mountains
Located near Green Mountain Beach, Hogback Mountain Conservation Area, Haystack Golf Course, and Timber Creek Cross Country Ski, there's no lack of outdoor activities near this bright and charming cabin. The screened-in porch is the perfect place to hang out in the summer, while the beachy interior with a central wood stove is a cozy winter-time hideaway.
Rate: $83/night
Owl Hill House — Pownal, VT
Vibe: Sculptural Abode
This organically shaped home was built by a group of sculptors in the 1980s and has since undergone a renovation by one of the original members. While the cave-lake interior is enough to explore, the home is located close to Mass MoCA, Bennington, and southern Vermont's verdant landscape.
Rate: $204/night
Romantic Retreat Cottage — Granville, VT
Vibe: Cinephile Style
Under a one-hour drive to Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, and Killington, this cozy cabin is the perfect place to call basecamp for a weekend of skiing. Après-ski by the wood stove or in the hot tub on the deck, then watch a movie on the home projector before doing it all again the next day.
Rate: $230/night
Scandi Cabin — Royalton, VT
Vibe: Sweet Seclusion
Call this 400-square-foot studio-sized cabin home for a weekend and get some much-needed solo time. Featuring minimalist, contemporary design and a secluded location, rest and relax, then once you're centered, head to nearby Killington, Sugarbush, Stowe, and a number of other ski resorts for exercise
Rate: $143/night
Sunset Cottage — Castleton, VT
Vibe: Country Charm
Located along the banks of Lake Bomoseen, the Sunset Cottage is a welcoming retreat in any season. Spend warmer months on the screened-in porch, around the outdoor fire-pit, and swimming at nearby Crystal Beach, and the colder months cuddled up around the wood stove or going out for a bite in nearby Middlebury.
Rate: $135/night
Wooden Yurt — Woodbury, VT
Vibe: Handcrafted Home
This handcrafted yurt features cozy nooks and crannies for a relaxing weekend escape. On the banks of Forest Lake, and a 30-minute drive to Montpelier and the famed Bread and Puppet Theather, there's no lack of things to do in the surrounding area, once you decide to emerge.
Rate: $95/night
Sterling Treehouse — Stowe, VT
Vibe: Modern Marvel
Industrial and modern, this cabin of steel, maple, bronze, concrete, and glass strikes an impressive picture on its wooded property in Stowe, VT. Within an hour's drive to both downtown Burlington and Montpelier, its location lends itself to some awesome outdoor attractions too, like Catamount Trail, VAST Trail, Sterling Forest, and of course, Stowe Ski Resort.
Rate: $507/night
Happy Hollow Barn — Huntington, VT
Vibe: So Much Room for Activities
Embrace the countryside experience in this renovated barn house. The owners refinished a barn from the 1800s and then had it shipped to the property it lies on now. Much of the original structure was successfully saved to create this warm hideaway and cabin lovers will feel right at home amongst its rustic beams.
Rate: $400/night
Alpine A-Frame — Wilmington, VT
Vibe: Little Blue A in the Woods
This petite A-Frame stands out thanks to a cheerful pop of color. Inside, big, bright windows and a mid-century fireplace might make it hard to leave the coziness of this wood-paneled mountain cabin, but you really should. Lake Raponda is just a quick walk down the road and a smattering of popular ski resorts are all within striking distance. Oh, and stroll through Wilmington for the quaintest small-town Vermont experience of all time—a stop at Dot’s Diner is a must. It’s safe to say this Vermont vacation rental gets an A.
Rate: $193/night
Colt Barn — Townshend, VT
Vibe: An Actual Farm
What could be more Vermont than staying on a working goat farm that produces cheese and caramel? Not. Much. While the price is steep, a stay in this bright and spacious cabin could very well be your most memorable vacay. When you’re not traipsing around the farm collecting eggs and eating your weight in homemade goat cheese, make sure you spend some time soaking up the minimal-meets-rustic aesthetic of this rural retreat.
Rate: $499/night
Boho A-Frame — Winhall, VT
Vibe: Hippy Hideout
Rustic mid-century mod and eclectic bohemian touches collide in this peaceful and cozy cabin in Winhall—with mountain views to boot. A large, stone wood-burning fireplace brings in the cozy while the lofted bedroom and contemporary furniture keep it from feeling cramped. Head over to the Green Mountain National Forest for some hiking along the Appalachian Trail or spend a day carving it up at local mom and pop ski hills, Magic and Bromley Mountain.
Rate: $200/night
Green Mountain Modern House — Jamaica, VT
Vibe: Future Retro
Book a few nights here for when you fancy yourself a Vermont getaway somewhere both modern and rustic. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, this contemporary cabin has a sleek design, an open-concept living and dining room that flows into the kitchen, and an indoor sauna. Throughout the space, distinctly woodsy and cozy details give it that good ol’ cabin feel.
Rate: $279/night
Green Mountain Tiny House — Jamaica, VT
Vibe: Little Big House
Everything you need and nothing you don’t. This tiny house is a luxe twist on a Vermont farmhouse, just shrunken down to a very small size. Make good use of all the fresh, local food in the full kitchen complete with a four-burner gas stove and oven and butcher-block countertops. Crank on the electric fireplace inside when it’s chilly or go kick back around an open bonfire under the stars.
Rate: $146/night
Honeycrisp Cottage — Putney, VT
Vibe: Tiny Timber Frame
It may have a small footprint but this mountainside retreat is a comfy, stylish, and energy-efficient rental tucked away in Southern Vermont. A wall of windows and wooden ceiling beams bring in a bright and airy feel to this secluded spot. Since most ski areas are an hour away, plan on outdoor adventure on local trails and spending your nights around the campfire.
Rate: $213/night
Restorative Escape — Putney, VT
Vibe: One with Nature
Indulge in the sweet serenity of this 6-acre homestead. With an emphasis on living the simple life, this down-to-earth getaway has all the trappings of an idyllic Vermont cabin in the form of spacious sun-filled rooms, a woodstove, built-in reading nook, and fresh eggs from the coop. There’s also a yurt available for rent on the property for extra guests.
Rate: $185/night
Secluded Chalet — Wilmington, VT
Vibe: I Dream of Alpine
A vaulted ceiling and cedar-clad walls brings in strong ski cabin vibes to this Wilmington escape. It’s only a four-mile drive to Mt. Snow, so in the winter make sure you spend a day skiing, whether it’s downhill or at the local cross-country trails. A wraparound deck is perfect for the warmer months, but the woodstove and general coziness caters more to the snowy seasons.
Rate: $203/night
Mod Cabin — Wardsboro, VT
Vibe: The Moody A
This not-so-small black A-Frame can sleep up to six guests, so corral your family or friends and spend some time lounging around on the expansive deck, by the vintage-y fireplace, or taking a soak in the hot tub spa. Inside, the cabin channels a minimal Scandinavian sense of style with a fully equipped kitchen. But the real highlight is the close proximity to trails, ski areas, and the town of Brattleboro, which has an epic selection of farm fresh food at the co-op and cool city center.
Rate: $650/night
Mountain A-Frame — Dover, VT
Vibe: Cozy Boho
At the base of Mount Snow, this unique A-Frame is also right in the heart of town, meaning restaurants, coffee shops, and more are just steps away. An interesting exterior provides some cool seating spots and the interior is modern-boho, with a hint of country chic.
Rate: $249/night
Published 04-12-2023
