Author
Katherine Englishman
Photographer
via AirBnb
*Traveling during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic increases your risk and the risk of those around you. Please be mindful and observe local restrictions, stock up on supplies and fuel close to home, wash your hands, WEAR A MASK, and practice social distancing with locals. Your safest bet: bookmark this article for post vaccine 2021.
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 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 that Southern Vermont has on offer, especially in the vacation home rental space. 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 down to arts in Brattleboro and hiking in the Green Mountain National Forest—and plenty of road cycling, 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. In NE speak, that's well within reach. Make a long weekend out of it and book a stay at one our top picks for best airbnb cabins to rent in Southern Vermont.
Wardsboro, VT — Modern Cabin
Vibe: Green Mountain Getaway
Yes, the perfect Vermont cabin does exist. This Adirondack-style home strikes the right balance between cozy and chic, with a distinctly mid-century design ethos both inside and out. In less than 20 minutes you can get to Mt. Snow, Stratton, Magic Mountain, and more. Definitely swing by the Sugarhouse at Wheeler’s Farm a few miles down the road for a taste of quintessential Vermont.
Rate: $201/night
Wilmington, VT — Alpine A-Frame
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 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 cabin gets an A.
Rate: $286/night
Townshend, VT — Colt Barn
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
Winhall, VT — Boho A-Frame
Vibe: Hippy Hideout
Rustic mid-century mod and eclectic bohemian touches collide in this peaceful and warm cabin in Winhall. 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
Jamaica, VT — Green Mountain Modern House
Vibe: Future Retro
Book a few nights here for when you fancy yourself a 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: $401/night
Woodstock, VT — The [KAB-IN]
Vibe: Contemporary Log Cabin
Come for the rugged yet refined aesthetic of this authentic log cabin, but stay for the three-acre property that sprawls out into the woods. A bit more modern and upscale than your traditional log cabin, ahem, we mean KA-BIN, this retreat is unique in some of its updated touches but is quintessentially Vermont when it comes to everything else. Case in point: mountain biking trails right outside your door and Long Trail Brewing Co. is just a 15 minute drive away.
Rate: $500/night
Jamaica, VT — Green Mountain Tiny House
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: $206/night
Putney, VT — Honeycrisp Cottage
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 exploring the local trails and spending your nights around the campfire.
Rate: $160/night
Putney, VT — Restorative Escape
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 a quaint way to quarantine with friends.
Rate: $185/night
Wilmington, VT — Secluded Chalet
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
Wardsboro, VT — Mod Cabin
Vibe: The Moody A
This not-so-small black A-Frame can sleep up to six guests, so corral your quarantine crew 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-stocked 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
Dover, VT — Mountain A-Frame
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 11-02-2020
