Stained Glass, Fall Foliage, Fly Fishing, Fireplaces, King Bed, Hike Douthat

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.
Amenities

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


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

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