When I travel with family and friends, Airbnb and vacation rentals are my accommodation go-to. I love staying at a home where everyone has ample room to spread out, the kids get their own bedroom(s), and there is an onsite kitchen and dining area where the whole group can cook and eat together. I also enjoy the unique and personal touches that owners add to their unique properties. My family recently took a trip to the Waterbury, Vermont, area, and we stayed at a cozy rental called the Terraces Unit at the Crossett Hill Lodge. This woodsy getaway was the perfect spot for lots of fun and relaxation.

I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so when it comes to travel, I plan early and take my time searching for the ultimate place to stay. Months before our recent Labor Day trip to Vermont, I found and booked a sweet, off-season ski condo that seemed perfect for our trip. Feeling accomplished, I thought I was good to go. However, Mother Nature had plans of her own. Weeks before we were supposed to embark on our mini-vacation, we were informed that, sadly, a recent flood had damaged the rental. The property needed extensive repairs and would not be ready in time for our trip.

Slightly panicking, I frantically scoured the internet for “Vermont Vacation Rentals,” “Cozy Cabins In Vermont," and every other search phrase I could think of to help me locate a decent, last-minute rental.  Because our trip was planned for a busy holiday weekend, I was doubtful that we would be able to find another quality home or condo. However, just in the nick of time, I came across the Crossett Hill Lodge’s Terraces unit, an affordable (and available) Duxbury property. Our bad luck with our original rental was about to turn into a very fortunate experience. 

Our long weekend started with a quick lunch with relatives in Berlin and then a road trip to sample some classic Vermont flavors. We bought various cheeses at the Cabot Cheese Factory, grabbed some delicious cider donuts and local maple syrup at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and picked up some Heady Topper at The Alchemist Brewery in nearby Stowe. On our way back, I convinced my family to stop at the haunted Gold Brook Covered Bridge for some exploring and a bit of mystery. By then, it was time to check into our Airbnb.

We traveled up a steep dirt road until we saw a set of criss-crossed skis nailed to a tree and emblazoned "Crossett Hill Lodge." As we made our way down the quiet street, a cozy home surrounded by trees came into view. We parked, found our way over to the property’s “Terraces” suite, and let ourselves inside. A bottle of red wine, some local maps, and a guidebook were set out on the table waiting for our arrival.

The Terraces property was spacious, yet cozy. It contained two bedrooms, one with a queen bed and ensuite bathroom, and another with a set of bunk beds and two double beds. There was also a full kitchen/dining area and a comfy sunken living area with cozy couches, a fireplace, and lots of warm blankets. A fire pit and chairs were accessible in the grassy area outside the living area.

Tired from a busy day of traveling, we settled in for the night. My husband cooked up some hot dogs on the outside grill, and we quickly dug into a bar of delicious Cabot cheese. We wasted no time opening the complimentary vino.

A while later, the property owners, Kathi and Jim, stopped by to say hello. They gave us some local recommendations and told us all about the history of the 1970s-era, architect-designed home. We also learned that they rent out two other properties with the building, a two-bedroom unit called the "Loft," and a smaller studio apartment named the "Sugarhouse." They also manage a local lake house and a historic home in the south of France. The couple travels between the five properties and stays in whatever place is not being currently rented. Sounds like a cool life to me!

We said our goodbyes, and the family and I spent the rest of the night watching a movie, playing a friendly game of darts, and starting a puzzle (something I hadn’t done since COVID quarantine). When it was time to turn in, the kids headed off to the bunkroom, and my husband and I settled down in the master bedroom. Our sleep among the trees was quiet and comfortable.

A lazy next morning was followed by a delicious visit to the nearby Ben and Jerry’s Factory (only a few minutes away), a trip to the fascinating ECHO science museum in Burlington, and a late lunch at the iconic Prohibition Pig restaurant. We returned to the rental for a rest and then took a short hike on the property’s wooded path. Along the way, we discovered an adorable troll house.

At this point, we were beyond exhausted. We devoured some leftovers and played a few of the games that we found in the living room. Although I was tired, I was determined to finish the puzzle. I worked on it late into the evening and finished just before check-out the next morning.

The Crosset Hill Lodge Terraces is one of my all-time favorite Airbnbs In Vermont. It truly turned out to be the perfect accommodation for our short, but busy weekend trip. The Terraces had plenty of room for our whole family, and the property was close to all of the attractions on our vacation agenda. The next time we make a trip to Waterbury for delicious Vermont provisions, we will definitely be returning to the lodge. And if I ever make it to Bourdeilles, I am absolutely booking Kathi and Jim's historic French home. This place also looks amazing! The Terraces and the other properties at the Crossett Hill Lodge can be booked through Airbnb.