This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier destination.
The first thing you can’t help to notice are the mountain views - Southern Vermont's rolling peaks stretched across the dining room windows like a living postcard that changes with every shift of light. Then comes the warmth beneath your bare feet as you pad across radiant-heated floors toward your morning coffee. This is life at Vermont Vacation Rentals' Sanctuary Houses, where the line between vacation and living well gets delightfully blurred.
Andy Tarantino has created something special in Manchester Center with his two Sanctuary properties. These aren't just places to crash between activities; they're homes designed for the way people actually want to live, with thoughtful details that make daily life a pleasure, and with views that never stop impressing you.
The moment you step through the mudroom, you sense something different. This is functional luxury - spaces designed by someone who understands how families and friends actually use a home. The kitchen features wide angles and accessible design that doesn't sacrifice style, with the microwave positioned low and controls placed where everyone can reach them.
"I designed these houses using Chief Architect software," Andy explains, his pride evident as he points out the custom lighting boxes built into the SIP panel ceilings and the microlam beam wrapped in Douglas fir for visual appeal. "I believe in self-taught skills and practical experience. These homes need to work beautifully for everyone."
That philosophy shows everywhere you look. The master bath features a zero-threshold tile shower and roll-under sink - accessibility done so elegantly, you can’t help but notice the thoughtful engineering. Wide doorways and carefully planned sight lines make the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath homes feel spacious and connected.
What really sets these properties apart are the mountain views that serve as your daily backdrop. From the dining room windows, you can watch sunrise illuminate the ridgelines. The deck access from the master bedroom means your first coffee of the day comes with a panoramic view of Southern Vermont's rolling peaks.
"The views are what people remember," Andy notes. "You can see the mountain ranges from multiple rooms, and each time of day brings something different. Sunset from the deck, sunrise from the dining room - it never gets old."
The homes themselves were built in 2015 using insulated concrete forms and SIP panels, creating structures that stay comfortable year-round. Radiant heat in the cement floors keeps everything warm underfoot, while the tight construction includes an air exchange system that maintains perfect humidity and air quality.
What you won't find here is the corporate vacation rental experience. Andy personally manages both properties and takes genuine pride in creating memorable stays for his guests. His approach is refreshingly personal - he knows the area inside and out and genuinely enjoys helping visitors discover Manchester beyond the obvious attractions.
This personal touch extends to every detail. Andy's meticulous housekeeper ensures each arrival feels like you're the first person to stay, while his local knowledge opens doors to experiences you might not find on your own.
The Sanctuary Houses work especially well for longer visits and larger groups. With four bedrooms each featuring king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms, these properties excel at hosting multi-generational families and multi-couple groups who want privacy without sacrifice. The thoughtful layout means grandparents have their accessible master suite while adult children enjoy equally luxurious accommodations throughout the house.
Both properties include full kitchens designed for real cooking, and spaces where groups can spread out comfortably. The lower level "kids room" features its own bathroom with a tub, while gas fireplaces and outdoor wood-burning options create cozy gathering spots for the whole group.
Andy books directly through his website at vermontvacation-rentals.com, maintaining personal relationships with guests rather than relying on third-party platforms. The properties accommodate various stay lengths, with weekly options that let you truly settle into the Vermont lifestyle.
Both Sanctuary Houses sit in prime Manchester Center locations, just a two-minute drive to downtown attractions with plenty of parking for multiple families' cars, positioned perfectly to maximize those mountain views. The combination of luxury amenities, thoughtful design, and Andy's personal attention creates something rare: vacation rentals that actually feel like an upgrade from home.
When you're sipping that morning coffee, watching the light change across the mountain ranges, you'll understand why guests return year after year. This isn't just accommodation - it's a better way to experience Vermont, one sunrise at a time.
This lodging guide is brought to you in partnership with the Manchester Business Association, connecting you with the businesses and experiences that make Manchester, Vermont, a premier destination.
