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Charming Award-winning Private Garden & Artist Retreat near nightlife, outdoors

Family-friendly guesthouse in Colchester

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Photo gallery for Charming Award-winning Private Garden & Artist Retreat near nightlife, outdoors

Exterior
Property grounds
Exterior detail
Living area
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
NZ$329
avg per night

Explore the area

View map
Colchester, VT
  • Place, University of Vermont
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Church Street Marketplace
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Place, Waterfront Park
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Burlington, VT (BTV-Burlington Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
The current price is NZ$329
avg per night

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About the area

Colchester

Located in Colchester, this guesthouse is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Saint Michael's Playhouse and Sunset Drive-In Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Arrowhead Golf Course and Essex Family Fun & Entertainment Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Beverage Warehouse, or check out an event or a game at Centennial Field. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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What's nearby

  • Saint Michael's College - 14 min drive - 21.0 km
  • University of Vermont - 17 min drive - 21.7 km
  • Church Street Marketplace - 20 min drive - 23.5 km
  • Lake Champlain Ferry - 20 min drive - 27.1 km
  • Waterfront Park - 21 min drive - 24.2 km

Getting around

  • Essex Junction-Burlington Station - 19 min drive
  • Burlington, VT (BTV-Burlington Intl.) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Milton Diner - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪MILTON BEVERAGE - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Rozzi's Lakeshore Tavern - ‬19 min drive

About this property

Charming Award-winning Private Garden & Artist Retreat near nightlife, outdoors

Private award-winning private garden & artist-retreat/guest suite/apartment in modern/renovated 1770's home. Private entry, high ceilings, stained-glass windows, private screened porch, shoji screens, hardwood floors, upscale bathroom. Luxury queen bed + linens. There are actually 2 bedrooms with queen beds: one downstairs in the main area and a separate 'loft' area overlooking the living space. Full kitchen.

Access to everything within minutes: (1) lake (2) Burlington dining/activities (3) private beach/kayaks (4) biking/hiking/skiing. Garden: private seating areas, custom sculptures, koi pond/stream, a full-size walking meditation labyrinth hidden in the woods, horticultural specimens, patio, firepit, hammocks, sports

Spectacular and private garden space sometimes used for private concerts, performances, martial arts practice, painting classes, meditating. The koi-pond is interesting in both summer and winter; frog-watching, lots of birds, wildlife. Outdoor seating areas with hammocks and a grill for cooking.

2nd bedroom is in a loft accessed via ladder. Nice, with queen bed. Lots of storage, closet space, drawers, refrigerator/freezer, microwave and toaster-oven, electric stovetop, dining table and utensils (plates, glasses, silverwear), heating and air-conditioning.

Plenty of onsite parking. Sports include chess/checker iron + glass table outdoors, badminton and basketball courts, cornhole tossing, labyrinth, and 2 State Parks within minutes with beaches, kayaking, cross-country skiing, etc. Multiple downhill ski areas, hiking trails, mountain resorts are within a short driving distance.

Amenities

Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:30 AM
default

Children

Adults only
Not really suitable for children under 6 yrs.
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No parties or extra guests.
All guests must be fully vaccinated against covid (shots and booster) as defined by the current CDC and NIH guidelines.
For stays beyond one week, an additional cleaning fee of $75 per week may be applied if necessary as determined by the guests needs and space upkeep.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Award-winning Private Garden & Artist Retreat near nightlife, outdoors pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Charming Award-winning Private Garden & Artist Retreat near nightlife, outdoors?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Award-winning Private Garden & Artist Retreat near nightlife, outdoors?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Charming Award-winning Private Garden & Artist Retreat near nightlife, outdoors located?

This family-friendly Colchester guesthouse is located on the waterfront, 2 mi (3.1 km) from Niquette Bay State Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Sand Bar State Park and Lake Champlain Islands. Eagle Mountain Natural Area and Colchester Pond Natural Area are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

Charming Award-winning Private Garden & Artist Retreat near nightlife, outdoors Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 57 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brandon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Indoor location was as described in the listing. Very clean and comfortable. Ken met us upon arrival and answered any questions and showed us around. Outdoors was beyond any expectations. It is obvious that Ken has put years into the landscaping at this home and there's something new to find and appreciate every time we went out. Location is 30 minutes or less from Colchester, Winooski, Burlington, and UVM.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent place

Absolutely beautiful grounds. Awesome accommodations. Very responsive host.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love this place!

Absolutely stunning architectural landscaping!! We enjoyed walking through each section of this place. So peaceful!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ed K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The beautifully crafted and cared for studio and gardens helped to create a relaxing, peaceful, and energizing place to stay as we celebrated our anniversary in Vermont. Every space was beautiful, with artistic touches and everything that we needed. We loved the gardens and spent a good deal of time on the lovely screen porch, reading and listening to birds and the waterfall,etc. The location was convenient to every place we wanted to spend our time, from the Champlain islands down to Burlington.Ken is a wonderful host - kind, warm friendly, and attentive to details that make your stay that much more enjoyable. He is a talented artist and host! Our experience exceeded our hopes (which wasn’t easy to do!!).
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Enchantment

We spent 5 wonderful days at Studio Ju Ju, part of it during a heat wave, so we were grateful for the air conditioned living space. Everything we needed was at hand, some tucked into repurposed cabinets and curios. The beautiful gardens were the highlight of our stay, replete with whimsical sculptures and artistic surprises. Everywhere we looked there was something new and magical to discover. Located between Burlington and the lovely Hero Islands, we left feeling we’d spent a week in wonderland. The friendly but non- intrusive host went out of his way to accommodate us. We highly recommend this place to anyone looking to slow down and soak up some peace and beauty.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful sanctuary

The cottage was thoughtfully stocked with all we needed & more than expected, such as breakfast items in the fridge. The best part were the grounds, a wooded landscape, sculptures, a pond, many places to stroll or sit outside to take in the beauty & serenity.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

JEFFREY R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Serenity

We loved this property! It is quite unique and special. Very artful with a perfect touch of whimsy, the owners have built a wonderful oasis in which to relax and recharge.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

maureen a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private Property and Zen Gardens

The homeowner was very responsive when we were booking. The apartment was well equipped and clean. The private gardens were enjoyable to walk each morning with a cup of coffee. Ken’s gardens will impress you!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gabriella B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Artsy Mountain Oasis

This gorgeous property was just the place we needed for a weekend of rest and relaxation. The studio layout is neat and well furnished. Everything was very clean and easy to use. We loved exploring the garden and taking in the silence of the area. Close enough to Burlington for food and entertainment. Owners are very kind and accommodating as they live onsite.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A sanctuary

If you are enticed by the photos of the property, then be prepared for the reality of the property - it is even better in-person. My wife and I were in the area for a charity bike ride and it was a perfect place to stay and relax. The host is communicative and available. A wonderful place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Most impressive

Very impressive gardens. Host met us and walked us through the property. We spent 14 days in this is a very comfortable studio with a skylight that kept it bright and cheery. A nice, screened porch where we enjoyed out coffee every morning then wandered through the multitude of paths in the 1.5-acre garden area with water fall and pond, gazebos, and fire pit sitting areas . We had friends over and they summed it up perfectly that it was like a “theme park”. The host checked with to see if we needed anything during out stay. All in all, we would give this a perfect 5-star rating. Thank you so much to the host.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a wonderful stay!

First off: Ken met us at the driveway to be sure we knew which property was his, (which was helpful because the road is tree-lined, and it might have been easy to miss his mailbox). He took us on a quick tour of the rental, and then left us to ourselves. Second: The garden... Oh my, what a garden! It took us days to feel like we had found all of the artful treasures in the garden, but I'm sure we didn't find everything. I especially appreciated the labyrinth walking path, which helped me focus on relaxing and set the tone for the rest of our stay. The screened-in out-buildings were so comfy, with lots of inviting furniture (epecially the hammocks). There is also a lovely water feature with a fountain, and more comfy sitting areas. Third: By the end of our stay we found ourselves spending more time at the property than we did visiting Burlington, and we're sure we made right choice... I don't think we missed anything by not rushing into town. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who is looking for a comfy, relaxing stay close to Burlington, even if you don't end up visiting Burlington as much as you originally planned! We can't wait to visit again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host and property were amazing! Loves the gardens. Thanks for the comfy bed and we loved the homey feel!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is such a gem! I stayed for 8 nights while working in the area, and it truly felt like coming home to a mini retreat at the end of each eork day. The property is beautifully landscaped, with charming little surprises in every nook and cranny. The indoor space had everything I needed. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the bathroom was gorgeous. On a few chilly mornings, I especially appreciated the bathroom heater! The host was welcoming and helpful! I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our first visit to Vermont, the rental was even more than we expected! Ken was the best host, the fridge was stocked full of Vermont products. I can’t brag enough about “the comforts of home.” The beautiful gardens and sculpture onsite were a testament to years of Ken’s hard work. I-89 made each day’s excursions easy-peasy.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alison K.

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
One of the most unique rental experiences we’ve ever had! There is now way words or pictures can do justice to this beautiful place. And in addition, Ken was an amazing host! He reached out when he noticed my booking seemed off—and yes, I had booked for the wrong year. We got that sorted and it was smooth sailing from then on. Check in was easy and it was nice of him to give us a tour of the grounds and explain all the thoughtful details of the studio. It’s not a huge place, but everything is so well thought out, you don’t miss the extra space. And also we spent most of our time enjoying the outdoors! Highly recommend, it’s just perfect!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location

This was a perfect spot for me. It was 10 minutes from the Apple Island marina boat ramp. It was a very clean and quiet environment.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely beautiful property with multiple water features. The photos of the property don’t do it justice. Ken Mills was exceptionally hospitable. Highly recommended!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It’s a destination, not just a room!

If I could give 6 stars I would. We stayed longer at the location than we expected. There is so much creativity and thought that went into developing this place. The room itself was impeccable. Thought was given to every little detail. I couldn’t think of one thing that was missing. Ken is a great host and very attentive without being in the way. I’m thinking of our next trip and how to fit another stay here into our agenda. HIGHLY recommend this beautiful home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurie J B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beyond Compare

This was without question the most incredible rental we have ever had. The photos do not do it justice. The studio is immaculate , beautifully designed and decorated, and so comfortable. The host was very welcoming and gracious. The property itself was like nothing we have ever experienced. An incredible assortment of beautiful plants, unique spaces to discover, and so much peace and quiet. Every day we were there I found a new place to wander, reflect and relax.We were visiting family in Burlington, and this place is close enough without the city experience. We were all incredibly grateful to have been there and shared such a beautiful place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing oasis

Gorgeous place, super well-appointed property and gardens, and the kindest, most thoughtful host. Can’t wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan J. D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome artwork and building architecture combine into a wonderful immersive experience!!

Quiet solitude when in the gardens enjoying the ambience!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brenda G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Utopia created by a humble visionary

The best experience we’ve ever had. Attention was paid to every detail. Ken provided us with snacks, drinks, breakfast, information about restaurants, hiking, local parks. Etc. the artists retreat was immaculate. The garden, sculptures, tea room, koi pond, all of it was unlike anything we’ve experienced before.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing artistic space

This space worked great for my son and I to visit Burlington. It was like staying in a museum with tons of cool sculptures and great places to chill throughout the property. Property owner was easy to work with and respected our space.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

The "apartment", host, and the grounds were all phenomenal. Everything that you see online about the gardens is true and then some. It is an amazing place. I hope we might return one day.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024