Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly
The Sanctuary House A Peaceful Escape Surrounded by Nature
A Place to Reconnect & Recharge
Whether you're sipping wine on the deck, stargazing by the fire pit, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, The Sanctuary House offers a true escape from the everyday. Here, you can slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
Step into a world of comfort, charm, and serenity. Whether you're looking for a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a peaceful place to recharge, this thoughtfully designed home provides the perfect setting. Nestled in a quiet, picturesque community, it offers a seamless blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Outdoor Living The Heart of the Sanctuary House
Step outside onto the expansive covered rear deck, where time seems to slow down. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the peaceful sounds of nature, and make memories under the open sky.
Multiple Swing Chairs & Cozy Seating Perfect for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or unwinding after a day of exploring.
Outdoor Dining & Grilling Fire up the gas grill and enjoy meals at the spacious L-shaped dining table.
Charming Fire Pit Gather around with loved ones, roast marshmallows, share stories, and soak in the warmth of a crackling fire.
Spacious Yard Plenty of room for kids and four-legged friends to run and play.
Warm & Inviting Interiors From the moment you walk in, you'll be welcomed by a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. The open-concept layout is designed for connection and relaxation, with warm lighting, stylish decor, and thoughtful touches throughout.
Two Comfortable Bedrooms Each featuring a plush queen-sized bed, soft linens, and plenty of storage space.
Gourmet Kitchen Fully stocked with a five-burner gas stove, granite countertops, and all the essentials to cook and gather around the table.
Cozy Living Space Sink into the ultra-soft microfiber sleeper sofa, enjoy a movie night on the smart TV, or curl up in the hanging hammock chair with a good book and a cup of cocoa.
Electric Fireplace Adds a warm, inviting glow to the space, perfect for cozy evenings in.
1.5 Bathrooms Designed for convenience and comfort, stocked with essentials for your stay.
Ready to experience the perfect balance of comfort and nature?
Looking for something different? Choose from 14 Unique Homes!
Each of our homes offers modern comforts, charm, and easy access to top attractions. Whether you're seeking a cozy retreat, a family-friendly escape, a nature filled adventure, or a home on the water, we have the ideal stay for you!
Lake House ~cozy rustic serenity, wake up to Romeo & Juliet gliding gracefully across the water
Bridge House ~ lakefront bungalow, fantastic view of covered bridge across the lake
Paradise House ~ elegantly built on the water for comfort & connection
Country House ~ charming retreat close to shopping, eateries, beaches and more
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
20 lb max . leash req & pick up after on walks
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No more than 6 people permitted in the house at ANY TIME
Parties prohibited.
No more than 2 cars parked at the house.
*No commercial vehichles
Pets must always be on leash. Please pick up after your pet during walks around the entire lake area. No pets permitted on bedding or furniture.
Resort speed limit is 10 mph. Please be respectful with others living/renting in Swan Lake Resort. No music outside after dark.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Absecon
Located in Absecon, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Tomasello Winery Tasting Room and Galloway National Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Atlantic City Boardwalk and Historic Smithville and Village Green. Travelling with kids? Consider Stockton Performing Arts Centre, or check out an event or a game at Boardwalk Hall. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Borgata Casino - 20 min drive - 26.2 km
Atlantic City Boardwalk - 20 min drive - 29.6 km
Harrah's Atlantic City Casino - 21 min drive - 27.9 km
Hard Rock Casino Atlantic City - 22 min drive - 27.9 km
Getting around
Absecon Station - 11 min drive
Atlantic City, NJ (ACY-Atlantic City Intl.) - 18 min drive
Restaurants
Corner Tavern - 5 min drive
Mito - 9 min drive
Starbucks - 7 min drive
The Carriage House - 6 min drive
Starbucks - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly?
As of 10 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly on 27 April 2026 start from NZ$323, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Escape to Sanctuary serene spacious home room to roam sleeps 6 pet-friendly located?
This family-friendly Absecon holiday home is located on a lake, within 3 mi (5 km) of Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Stockton Performing Arts Centre and Harold E. Taylor Observatory. Historic Smithville and Village Green and Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great location, short distance from parkway, we golfed at multiple local courses less than 20 Min away, easy commute to Atlantic City. Clean house, very chilly central Air condition, comfy beds, great location for dog walking, our pups loved the trail out past beach. Quiet neighbors. Very clean inside only gave it a 4 star for cleanliness since outside had cigarette butts and burned cans in/around fire pit (we did not use it) but overall great experience, we would go back!
I had a great time the house is beautifully decorated. Rooms were nice even pullout couch wasnt to bad. Grrst back porch . Definitely woukd like to go back this summer
Immaculate! We had a wedding at the Smithville Inn and decided rather than 3 hotel rooms for 5 of us why not rent a house. We didn’t get a chance to explore the resort but it was really adorable. Would definitely stay again!
We stayed there as my wedding venue was only 10 minutes away. It was so peaceful and relaxing. It felt like you were in the middle of nowhere but you were only 3 minutes from the garden state parkway. Highly recommended and would stay again
First off, I want to give a huge thank you to Joy who went above and beyond to accommodate our situation. The place was clean and comfortable, decorated beautifully, and had everything you could need! Absolutely love the peace and serenity in this little community- although the homes are close to each other you still are able to enjoy your privacy on the back deck. I also tremendously appreciate that dogs are allowed (there were even cute little dog bowls already filled with water to welcome my pups). Definitely would come back here and take advantage of the the gym and kayaking they have on premises. Such a cute little community- you won't be disappointed!
ashley a.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Chad A.
21 July 2024
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Sanctuary house
Overall the house and area were nice, although the cleanliness of the house inside definitely needs some attention. The bedding/pillows seemed like they weren't washed(still had other people's hair on the pillows and under the sheets) bathroom sinks and shower still had hair in them. The refrigerator had a strong scent of rotted meat. The outdoor furniture was very dusty/dirty. I believe with a little better cleaning upon guest departures and arrivals this would be a great place. Overall the stay was nice.
The area was conveniently located to all things we wanted to do while there. There was a nice walking trail. We were unable to use the paddle boats as they had dirt and water in them. Our house slept 5 but there was only enough porch seating for 3. The home is nicely done and the beds were comfortable, pillows not so much but we brought our own. I would agree with others on cleanliness. The countertops, fridge needed some wiping, the coffee pot still had coffee and coffee grounds in it. The dinner table was wet with something that smelled fruity, but nothing a few clorox wipes and the dishwasher couldn't handle. Overall the place is nice and we would stay again.
Stephanie F.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Lisa H.
26 November 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication
Listing needs to be updated
Definitely needs current photos. Living room furniture not as pictured. Bathroom is tub/shower, not as pictured. More detail to cleaning needs to be taken. Microwave, refrigerator and stove dirty/smudges. Hair on shower wall and shower liner not changed/cleaned. Splatters on walls. Tv in 2nd bedroom not working.
Backyard disheveled. House was not what we expected from the photos.
House next door has 2 little dogs that were outside barking during the night. They are also loose and came over to our dog who is reactive. Owner just stood on back deck watching, calling them. No attempt to get them. My hubby rounded them up so I could get our girl back inside before an incident.
Lisa H.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified
4/10 Poor
Isela S.
8 June 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, location
Wedding trip
After reading the review from Sept. 2022, I thought I would give this property the benefit of the doubt. Surely the complaints mentioned had been addressed. Nope.
I too will start with the pro's. The beds were very comfortable, she left fresh eggs for us which were delicious and the stove is gas.
The house is in need of a deep cleaning. Do not walk around barefoot, your feet will turn black. There was a grittiness to all the surfaces. There was old kibble in a dog dish with pieces scattered on the floor and stale water in the bowl. The dishwasher is still as described. The shower doors have no bottom track and just swing freely. No drain cover. Both mornings found dozens of dead knats in the shower. I looked up from the sink in the kitchen to see the next door neighbor (50 ft. away) standing on his deck only in his boxer briefs. Good grief!
In my opinion the owner should remove this listing until she fixes the issues. I do not wish to return.
Isela S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2023
I am sorry the home to not live up to your expectations. We did replace to plastic door glides on bottom the shower door . We did not think it necessary to not rent because they broke off. I will have the cleaners check the floors more closely thank you for the information. As far as the neighbors attire, it is summer , he was on his back porch boxers /bathing suites are not my business.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Miguel
7 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Buenas no mas el olor del agua un un poco mal olor
House was beautiful everything was perfect, great location,
loved the fire pit and area. All supplies we needed. Would definitely go back again.
Virginia K.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
4/10 Poor
Jaime R.
12 September 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Misleading in many ways—beware
In the interest of leading with the positives, the check-in process was smooth and the beds were comfortable (with the exception of the pillows which were worn and need replacing).
Otherwise, this house was a disappointment and the listing misrepresents many aspects.
First, the house obviously hasn’t been professionally cleaned in quite some time. It was overall grimy and in need of cleaning attention. The dishwasher was falling out of the counter and the coffee pot had barely been rinsed out after the last use. The pots and pans you see in the photos are provided in a dirty, dusty, disorganized heap at the bottom of one cabinet in the kitchen and everything requires cleaning before use (if it’s even usable at all). Towels provided in the kitchen are stained and there are only previously used sponges available (and, a few paper towels left at the end of a roll, so plan to bring your own).
The half bathroom has a sink so clogged it fills with just a simple hand washing.
The hot water ran out quickly in the midst of two short showers each day.
The patio that looks so beautiful in the photos is actually dusty and dirty and the couch is caving in, so it’s unusable.
While this isn’t the owners’s fault, per se, the water reeks of sulfur and it tastes and smells terrible when showering or brushing teeth—this felt like icing on the cake with all of the other challenges.
Finally, the house is in a glorified mobile home park—not quite the sanctuary the listing suggests.
Overall, we felt totally mislead and would not recommend this property to someone else. This is a great example of VRBO needing to vet their properties and management more closely, so renters aren’t mislead to such a degree.
Nice wooded property in a campground. Beautiful inside, could be a little cleaner (didn’t seem like a cleaning company came through) but all in all a great place for going to a wedding at Renault.
Solid, dog-friendly home base for South Jersey vacation
We had a generally positive experience during our recent stay at the Sanctuary House. Among the positives: the appliances were new and worked well, the keyless entry was straightforward, and the property provided dog bowls for our pets. While this may have been our fault, we found the listing a bit misleading: the lake shown in the Vrbo photos isn't visible from the house and is about a five-minute walk away. We also found some other problems with our stay: the floors were sandy upon our entry and some basic supplies such as paper towels were not provided.
Booking was easy. Joy is friendly, accommodating and on the spot helpful. The house is lovely and the area is quiet and refreshing. It was exactly what we needed for our wedding weekend.
We all enjoyed our stay.
This property was nothing short of spectacular. My friends and I had such a great time here. It was so relaxing and the neighbors were all so nice and the area was gorgeous. Definitely coming here again.
Amy G.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joseph
30 August 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely home
Joseph
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021
Verified
4/10 Poor
Judith R.
13 July 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location
Review
I loved the rental. I was under the impression from the pictures that the house was private without neighbors close by. There are houses right next door on both sides. This is a retirement community. My sweet little dog chased a squirrel and the property manager threatened to fine me. The next door neighbor, permanent resident, was high on something and came out with his dogs off leash and wanted to join our campfire. I did NOT appreciate either of these 2 intrusions. This was NOT private.
Judith R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 July 2021
You were warned twice about dogs needing to be on leash. You’re one dog was almost hit by a car while chasing the squirrel, the neighbor did call and complain and your other dog attacked the neighbor on the other side. We want people to enjoy but I threatened to fine you after you endangered your pet and others. I think the neighbor was very nice after your dog beat his up.
About the host
Hosted by Joy St. James
We love sharing our Swan Lake Resort with others to enjoy so that they can have a restorative experience. We are all about a safe and welcoming place to have fun and enjoy yourself. All of our homes focus on high-end bedding, clean comfortable furnishings and simply a great place to relax and unwind!
Why they chose this property
Tranquil setting in the woods with nature all around. We are only 1 minute from the Garden State Parkway and 10 miles from all the Atlantic City entertainment.
What makes this property unique
Situated in quiet lake community with walking trails and wildlife all around, yet near many conveniences and fun things to do nearby.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests