A Sacred Space
Reimagined.
Built in 1890 as a house of worship, Sanctuary 1890 has been transformed into Clifton Forge's most extraordinary retreat — where stained glass, cathedral ceilingscreate a stay unlike anything else in Virginia's Allegheny Highlands.
Where morning light streams
through a century of glass.
There is nowhere else in Virginia quite like this. Step through the original wooden doors of an 1890s church and into a living, breathing work of art.
The moment you arrive, the stained glass begins its work — casting kaleidoscopes of color across cathedral ceilings that soar above you. The original architecture breathes in every arched doorway, every pew reimagined as a piece of the living room, every beam of morning light refracted through glass that has stood for over a century.
Sit at the upright piano and play. Brew a coffee from the Keurig brewing station and watch the light change as Clifton Forge, Virginia comes alive outside your windows. This is history you can sleep inside.
More than a place to sleep.
An experience you'll never forget.
Original Stained Glass
Twelve original stained glass windows surround the sanctuary, bathing every corner in warm, shifting color from sunrise to sunset. No two hours look the same.
Upright Piano
Sit at the upright piano and play. Guests have serenaded the sanctuary with everything from jazz to hymns — and loved every note.
Three Unique Sleeping Spaces
A queen canopy bed on the dais, a king bed at the heart of the sanctuary surrounded by reimagined pews, and a serene twin daybed in the private Cloaking Room — each one unforgettable.
Keurig Brewing Station
A Keurig brewing station stocked with a selection of flavored syrups — caramel, vanilla, hazelnut and more. Mornings in the sanctuary begin with something exceptional.
Vaulted Cathedral Ceilings
Soaring cathedral ceilings preserve the awe-inspiring character of the original church — an open, breathtaking space that makes every moment feel elevated.
Walkable to Downtown
Step out the door and you're in the heart of historic Clifton Forge, Virginia — boutique shops, local restaurants, the Masonic Theatre, and the C&O Railway Heritage Center all within walking distance.
Everything you need
in a space like no other.
Jennifer and Adam have thought of everything — from the Keurig coffee station to the memory foam mattresses. Every amenity is chosen to make your stay in Clifton Forge, Virginia as comfortable as it is unforgettable.
+ 39 more amenities included in your stay
Three sleeping spaces.
Each one one of a kind.
Queen Canopy Bed
1 Queen · Memory foam · Optional bed curtains for privacy or a full panoramic view of the original stained glass windows in every direction
King Bed
1 King · Memory foam · Custom headboard with shelves, USB ports & outlets · Reimagined pews · Optional curtains for full privacy or a 360° stained glass view
Twin Daybed
1 Single · Memory foam · Electric fireplace · Natural light · Direct bathroom access · Private exterior exit for fresh air
A stay they couldn't stop
talking about.
"This was easily the most unique Airbnb I've ever stayed at. It was unforgettable! Bonus was the functioning church organ which really stood out. The stained glass windows were beautiful too!"
"The stained glass windows are beautiful, we enjoyed the fun flavored syrup bar for hot cocoa, and had fun playing songs on the organ. Such a unique experience staying inside an old church."
"We really enjoyed staying here because it was so unique and had a great atmosphere. The hosts left a goodie bag with snacks and drinks for us. If we're in the area again, we'll stay here."
"Such a unique setting, beautiful little town surrounded by mountains and the church itself is huge. We loved our trip and have such great memories!"
"What a unique stay! The beds were super comfy, the kitchen was clean and comfortable and the ambiance was killer. We had such a wonderful time."
"Our family was thrilled with this unique stay. Our kids were enchanted by the unconventional space and all the 'secret rooms'. It was super fun for us all."
Virginia's Allegheny Highlands
awaits just outside the door.
Clifton Forge, Virginia sits at the heart of some of the most stunning mountain terrain on the East Coast. Sanctuary 1890 puts you perfectly positioned to explore it all.
Douthat State Park
One of Virginia's oldest state parks — pristine mountain lake, miles of hiking trails, and the kind of silence that recalibrates the soul.
Humpback Covered Bridge
Built in 1857, Virginia's oldest surviving covered bridge arcs gracefully over Dunlap Creek — a step back through two centuries of Appalachian history.
Natural Bridge State Park
A 215-foot limestone arch that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson — one of the natural wonders of the East, now a Virginia state park open for exploration.
Lexington, Virginia
A storied college town wrapped in Civil War history — browse boutique shops, dine well, and walk streets trod by Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee.
George Washington National Forest
Nearly a million acres of Appalachian ridge and valley surround Clifton Forge — lace up for waterfalls, ridgeline views, and backcountry solitude right out the door.
Allegheny Highlands
Rolling ridgelines, river valleys, and mountain vistas define this breathtaking corner of the Appalachians — an endless canvas for hiking, fishing, and wide-open sky.
Jennifer & Adam
Jennifer and Adam have spent years transforming historic spaces into extraordinary experiences. Their attention to detail shows in every corner of Sanctuary 1890 — from the goodie bags waiting on arrival to the Keurig coffee station. They respond within the hour and are committed to making every stay in Clifton Forge, Virginia feel like a gift.
Ready to step inside
Sanctuary 1890?
Check availability and book directly below. No platform fees — just Clifton Forge, Virginia, stained glass, and a stay you'll be telling stories about for years.
Check-in after 4:00 PM · Checkout before 10:00 AM · Maximum 5 Guests
