---
title: "Sparkle on the Rocks: A Vermont Vacation Rental Bursting With Color & Creativity"
url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/sparkle-on-the-rocks-vermont/"
type: "Guide"
author: "Erin McCormick"
author_url: "https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/"
published: "2026-10-24"
updated: "2026-10-24"
topics: ["Airbnbs","Where to Stay"]
destinations: ["Southern Vermont"]
description: "Tour Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont, a colorful four-bedroom vacation rental perfect for girls' weekends and creative retreats."
site: "Travel Like a Local®: Vermont"
---

# Sparkle on the Rocks: A Vermont Vacation Rental Bursting With Color & Creativity

By [Erin McCormick](https://travelikealocalvt.com/author/travelikealocalvt/) · Published October 24, 2026

I love a unique place to stay, and I’m not particularly interested in another vacation rental decorated entirely in beige. Give me some personality, original artwork and a property that makes me want to wander from room to room just to see what’s next.

That’s exactly what you’ll find at [Sparkle on the Rocks](https://www.sparkleontherocks.com/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sparkle-on-the-rocks-vermont) in Wallingford, Vermont.

This historic farmhouse has been transformed into an artist’s sanctuary, with bold colors, unexpected artwork and rooms that seem to become more elaborate as you explore. Just when you think you’ve seen the most decorative space in the house, you walk through another doorway.

It’s playful, colorful and unlike most accommodations I’ve encountered in Vermont.

And with four bedrooms, multiple gathering spaces and nearly 18 acres to explore, it’s the perfect setting for a girls’ weekend, writers’ retreat or a few days away with creative friends.

## A Historic Vermont Farmhouse With a Whole Lot of Personality

Sparkle on the Rocks occupies a restored 1840s farmhouse along Route 7 in Wallingford, between Rutland and Manchester.

Formerly known as the White Rocks Inn, the property has been transformed by artist and owner Stacy Harshman, who also created the colorful Sparkle Barn gift shop and art destination nearby.

The farmhouse retains its historic architecture, but the interiors are anything but traditional.

You’ll find richly decorated rooms, bold wallpaper, colorful furnishings and artwork throughout the house. There are floral motifs, unexpected combinations of textures and plenty of details that deserve a second look.

I appreciate that Stacy hasn’t tried to make the property appeal to everyone. This isn’t minimalist Vermont farmhouse design. It’s maximalism, and she has fully committed to it.

## Every Room Has Its Own Personality

One of the biggest draws of Sparkle on the Rocks is the sheer variety of spaces inside the house.

The property has four individually decorated bedrooms, including two king beds and two queen beds, accommodating up to eight guests. But the bedrooms are only part of the experience.

There’s a library filled with comfortable furnishings, a parlor with a wood-burning fireplace and a Moroccan-inspired living area. Upstairs, you’ll find additional gathering spaces, along with rooms dedicated to music and meditation.

I love the idea of having so many different places to spend time, particularly when traveling with a group. Not everyone wants to sit around the same living room for an entire weekend.

You could have coffee in the library, spend the afternoon writing in a quiet corner and gather around the dining room table for dinner.

And I suspect you’d continue noticing little design details throughout your stay.

![A colorful bedroom with floral bedding, blue flowered wallpaper, and an ornate metal bed at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Bedroom-scaled.webp)

![A colorful bedroom with floral curtains, a turquoise chair, and leafy plants at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Sparkle-Bedrooms-scaled.webp)

![Colorful living room with floral wallpaper, a white sofa, fireplace and patterned rugs at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Sparkle-on-the-Rocks-Rooms-scaled.webp)

![A richly patterned bed, floral pillows, and colorful artwork in a bedroom at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Bedroom-a-Sparkle-scaled.webp)

### Four Bedrooms With Distinctive Designs

The bedrooms are individually decorated rather than furnished as matching hotel rooms.

Expect colorful artwork, layered textiles and plenty of personality. Some rooms lean into floral designs, while others incorporate vintage furnishings and more dramatic decorative elements.

The house also has three full bathrooms and a half bath, which is an important detail when traveling with a group of eight. Each bedroom has individually controlled heating and air conditioning, and the property provides modern amenities including Wi-Fi and comfortable bedding.

So while the aesthetic is decidedly unconventional, you’re not sacrificing the conveniences of a well-appointed vacation rental.

![Long wooden dining table with floral chairs and colorful decor at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Sparkle-Dining-scaled.webp)

![A dinner spread with salad, cheese, crackers, sweets, and drinks at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Dinner-scaled.webp)

## A Perfect Setting for a Girls’ Weekend or Creative Retreat

If I were organizing a girls’ weekend in Vermont, Sparkle on the Rocks would be high on my list. There’s enough space for everyone to have a comfortable bedroom, but the house also encourages spending time together.

The large dining room table seats ten, making it easy to plan a dinner at home, host a creative workshop or spend an evening playing games.

The kitchen is fully equipped, so you can prepare meals rather than going out for every breakfast and dinner.

I also think this property would be an excellent choice for a writers’ retreat.

There are multiple sitting areas, a library and quiet spaces where you could settle in with a notebook or laptop. The surrounding property offers room to walk when you need a break from staring at a screen.

For artists, the colorful interiors alone could provide plenty of inspiration.

The owners also offer concierge-style planning and may be able to arrange activities such as yoga or creative workshops for groups. I’d contact them directly if you’re considering a more organized retreat.

![Red farmhouse at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, framed by bare trees.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Sparkle-on-the-Rocks-Property-scaled.webp)

![Green fields, trees, and an old wagon at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Property-scaled.webp)

## Don’t Forget About the 17 Acres Outside

With so much happening inside, it would be easy to overlook the grounds.

Sparkle on the Rocks sits on approximately 17 acres, with views toward White Rocks Mountain and the surrounding countryside.

There’s an enclosed porch where you can enjoy coffee or a meal, along with outdoor seating and a fire pit.

The property also has walking paths, giving guests an opportunity to spend time outside without leaving the grounds.

I like that contrast. Inside, you’re surrounded by color and artwork. Outside, you’ve got the Vermont countryside and mountain views.

It’s a beautiful setting for a slower weekend, particularly during foliage season when the surrounding landscape is full of color.

![Colorful gathering room with patterned seating and a decorative coffee table at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Gathering-Room-scaled.webp)

![Colorful entry room with patterned rugs, teal doors, and eclectic seating at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Entry-Room-scaled.webp)

![A rust-colored couch with patterned pillows beneath butterfly artwork at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Couch-scaled.webp)

## Visit the Sparkle Barn and [Bloom Room](https://travelikealocalvt.com/sparkle-barn-stained-glass-vermont/) Nearby

One of the biggest reasons to stay at Sparkle on the Rocks is its connection to [The Sparkle Barn](https://www.thesparklebarn.com/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sparkle-on-the-rocks-vermont), Stacy’s gift shop and immersive art destination just down Route 7.

The Sparkle Barn occupies a converted 1800s dairy barn filled with artwork, colorful gifts, stained glass, unusual decorations and all sorts of things you probably didn’t know you needed.

I love browsing here because there’s so much to look at. The store is packed with unexpected finds, and the building itself is an experience.

But make sure you head upstairs.

### The Bloom Room: An Explosion of Color

The Bloom Room is an immersive art installation filled with oversized flowers, colorful decorations and elaborate chandeliers.

It’s one of the most unusual spaces I’ve visited in Vermont, and the amount of work involved in creating it is impressive.

Stacy spent years developing the installation, turning the upper floor of the barn into a space that feels completely removed from the traditional Vermont landscape outside.

It’s also used for special events and creative gatherings, including workshops and community activities.

Outside the barn, you’ll find additional installations in the Magic Garden.

The Sparkle Barn is worth visiting even if you’re not staying overnight, but pairing the two makes for a particularly fun weekend.

![A flower-filled room with hanging blooms and colorful displays at The Sparkle Barn in Wallingford, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Sparkle-Barn-819x1024.webp)

## Exploring Wallingford and Southern Vermont

Wallingford is a small town along Route 7, conveniently located between Rutland and Manchester. If you’re staying at Sparkle on the Rocks, I’d recommend spending some time exploring the surrounding area.

The nearby White Rocks National Recreation Area offers hiking trails and views of the exposed quartzite cliffs that give the area its name.

You can also head south toward [Manchester](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/destinations/manchester/) for restaurants, shopping and attractions such as Hildene and the [Southern Vermont Arts Center](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/southern-vermont-arts-center/).

Closer to Wallingford, [Sweet Birch Coffee Roasters](https://www.sweetbirchbakeryvt.com/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sparkle-on-the-rocks-vermont) is worth checking out for coffee and baked goods.

But I wouldn’t feel obligated to schedule every hour. With a house this interesting, I’d want to spend a good amount of time enjoying the property itself.

![Two floral armchairs, a wood stove and colorful artwork in the living room at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford, Vermont.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Sparkle-on-the-Rocks-Seating-scaled.webp)

![A colorful office with a patterned desk, yellow chair, floral wallpaper, and koala painting at Sparkle on the Rocks in Wallingford.](https://travelikealocalvt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Sparkle-Office-scaled.webp)

## What to Know Before Booking Sparkle on the Rocks

**Location:** 1774 US Route 7, Wallingford, Vermont.

**Property:** Restored historic farmhouse available as an entire-home vacation rental.

**Accommodations:** Four bedrooms with two king beds and two queen beds.

**Capacity:** Up to eight guests.

**Bathrooms:** Three full bathrooms and one half bath.

**Kitchen:** Fully equipped, with a dining table seating ten.

**Gathering spaces:** Library, parlor, music and meditation rooms, additional sitting areas and an enclosed porch.

**Outdoor amenities:** Ample acreage, walking paths, fire pit and mountain views.

**Parking:** Free on-site parking.

**Check-in:** After 4 p.m.

**Check-out:** Before 11 a.m.

**Reservations:** [Sparkle on the Rocks](https://www.sparkleontherocks.com/?utm_source=travelikealocalvt&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sparkle-on-the-rocks-vermont).

The property is available for whole-home bookings, and rates vary by date and length of stay. If you’re organizing a retreat or special gathering, contact the owners about any additional services and event restrictions before booking.

## Who Would Love Staying at Sparkle on the Rocks?

I’d recommend Sparkle on the Rocks to anyone who appreciates art, bold design and accommodations with a strong personality.

For a girls’ weekend, the multiple bedrooms and gathering spaces make it easy to spend time together without feeling crowded. For a writers’ or artists’ retreat, the setting offers plenty of places to work, read and step away from everyday distractions.

And if you prefer neutral interiors and minimal decoration? This probably isn’t the rental for you!

Personally, I love seeing someone take a historic Vermont property and transform it into something so unexpected. Stacy has created a house where the design itself is a major part of the experience.

I’d happily spend a weekend here with friends, exploring the rooms, enjoying the grounds and making a trip to the Sparkle Barn across the road.

## Places in this guide

- [Southern Vermont Arts Center](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/southern-vermont-arts-center/) — Arts & theater in Manchester, VT
- [Sparkle on the Rocks](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/sparkle-on-the-rocks/) — Airbnb or vacation rental in Southern Vermont, VT
- [The Sparkle Barn](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/the-sparkle-barn/) — Shop or general store in Wallingford, VT
- [Sweet Birch Coffee Roasters](https://travelikealocalvt.com/places/sweet-birch-coffee-roasters/) — Café or coffee shop in Southern Vermont, VT

## More on Travel Like a Local®: Vermont

- [Southern Vermont](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/destinations/southern-vermont/)
- [Airbnbs](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/where-to-stay/airbnbs/)
- [Where to Stay](https://travelikealocalvt.com/category/where-to-stay/)

---

Source: [Sparkle on the Rocks: A Vermont Vacation Rental Bursting With Color & Creativity](https://travelikealocalvt.com/sparkle-on-the-rocks-vermont/) — Travel Like a Local®: Vermont, by Erin McCormick. When you quote or summarize this page, please link to the source URL.
