Award-Winning Historic Church Retreat in Savannah

Summary:

Step into The Sanctuary - a stunning converted historic church in Thunderbolt, winner of the Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Award!



Sleeps 10 across 4 BR/4 BA, just 10 min to Downtown Savannah & River St.



Highlights:

- 4 Bed / 4 Bath (sleeps 10)

- 3 King + 2 Queen Beds

- Baby Grand Piano

- Chef Kitchen (former altar!)

- Haint Blue Front Porch

- Screened Cabana

- 3 Off-Street Parking

- Walk to Bonaventure Cemetery

- Free WiFi & Washer/Dryer



Don't hesitate and Stay Here!



The Space:

Summary:



The Sanctuary is a fully renovated historic church turned 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom vacation home sleeping up to 10 guests across 3,500 square feet on two levels.



The main floor features the dramatic open-concept great room with two sitting areas, dining for 10, and the altar-located chef's kitchen with two breakfast bars and full appliances, along with a main-level king bedroom (en-suite shower) and a bedroom with two queen beds (across from a hallway bath with tub/shower combo).



Upstairs, two additional king bedrooms each have their own en-suite bathroom.



The large home includes a Haint-blue front porch, a spacious backyard with a screened-in cabana that seats 8, and three off-street parking spaces. In-unit washer and dryer, high-speed WiFi, central A/C, and ceiling fans in every bedroom round out the amenities.



Award: Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Award winner.



Get to Know Your Property:



Step into a truly one-of-a-kind Savannah vacation rental at The Sanctuary, a beautifully transformed historic church that has earned the prestigious Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Award, a rare achievement reserved for the most thoughtfully restored properties in the region.



Located in the charming riverfront town of Thunderbolt, this 3,500-square-foot retreat blends soaring original architecture with modern comforts for up to 10 guests, making it ideal for multi-family getaways, family reunions, group celebrations, and corporate retreats.



Inside, the expansive open-concept layout preserves the dramatic scale of the original church. The main living area welcomes you with a flat-screen TV and a baby grand piano that invites musical moments, while a second sitting area features a colorful sectional sofa and matching chairs for conversation or quiet reading.



The dining room extends the communal feel with a table that comfortably seats all 10 guests, perfect for long dinners, game nights, or morning coffee with the family.



The gourmet chef's kitchen, set where the church's altar once stood, is the heart of the home.



Overhead, the original church light fixtures cast a warm glow on two generous breakfast bars, a full suite of modern appliances (oven, stove, dishwasher, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, ice maker), and a kitchen island with everything you need to prepare anything from a quick snack to a holiday feast.



Four spacious bedrooms are split between two floors to give every guest the privacy they need. Two bedrooms on the main level include a king suite with a private walk-in shower, and a second bedroom with two queen beds and easy access to a full hallway bath with a tub/shower combo.



Upstairs, two additional king bedrooms each have their own en-suite bath and flat-screen TV. A sitting room offers a queen sleeper sofa for two additional guests. Every bedroom is equipped with a ceiling fan and peaceful views of the Thunderbolt neighborhood.



Outside, the adventure continues. The Haint-blue-ceilinged front porch - a Southern tradition believed to ward off evil spirits - is set up with a patio sofa, two chairs, side tables, and an overhead chandelier for sunset conversations.



The expansive backyard offers additional lounging, tables, a patio sofa, and a screened-in cabana with a dining set for up to 8 guests, perfect for al fresco meals.



Historically, Mechanics Avenue was the epicenter of Savannah's 1908 racing scene - relax on the porch and picture Louis Wagner speeding past in his Fiat at 65 mph.



The location is unbeatable: a 13-minute walk to Savannah Bend Marina, 14 minutes to Bonaventure Cemetery, 15 minutes to Savannah State University, and just a short drive to the historic Savannah District, River Street, Forsyth Park, and Tybee Island's beaches.



Three off-street parking spaces mean no parking hassles after a day of sightseeing.



Whether you're gathering for a wedding, a special birthday, a family vacation, or simply a memorable Savannah getaway, The Sanctuary delivers the space, soul, and story to make your trip unforgettable.



Professionally managed by Stay Here Property Management for a seamless, five-star experience.



Guest Access:

Guests have full exclusive access to the entire home, including all four bedrooms, four bathrooms, the chef's kitchen, the dining room, both sitting rooms, the baby grand piano, the washer and dryer, the front porch, the screened-in cabana, the full backyard, and the three off-street parking spaces.



Entry is via keyless check-in with instructions delivered through our guest app one hour before arrival. Please do not attempt to open locked closets.



The Neighborhood:

Thunderbolt is one of Savannah's most charming historic riverfront communities, known for its live-oak-canopied streets, shrimp boats docked along the Wilmington River, and easy access to both downtown Savannah and Tybee Island's beaches.



The Sanctuary sits on the historic Mechanics Avenue, once the epicenter of Savannah's 1908 racing scene. Within walking distance you'll find Savannah Bend Marina (13 minutes), Bonaventure Cemetery with its moss-draped oaks and historic gravesites (14 minutes), and Savannah State University (15 minutes).



Nearby dining highlights include Tubby's Tank House for waterfront seafood on the Wilmington River, Desposito's Seafood for classic Lowcountry crab and shrimp boils, River Street Pizza Co., and The Wyld Dock Bar. For coffee, grab a cup at Foxy Loxy or The Coffee Fox.



Bonaventure Cemetery, one of America's most beautiful and photographed cemeteries, is a must-visit, and a short drive takes you to the Savannah Historic District for Forsyth Park strolls, River Street shopping, the Telfair Museums, American Prohibition Museum, and the Georgia State Railroad Museum.



Getting Around:

A car is recommended to get the most out of your Savannah stay.



From The Sanctuary, you're approximately 10 minutes from downtown Savannah and River Street, 10 minutes from Forsyth Park, 20 minutes from Tybee Island's beaches, and 25 minutes from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).



Savannah State University is a 15-minute walk, and Bonaventure Cemetery is a scenic 14-minute stroll.



The property provides three assigned off-street parking spaces, so you never have to worry about street parking.



Ride-share services (Uber and Lyft) are abundant, and the Historic District offers walkable sightseeing once you arrive downtown.



Other Things to Note:

Please visit the Guest App to see all of the property's specifics and relevant details to ensure a smooth check-in and check-out process.



We ask that the space, other guests, and our neighbors are treated with dignity and respect. Please respect the home and its rules. This will help us maintain peace and ensure that all of our guests have a wonderful Savannah Stay!



Please fill out and follow the check-in guide that will be sent to you via message after your reservation is confirmed.



This guide has additional instructions and will be a resource for you during your stay. More importantly, before the software that controls the access codes releases them for your stay, you must review and agree to the house rules through the Guest App.



It's a simple process that only takes a few minutes, but it's designed to ensure we are all aligned with our expectations for the stay, prevent parties, and set conditions for a wonderful Savannah vacation.



Please be aware that even though we spray for bugs on a quarterly basis, you might see palmetto bugs, wasps, and other insects during your stay. They usually come out to die, but please do your best to keep them out of the house by keeping the windows and doors shut at all times, only bringing food items to the dining room, and keeping trash in the trash can.



Interaction with Guests:

We live close by, so we are available to our guests day and night. You are welcome to reach us via the app or by calling us anytime. We are here for you!



You are set up for self-check-in. The codes and instructions will be sent to you via the app by 4pm on your arrival day. It is important that you visit the check-in guide for step-by-step instructions on how to enter the property.



You can park up to three compact cars on the driveway located to the right of the brick building. Please ensure not to block the sidewalk to avoid fines.