Tour The 1898 Colonial Stone Revival On 345 Acres In Vermont
Nestled among Vermont’s rolling hills stands a grand stone Colonial Revival mansion, radiating timeless elegance against a backdrop of pristine countryside. Built at the height of America’s golden architectural era, this expansive estate captures the spirit of refined craftsmanship and historic charm unique to New England.
From its commanding views of Lake Champlain to its meticulously preserved interior details, this Grosse Pointe treasure offers a glimpse into America’s gilded past.
1. Historical Background And Construction
Commissioned by a wealthy railroad magnate seeking a summer retreat from city life, this remarkable estate took three years to complete.
The Colonial Revival mansion emerged during America’s industrial boom when wealthy families built grand country estates. Local craftsmen used traditional techniques, working alongside European artisans who brought specialized skills for the ornate stonework that defines the home’s character.
2. Architectural Style And Materials
Every stone in the facade tells a story of meticulous selection and placement by master masons. The Colonial Revival style blends Georgian symmetry with Federal elegance, featuring locally-quarried granite and limestone imported from Indiana.
Hand-carved cornices, imposing columns, and multipane windows showcase the period’s finest craftsmanship, while copper gutters have developed a distinctive green patina over the centuries.
3. Interior Layout And Key Features
Walking through the grand entrance hall reveals a world frozen in time, where craftsmanship reigned supreme. The mansion boasts 14 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and 7 fireplaces with unique marble surrounds.
Original quarter-sawn oak floors flow throughout, while hand-painted ceiling murals adorn the formal dining room. The library features floor-to-ceiling walnut bookshelves and a hidden passage that once served as a Prohibition-era liquor storage.
4. Views Of Lake Champlain
Sunlight dances across the water’s surface, creating a mesmerizing panorama from nearly every west-facing window. The mansion’s strategic positioning captures sweeping vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains beyond.
The terrace wraps around the western facade, offering the perfect setting for watching spectacular sunsets. Previous owners hosted legendary summer soirees where guests arrived by both automobile and yacht.
5. Grounds And Outdoor Amenities
Majestic old-growth maples line the winding driveway, creating a dramatic approach through carefully planned landscapes. The estate encompasses formal gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
A stone carriage house now serves as a four-car garage with caretaker’s quarters above. The property includes apple orchards, hiking trails, and a spring-fed pond stocked with trout for year-round recreation.
6. Restoration And Preservation Efforts
Painstaking research guided each restoration decision, ensuring historical accuracy while accommodating modern living. The current owners spent five years working with preservation specialists to restore original plasterwork and woodcarving details.
Modern updates include geothermal heating, discreetly placed smart home technology, and updated kitchen appliances. All renovations meticulously honor the home’s architectural integrity while meeting contemporary comfort standards.
7. Legacy And Historical Significance
Presidents, artists, and luminaries have crossed the threshold of this architectural masterpiece throughout its storied history. The estate earned National Historic Register status in 1976 for its architectural significance and connection to Vermont’s industrial development.
Famous guests included Theodore Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway. During World War II, the mansion briefly served as a convalescent home for wounded officers before returning to private ownership.
8. Current Market Listing And Value
Rarely does an estate of this caliber become available, representing both a sound investment and a piece of American heritage. The property enters the market at $8.75 million, reflecting its architectural significance, acreage, and Lake Champlain frontage.
Recent comparable sales suggest strong value retention for historic estates. The listing includes original architectural drawings, photographs documenting its 125-year history, and a comprehensive maintenance program for future stewardship.
