The Farmhouse Built in 1809
The West Mountain Inn was originally built as a farmhouse in 1809. From 1880 to 1920, first a gristmill and then a lumber mill were operated on the Battenkill River at the foot of the mountain. In 1904 Ned and Gwendolyn Rochester purchased the 150 acre farm and began to transform it into an elegant summer estate. After a succession of other residents the estate later became an arts and retreat center.
A Family Run Inn Since 1976
In 1976 Wes and MaryAnn Carlson came from their home in Hastings-on-Hudson to visit friends at the retreat and were swept off their feet by the beauty of Vermont. They thought this special property would make the perfect country inn – complete with self-guided day trips, bike loops and hiking tours.
The Tradition Continues
In 2000 after Wes passed away and MaryAnn retired from active inn keeping, their daughter Amie bought the Inn to continue on in the family tradition. Having grown up living and working at the Inn she now welcomes guests and families who have been coming back for over 20 years. With such a long history of being independently owned and family run, it’s no wonder our guests feel like the West Mountain Inn is their second home in Vermont.