In 1990, Innkeeper David Garbose and his partner, Jane bought the neglected Charlotte landmark, the Mt Philo Inn.
We rescue things,” says Jane Garbose, co-owner with her partner, David Garbose, of the Mt. Philo Inn. “Border collies, furniture …”
There’s actually an exhaustive list of things that she and David have rescued, including the inn itself — which isn’t an “inn” now, in the customary sense, so much as an assemblage of four spacious, impressively appointed suites that, except for shared walls and connecting foyers, are independent of one another.
“We don’t serve breakfast,” she says, by way of illustration. “We provide a complimentary breakfast basket of wonderful local products — free-range organic eggs, Vermont Coffee Co. coffee, Smoke & Cure bacon, Vermont maple syrup, Dakin Farm’s buttermilk pancake mix. Each suite has a kitchen, and people can make their own breakfasts if they want.”
But her point about rescuing things, besides Izze, the inn’s sociable border collie, is well taken. Standing in the so-called West Wing Suite of their 120-year-old building at the foot of Mt. Philo, she and David are surrounded by beautiful, restored objects with histories predating their arrival at the inn. Desks, lamps, stoves (both the heating and the cooking variety), beds, sofas — all were found on Craigslist, or at yard sales, or through the Burlington nonprofit recycling cum work-training service ReSource.
Amazingly, there’s not a trace of hodgepodge in the inn’s décor. “Jane is a fantastic designer, without a bit of pretense in her taste, so there’s a comfortableness to the place that’s really noticeable,” says Dave. “We stop and consider each purchase. Nothing is haphazard.” Jane finds a connection in her practice calling at the Mt. Philo Inn.
“There’s something intuitive about working with internal spaces — in people and in this building we have,” she says. Dave and Izze climb Mt. Philo every day

The Mt. Philo Inn is a unique property next to a unique mountain. Our 3 bedroom suites provide an unusually comfortable lodging experience. Mt. Philo is one of the only accessible 360 degree views of a large body of water in New England. Our inspiring setting has easy access to the best features of Vermont.
There are a huge variety of quality recreational options centered at Mt. Philo that make it a great place to live. Mt. Philo itself is a jewel, with one of Vermont's best views. There are amazing routes out the door for running and biking, in the woods, flats or hills. Great options abound for birding, boating, swimming, hiking, climbing, golfing... the list is huge, and can be found on our website.
There are many nearby cultural options, starting with nearby world renowned Shelburne Museum. Also check out Middlebury College, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, the Echo Center,.
Our local culinary school, has been turning out quality chefs for 20 years, who remain to take advantage of Vermont's amazing local food production, creating fantastic fresh farm-table delicacies.

Spacious (1800 sq. ft.) 2-3 bedroom suites with complete kitchens.
Panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks
Adjoining the 278 acre Mt. Philo State Park
Private tranquil location in a protected landscape
Historic Inn from 1896 tastefully renovated using local artisans and materials
Only 12 miles to Burlington, 18 to Middlebury
Fully-equipped modern kitchens with Vermont stone counters
Private entrances
Outstanding TripAdvisor reviews
Two stylized, modern bathrooms in each suite
Dog friendly with 278 acres of adjoining dog friendly park
Private porches and office spaces
Original woodwork and ornate antique brass hardware
Free High-speed internet, wired and wireless
Cable TV, modern televisions
24 hr. on-site assistance
Cleaning service available (1 week notice)
Laundry facilities in each suite
Extensive flower gardens and fountain
Landscaped terraces
Refrigerators stocked with Vermont breakfast products
Local and organic soap and bath amenities
Free off-street parking
Safe neighborhood, never trouble
2 miles to Lake Champlain
A Fodors Choice hotel, one of 5 in Northern Vermont