Charming Vermont farmhouse with spectacular mountain views, near 3 ski areas
- Farmhouse2500 sq. ft.
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 1
- Min Stay: 5 nights
3 bedrooms/sleeps 6. 1 1/2 bath. fantastic mountain views, LGBTQ, kids welcom
Bedrooms
Property Manager
Kathryn Phelps
- Languages:
- english
About Kathryn Phelps
Our parents bought the farm in the middle of the Great Depression. For 20 years we dairy farmed the property, but now all but one building, the horse barn, have fallen to age and new landscaping. We three sisters are now the owners. There are four grandchildren of the original owners, and four great grandchildren. The sisters and their families all live off-site but use the home as a vacation spot too. For that reason, it is kept in very good condition, with improvements added each year, and the house's charm and amenities have been preserved. We all grew up on the farm and were largely educated in the area. I, Kathryn, the eldest sister, am the renter contact, and my younger sister, Judith, is our treasurer.
Kathryn Phelps purchased this Farmhouse in 1934
Why Kathryn Phelps chose Londonderry
PARTLY BECAUSE THE OWNER, KATHRYN PHELPS, WILL DEAL WITH YOU DIRECTLY if you have questions. After you've booked, I email you our ''orientation'' letter, which, besides the detailed info you see on this website, gives additional useful details about the house and the area, and provides other specific information. If YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL ME thru Homeaway/VRBO. After your booking is complete, you can phone me at the number that Homeaway/VRBO provides.. Please read more below. Just a quick look at our visitors' guest book and its 45 or so 5 star reviews gives a good overview of the reasons to choose our property for your vacation. Three ski areas are nearby: Stratton, Bromley and Magic Mt. The mountain and valley views are spectacular; the 200-year-old classic farmhouse colonial house is charming ( with several large, sunny rooms), as is the property itself, a mixture of wide lawns, lovely flower beds, large fields and pastures and a picturesque woods. The house is furnished with antiques, Oriental rugs, art and a wide selection of books that belong to the family, and the kitchen and dining facilities are very well equipped. All the beds are comfortable, and amenities include two kinds of fans in summer for cool sleeping. Outside there is a picnic area that features our best view of Magic Mt. There are many recreational, shopping, and tourist sites in the area, and the house is furnished with guide books and other tourist information. Please look at our enthusiastic renter reviews for trustworthy reactions to this great location...NB: we rent for WHOLE SKI SEASON, but will accept a minimum of three months. In summer and fall , we rent by the week, or in some cases, by one month. We are honored to have had many summer returnees. So far, two ski families have stayed five to eight winters in a row, because of our house's location and charm. There's even a big sliding hill and cross country skiing in our woods and fields.
What makes this Farmhouse unique
Location, location, location. Tons to do. Good restaurants, museums, recreation, shopping, antiquing, summer theatres, tourist sites. Wonderful privacy at an uniquely charming house and gorgeous rural property. Good amenities and well-kept house and landscape that features lovely gardens as well as a spectacular views of nearby large ski mountains and many lesser mountains . We have WIRELESS DSL as well as satellite TV. It's a perfect place to kick back and relax, or shop, go antiqueing, or to the theater, good restaurants and museums. Several popular tourist sites are within easy driving distance. Sports, such as swimming, hiking, tennis, golf, canoeing and horseback riding are available nearby. Finding a property with such a combination of warmth, charm and beauty is rare. Our father was smitten by the property's mountain views in 1934, and we-- his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren-- have taken pleasure for 25 years now in sharing our love of the property with our renters. ALL 3 MAJOR SKI AREAS--Magic, Stratton & Bromley-- CAN BE SEEN FROM OUR WOODLOT to the west of house, and it has nice trails for walking or cross country skiing.. The whole face of Magic Mt is the lovely view from our front yard and large picnic area. Stratton is 20 away; Bromley,only 10 min. Magic is in town,so close by.
Amenities
Featured
- Children Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- TV
- Satellite or Cable
- Internet
- Heater
- Air Conditioning
- Fireplace
- Parking
Bathrooms
House Rules
Please consider the following guidelines when booking this property:
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 14 days before arrival date.
50 Reviews
Truly "THE VERMONT EXPERIENCE"
We had a lovely 2 weeks in this delightful home. Setting was beautiful. home warm and inviting, beds very comfortable. and owner concerned and responsive when electricity went out for a couple of hours....typical of Vermont. Centrally located for enjoying all of middle and southern Vermont.
Thanks for your nice review. We are very glad that you enjoyed our home and its beautiful, centrally located setting. Yes, there is much to see and do in our area, and we are happy that you enjoyed visiting friends and seeing the sights despite a little bad weather.
We simply did not want to leave
Upon entering the comfy living room at Humphreys Farm, we already felt at home. By the time we’d passed through the dining room, kitchen, and summer kitchen onto the garden lawn, we knew this would be a special week.
Much of our time was spent under a tree on a flowered terrace overlooking Magic Mountain. We ate most meals outdoors, lingering over the subtly changing view, to the sound of resident Song Sparrows. The well-equipped kitchen and gas grill made it possible for us to eat out only once during our stay.
We’ve long enjoyed Vermont attractions like sightseeing, hiking, theatre, and concerts. We could, however, have so easily whiled away our time simply relaxing in this beautiful, peaceful place, and each day required some little effort to leave in pursuit of those adventures. We enjoyed several nights of stunning stargazing, something we really can’t do in Manhattan. Some cozy evenings in the living room made us think that the fireplace would be delightful in Autumn and Winter.
The warm, welcoming house and picturesque views are simply the essence of Vermont we fell in love with many years ago. We eagerly look forward to coming again.
Thank you, John and Ellen, for your wonderful review! It’s very gratifying for my sisters and me to know that you enjoyed your stay at our home so much. I’m happy that you had good weather and could eat and otherwise enjoy the outdoors so often! Yes, those Mountain views are the reason our father bought the farm in 1934. Our mother was a great gardener, and the many colorful flower beds are in her honor. Yes, isn’t it wonderful that there is so much to do and see in our area! It sounds like you optimized your vacation time, and, yes, please do come back! All best, Kathryn
Beautiful home with incredible views!
We returned to the Humphrey house for the second time and it was exactly as we remembered it. This old farmhouse is beautifully maintained by the owners and has many modern conveniences, such as an adorable kitchen, while retaining many original details. The house has a very warm feeling due to the sense of family history and their obvious love for their home. In addition to the lovely house, you cannot possibly find a more scenic spot in Vermont for a vacation.The house has a sweeping view of the Green Mountains, gorgeous gardens and hay fields, and complete privacy. The location is also great for traveling to nearby local places such as the Londonderry farmer's market, Peru, Jamaica State Park, the Weston theater, and Manchester. We highly recommend this house and hope to return again. Thank you Kathryn!
Jessica, we love our returnees, and you are one I remember well from your last happy stay at our wonderful home! It was so good to have you and your children back again, and we hope that, indeed, you’ll find time for another short visit again this summer. By now you are well acquainted with many of the fun things to do and places to go while in southern VT. As you suggest, there’s a full cornucopia! Thanks for your nice review, and come back soon!
Heaven on earth!
We recently rented this farmhouse for 8 days and could not have been more pleased with our stay. The bucolic setting was far beyond our expectations and conveniently located allowing easy access to most of the major attractions Vermont has to offer. Day trips to Burlington, Woodstock, Middlebury, Queche, Weston, Bennington, and Manchester were easily had with our being able to return prior to dark. Each morning we awoke to different shades of beautiful as the mountains and meadows responded to the changing weather conditions. Rain or shine it was gorgeous!
The house itself added to our overall enjoyment of the experience. While being a stereotypical old Vermont farmhouse in construction, it was very spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated throughout. As technology challenged seniors, we initially struggled with how to operate the television. Our gracious host was quick to find someone who could assist us. She could not have been more responsive. Beds were quite comfortable and there was peace and quiet through both the day and night.
If you are looking for nightlife, look somewhere else. If you are looking for getting more in touch with nature or completing your novel, you could not find a better setting.
Dear renters, who came all the way from Texas. About technology, your hostess learned something valuable too about our TV remote...I didn't know about the small ''slide switch'' at the very top that takes you to Direct TV!
Wow, what far-ranging day trips you had. I'm glad that our home was easy to return to each night. And that you found it so charming and comfortable.
Just one thing. I've not done this, but if you seek night life and like the bar scene, downtown there are Jake's and The Mill, and Manchester has a night scene. During ski season the ''night scene'' explodes at Stratton ski area, I've heard tell. But after a very full day of sightseeing I'm sure you were happy to return to the beauty, peace and quiet of Humphreys Farm. Thank you for your kind comments, and we hope you come again to Vermont.
Beautiful antique farmhouse with outstanding views!
I found what I was looking for, a stunning antique Vermont farmhouse with outstanding views!! My two cousins and I could not have found a better house, or a better view! Filled with comfortable antiques and original architectural details throughout it was the perfect vacation house. It was bright and beautiful with light streaming through the original antique hand blown glass windows, every room exudes a sense of history and old country charm. On the practical side, the beds were very comfortable, the kitchen was stocked with just about everything you could possibly need and the shower has excellent water pressure. We were lucky to have exceptional weather and sat outside each morning with our coffee enjoying fabulous views. I recommend visiting the Vermont Country Store in Weston, and also the Bryant House for lunch; Chester has a fabulous antique mall, a great little bookshop and several places to eat. We ate at the Scottish pub which was very good. The village of Grafton is absolutely charming and we ate a great lunch at the MKT, also there is a small but very interesting historic museum across from the MKT. Quechee Gorge is about an hour away but worth the trip. There are several trails in the area but I liked the one next to the bridge that travels down to the bottom of the gorge. There is also an excellent large antique mall in Quechee Village, and an Alpaca store that we loved. Don't miss Woodstock, on the way to Quechee Gorge, probably one of the most beautiful towns in Vermont with lots to see and do! In Londonderry, Jakes restaurant, right down the road from the house, has simple decor and very good food and the New American Grill in the little shopping center was excellent. J.J. Hapgood's General Store in Peru also served a great unch. We went to Stratton Mountain and took the gondola to the peak for awesome views! We rented the first week of October 2017. I would definitely rent this house again and highly recommend it! Terri
Terri, wow, what a review! You captured the essence of our home and some of the multiplicity of fun things to do and see in our area of southern Vermont... north, south and east of our farmhouse. Next time you come (we hope), you must explore to the west, in Peru, Dorset and Manchester.
It's very gratifying to have renters who truly enjoy our house, the main part of which dates from the early 19th century. Of course, we have modernized and updated it over the years without destroying its considerable charm. Our father bought our farm chiefly because of the gorgeous views. Now you have seen why! We're up relatively high and can see the three big ski areas...Magic (direct View), Stratton and Bromley... from our land. The big fields surrounding the house give it privacy, peace and quiet, and closeness to Nature.
Terri, thank you for your appreciation. My two sisters and I sincerely hope that you will be our guests again in the not too distant future!
Spectacular Views!
My husband and I recently spent a week in this wonderful farm home in Londonderry. Everything about our stay was just terrific. The house had every amenity we needed and was extremely comfortable. We had not slept so soundly in such a long time. The icing on the cake was the breathtaking view of the meadows and mountains from the back yard. We took advantage of the available adirondack chairs and with drink in hand, watched the sun set and felt our blood pressure drop. It was as if we took a step back in time and were staying at Grandma's house! Very cozy! The particular location of this home allowed us to explore the many small towns surrounding Londonderry. We had the best Sunday brunch ever at the "Free Range" in Chester. We swam at Hapgood Pond. We went to the Vermont Country Store which is only 10 minutes from the house (and be sure to stop at the pottery store on the way). Bromley and Stratton Mountains are close by and offer plenty of fun activities for the entire family. There are great restaurants and convenience stores right at the bottom of the hill. In particular, the Garden Market was a delight to find in a small town. We definitely recommend this vacation home!!
Thank you, Lynda, for your heartwarming description of your stay at our farmhouse. I particularly appreciate the detailed information you provide about some of the many wonderful things to do and see in our area. That you were able to be out and about so much but also feel relaxed and comfortable while at our house is gratifying. Yes, that fantastic view of mountains and the big valley, the sunrises and sunsets, the open fields... all helped our father so many years ago to choose this property as our family home! It is my two sisters' and my privilege to be able to share it with others.
Map
We are very near Stratton, Bromley, Magic Mountain and Okemo downhill ski areas and several cross country ski areas. For summer and fall vacationers, many sports are nearby: hiking the Appalachian Trail, swimming and and canoeing at Lowell Lake and Hapgood Pond, fishing the Battenkill in Manchester or Arlington, golf and tennis in Londonderry and Manchester, horseback riding locally. The Equinox resort spa, excellent North Shire book store, So. Vt. Art Center, Hildene mansion (Abe Lincoln's son Robert's home), discount shopping outlet center, many restaurants and a movie house are in Manchester. Antique stores abound in the whole area, but I like the ones in Chester, 15 miles east of Londonderry. Weston, just north of Londonderry, deserves a whole day's expedition, as it features the famous Vermont Country Store, the wonderful Weston Playhouse summer theater and concert venue, the Weston Priory, Farrar Mansur house, and a couple of 4-star restaurants. Besides choosing toys and games at the Vt. Country store, children will especially enjoy the above-mentioned swimming and picnicking spots, Lowell Lake and Hapgood, not to mention the animals at Taylor Farm just west of Londonderry. This farm is also a great place to buy maple syrup and artisanal cheeses, of which VT has many. Children can be easily entertained and play safely on the large lawns surrounding our farmhouse, but they should not venture into our fields without wearing insect repellent.. The whole family will love Londonderry's Saturday morning farmers' market, which features produce and many other products made by local farmers and other artisans.
Other Activities in the area: sightseeing all around (our house has many flyers and guides to help plan your trips). The world-famous Marlboro Music Festival is an hour's drive to the south. President Calvin Coolidge's house is an hour to the north, near a big swimming lake, and the well-known, lovely town of Woodstock and natural wonder, Queechee Gorge, are just a bit further north. There is another good summer theater in Dorset. There is wonderful leaf-peeping in the fall, culminating in early to mid- October.
NB: we rent by week in summer and fall, but only by a minimum of 3 months during SKI SEASON. Skiers can avail themselves of four different ski areas nearby, but the favorite seems to be Stratton or Bromley mountains. We have travel guides and flyers galore in the house for summer and fall renters (winter too), and they're frequently updated. For more detailed information on several popular spots, explore the" gogobot" site on our listing. There I have described several highlights of the immediate area, including some of our favorite places to visit, sports and shopping locations, and restaurants.
If you're vacationing, I recommend spending a day in Manchester, another in Weston. People enjoy Grafton and Chester too. Of course, some people just enjoy staying home and enjoying our house, lawns, gardens and wonderful views. Our skiers just enjoyed their seventh winter in a row (2016-17) because they love the house so much. The house is available for ski season 2018-19. We also have summer returnees and a guest book full of 5 star reviews.Local real estate agents have told us that our home is one of the most beautifully sited in all southern VT. You're sure to find peace and quiet in a charming house on a beautiful farm, with many books, art, antiques and a grand piano. OR you can choose to participate in many locally available sports and explore the area, which is loaded with many fun things to do and see. Plus great places to eat. Please come enjoy our property and beautiful southern VT.