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Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House

Photo gallery for Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House

Welcome to the Gideon Lee House, an historic 1840 stone house in Chester, VT.
The Gideon Lee house, built in 1840 by the Clark brothers.
Modern kitchen with everything a chef needs. Loving the soapstone counters!
Pantry with all the necessities for cooking and serving.
Welcome to the Gideon Lee House. Welcome Book for tips and goodies for breakfast

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Chester, VT
  • Place, Bonnie's Bundles Dolls
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, DaVallia Art & Accents
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Okemo Mountain Resort
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Springfield, VT (VSF-Hartness State)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Back Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Den/Reading Room

1 Double Futon

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Master Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Powder Room

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House

Sunshine, flowers, Farmers' Markets, hikes and starry nights are here. Scents fill the air and the birds are calling. Stay in a lovely home, fully equipped for your comfort. The Gideon Lee House has all the mod cons: speedy wifi, air conditioned rooms, comfortable beds, fluffy towels, fully equipped kitchen, tv with Bose speaker, cosy gas fireplace for cool mornings, a fire pit for outdoor fun and a lovely neighborhood to walk in. Our guests love the Gideon Lee House, a home away from home.

The house is eco-friendly with energy efficient appliances, solar panels(on the back barn roof) and Tesla batteries. We ask guests to re-cycle and compost if possible. We encourage you to use the fire-pit, outdoor grill and enjoy the outdoors. The neighborhood and town are walker friendly!

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
House is not childproofed.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking of any substance
Quiet hours are from 10pm until 7am. This is a village setting with neighbors nearby. Thank you!
Please care for the house as if it belonged to you --or your parents! Thank you.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2708294vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Chester

Located in Chester Depot, a neighbourhood in Chester, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Muckross State Park and Lowell Lake State Park, while My Minds Design and Grafton Historical Society are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Bonnie's Bundles Dolls and DaVallia Art & Accents. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling.
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Map
Chester, VT

What's nearby

  • Bonnie's Bundles Dolls - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • DaVallia Art & Accents - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Okemo Mountain Resort - 21 min drive - 23.9 km
  • Stratton Mountain Resort - 44 min drive - 59.0 km
  • Mount Snow - 60 min drive - 77.9 km

Getting around

  • Bellows Falls Station - 21 min drive
  • Springfield, VT (VSF-Hartness State) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Country Girl Diner - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Farmers - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Md's Cybah Bier Garten - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House located?

This family-friendly Chester holiday home is located in a rural location, within 2 mi (3 km) of Bonnie's Bundles Dolls and DaVallia Art & Accents. Vermont Country Store and Vermont Museum of Mining and Minerals are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barrett S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, quaint and charming home with everything you need!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The stone house was beautiful, clean, warm, and inviting in every way. Our hosts were thoughtful, courteous, and had thought of our every need. I’d visit every year!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jan 2026
Thank you for staying in the Gideon Lee House! We enjoyed hosting you and your family.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ronald B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place, very clean and charming. Hosts Polly and Ian and wonderful. Highly recommend.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Nov 2025
So glad you came! Thank you for choosing the Gideon Lee House. Loved having you stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Reunion

Wonderful place. Would stay there again, plus recommend it to others
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Resi K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay at the Gideon Lee House. The fireplace was perfect in the evening when winding down from our adventures. The house was spotless and had everything we needed. Even a cooler for our day trips to bring home local goodies. I loved the history and charm of the house. Very friendly hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Oct 2025
We enjoyed hosting Resi and her family. It is always a joy to see guests take advantage of all that Vermont has to offer.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barrett S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another Great Stay

Charming and filled with character.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan 2025
A lovely family to host!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jessica s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

Our family loved our stay! Everything about this property is special. Ian & Polly are lovely hosts and always accommodates our family. We can’t wait to return in January!
Stayed 16 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan 2025
Always a joy to host this family!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice property, we have already booked a return visit

Nice dark skies in Chester. Very comfortable with lots of room. A great place to relax with a nice back yard. Very nice and responsive host. The banana muffins at check in were delicious. Nicely furnished kitchen.
House and Night Sky
Overhead Night Sky with a Fish Eye Lens
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul 2025
Thank you Michael for your kind words. I apologize that in my five star review for you that I left out the communication rating. Somehow it did not register or I missed it. I give you 5 stars for communication, too! I called VRBO and tried to edit, but alas, I could not. Please know that you were 5* guests!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous home -2nd visit

This was my second visit with family to this wonderful house. We loved our stay. Will be back for a third!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Nov 2023
Thank you for staying with us! And thank you for leaving the Stone House so tidy. Please do come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carlita S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place

The highlight of our stay was the night we grilled out and had a fun campfire. The host provided a grill and campfire supplies.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2023
Thank you for staying with us! Thank you, too, for taking such great care of the Stone House. Please visit again. You were quite the intrepid travelers, dealing with the storm, detours and flooding. Well done!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Louise G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful getaway

This house is kept up beautifully, and we had everything we needed. We enjoyed exploring parks and trails nearby. Polly and Ian are very welcoming and helpful. It was a great getaway!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct 2024
Thank you Louise. Ian and I so enjoyed hosting you and Larry. Please come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jessica s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tucked in the heart of Chester, the Gideon Lee House is a charming, fully restored Vermont vacation rental that blends historic New England character with modern amenities—perfect for a Chester VT getaway, Southern Vermont vacation, or cozy New England retreat year-round.This beautifully appointed VRBO rental in Chester VT is owned and thoughtfully maintained by Polly and Ian, offering everything guests need for a comfortable stay. Enjoy fast WiFi, comfortable beds, fluffy towels, and a fully equipped kitchen, making it ideal for family vacations, couples retreats, or weekend getaways in Vermont. After a day exploring, relax with the TV and Bose speaker system or unwind under the stars in a peaceful setting.Located near Chester’s charming village center, guests have easy access to farmers’ markets, scenic hiking trails, fall foliage drives, boutique shopping, and classic Vermont dining. Whether you're searching for a fall foliage rental in Vermont, a summer hiking base, or a winter escape in Southern Vermont, this home is perfectly situated.The Gideon Lee House stands out among historic homes for rent in Vermont thanks to its inviting atmosphere, thoughtful upgrades, and prime location. If you're looking for a top-rated VRBO in Chester Vermont with authentic charm and modern comfort, this property is a must-stay destination.Experience the best of Vermont with a stay at this exceptional home! We can't wait to return.
Stayed 85 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Apr 2026
We love having guests like Jessica and her family! They make hosting a joy.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall Get Away

Perfect girls week away. Our hosts could not have been friendlier or more helpful. The house was a perfect combination of farmhouse and a tasteful remodel with all the coveniences.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2024
We are so glad you stayed with us and enjoyed Vermont. Thank you for taking such good care of our home. Please come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Home

The house was perfect. Extremely clean, well stocked and inviting. Owners were true hosts. Will be back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2023
Thank you Christine. This helped me achieve my goal! Please do come again. Polly
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Chester Getaway

We were fortunate to stay at this gem of a property in Chester, Vt. It was extremely clean with gorgeous woodwork and unique craftsmanship. The hosts greeted us to show us around and welcomed us with delicious homemade morning glory muffins. I cannot say enough about this place or the hosts. Top Notch!! Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway weekend

Polly and Ian’s lovingly restored home was the ideal spot for a quiet family getaway— the perfect balance of bright and cozy, with every comfort of home (fully stocked kitchen, gas fireplace, fluffy towels). The icing on the cake was Polly and Ian themselves — gracious, helpful and all around lovely people! We will definitely look for an excuse to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2023
We so enjoyed having you stay in the Stone House! Please do return and enjoy more of Vermont's peaceful beauty.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dori G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, well maintained home

It was a pleasure staying with Polly and Ian. They are very gracious and accommodating, and their home is just lovely with all the comforts of home you would need. About a 20 minute drive to Okemo straight up Rte 103.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2023
Ian and I are so glad you chose The Stone House for your ski vacation! Please come again. We loved the note from Henry! Have a safe and happy New Year. Polly and Ian
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grant S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vermont as it should be

First time booking with Vrbo, and couldn’t be happier. The place is charming, and the owners are the very definition of gracious and accommodating hosts. It’s very likely we’ll be making a return visit. In the meantime, I recommend others book a stay. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you Grant. You are a star guest! Thank you for leaving everything so tidy!!! And some yummy leftovers. Please come again. We would love to host you and your family. Polly and Ian
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay in the Green Mountains

My husband and I stayed at Polly and Ian's beautiful home over a long weekend. It has everything you'd ever want in a VT vacation home. Perfect location, beautiful grounds, a wood stove and so much character and charm. Polly was the perfect hostess even making sure we had coffee and freshly baked muffins ready for the morning after our late arrival. We are already looking forward to planning another trip with our children and staying at Polly and Ian's home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2023
It was a joy to host Stephanie and Stephen!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful stick season getaway

My family and I have been coming to Chester since my daughter (18) was a child—and before that when I was a child. Reconnecting with the beautiful town of Chester has been so rejuvenating—and of all the places we’ve stayed, Polly’s house in the Stone Village has been the most beautiful and hassle-free experience of all. I highly recommend. We will definitely be returning
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Nov 2024
Thank you David, Johanna and Lucy for visiting our Stone House and taking such great care of it. So glad that you had such a great visit to Chester! Please come back and stay with us.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barrett S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely lovely

A home is not just the house but the people inside them that make it special. Ian and Polly care about this charming house they have restored to its best self and the people that have the privilege to stay in it. If you have reason to stay in Chester, we recommend highly (unless you are trying to rent it the same weekend we want).
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daryl C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Away

With family a few minutes away in neighboring towns, this lovely home was our perfect home away from our Maine home. I attended my grandson's 8th grade graduation, visited my daughter and father, hiked the Butternut trail, enjoyed the town's restaurants, and surroundings. The location was excellent for our travels. Polly even left fresh strawberries, which we made in strawberry shortcake for our Father's Day visit. Ian and Polly were the wonderful hosts to compliment the perfect accommodations. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jun 2024
Ian and I so enjoyed hosting you! You hiked the Butternut Trail--well done. Please come again and stay with us in Chester.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Described as charming certainly fits !

This beautiful and historic home was just what we were looking for. Centrally located in Stone Village it was easy for us to move around to restaurants and hiking. The home is nicely kept and had all the amenities one could want. Including a beautiful yard for morning coffee. Lots of room inside and a modern and thoughtful kitchen. We look forward to going back next summer. Polly and Ian, our hosts were so friendly and welcomed us to the home. Every day we noticed something else, done to make us feel at home. Thank you so much Polly and Ian.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul 2024
Thank you for taking such great care of our home. We so enjoyed meeting you and hope you come again. So glad the time in the area went well. Cheers, Polly and Ian
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding in Stone Village

My sister's wedding was in Stone Village and my family stayed at Polly and Ian's place while my siblings and their families stayed at other VRBOs in the neighborhood. It worked perfectly! The community is amazing and it was so nice to all be close to each other and staying in these wonderful historic homes. Polly and Ian were especially generous and communicative. There were four of us, but we had plenty of room. We loved the little gas heater in the cool autumn mornings and the well stocked kitchen made it hard to leave the house. One of the best Vrbos we have ever stayed in!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2023
It was lovely hosting Daniel and his family and watching the families weave together over the wedding weekend. We even had a gorgeous rainbow the first evening to welcome the families!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eliana D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect in Every Way

We can't over state how perfect our stay at Polly and Ian's was. They have given so much attention to every detail - from the soaps in the bathroom, to the welcome card, to the homemade biscotti, the list goes on... The home was immaculately clean, beds were very comfortable, beautiful antique furniture filled the home but it did not feel cluttered at all. The kitchen was incredibly well-equipped and we enjoyed cooking. Chester was a lovely little town to explore, and served as our launch-pad for a trip further north in Vermont. Polly and Ian made the whole check-in process a breeze and were always easy to communicate with and available for anything we needed. We hope to return one day!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Apr 2024
We loved hosting Eliana and her family and friends. They were the kind of guests we love to have! Five stars indeed in all aspects. Thank you for staying with us and celebrating Eclipse Day in Vermont.

About the host

Hosted by Ian and Polly Montgomery

Host profile image
My husband Ian and I bought the Gideon Lee House in 2019 right before the Pandemic. We have spent the past 2+ years supervising and helping with the renovation/restoration of this historic house. Built in 1840, it has retained its original character, but the updated plumbing, wiring, and appliances make it comfortable. We have enjoyed restoring the old wood floors and architectural details along with furnishing it with family antiques and original artwork to retain the charm. Our dogs Coco and Bella may greet you upon arrival. We live in the renovated barn on the backside of the property, separated from the Stone House by the garage. Having pastored churches all over the country and travelled in foreign lands, we are ready to settle down into the countryside of Vermont and share our home with family, friends and travelers. We will greet you upon arrival and then leave you in peace to enjoy the surroundings.

Why they chose this property

We have always enjoyed fixing up old houses. Thinking we were ready to downsize and retire to a condominium, we saw this old house in need of much TLC and took it upon ourselves to restore it to its former glory. It has taken over two years of hard work, but the result has been worth it. Welcome to The Gideon Lee House. Gideon and his wife Nancy lived in the stone house with four children in the mi-1800s and farmed the land surrounding it, back to the Trebo Brook. We enjoy walking into town and to our favorite shops from our home. Biking is fun, too, and many of our guests jog along the Green Mountain Turnpike, an old stagecoach route. It's a great neighborhood with friendly neighbors, bird song, wandering deer, wild turkeys and an occasional coyote yipping in the night. We look forward to sharing it with you.

What makes this property unique

It is delightful to stay in a village where you can walk to the country store and stroll along the river, or jog an old stagecoach route. Chester is in a good location for skiers: the slopes of Okemo are just 20 minutes away; Bromley, 30 minutes; Stratton about 45 minutes. In the summer, the Farmers Market in nearby Londonderry is just 15 minutes every Saturday from Memorial Day until October. Farms, antiques shops, bookstores and coffee shops fill the towns. Trails are great for hiking: Mt. Ascutney, Bromley on the Appalachian Trail, and local Chester trails. Swimming holes : Rainbow Rock, Buttermilk Falls), local rivers and streams and the town pool provide refreshment for those hot July days. Come relax in the Green Mountain State!

Languages:

English, Spanish

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