The Middlebury Cottage · 4 BR Modern Village Home · Hot Tub · Walk to Campus

Welcome to the Middlebury Cottage

Right in the heart of Middlebury village, our 1940s cottage is where Vermont history meets modern, conscious comfort. You're an easy walk from downtown's shops, cafes, and restaurants and from Middlebury College, with Chipman Hill just one street up — the kind of location where you can park the car, slow down, and explore the whole village on foot.

The house was originally home to Gene and Annette Lazarus, whose department store anchored downtown Middlebury from the early 1900s. We've expanded and modernized it with care, but kept the character that makes it special: the period arches and finishes, gable ceilings, and craftsman-molded windows that give every room a sense of place. Inside, though, the feel is refreshingly current — clean lines, contemporary furnishings, and a calm, curated aesthetic made for how people live today. It's the soul of a historic home with the comfort and style of a modern one.

At the heart of the home is a kitchen appointed for — and by — private chefs. It's fully equipped with a gas cooktop and oven, microwave, toaster oven, Instant Pot, Vitamix, and immersion blender, along with stainless Calphalon cookware and a genuinely complete set of utensils, gadgets, measuring tools, baking and serving dishes, full table settings, and wine and champagne glasses. We've also just added whole-house water filtration, so every tap runs clean and pure — plus a dedicated three-stage filtered faucet at the sink for the freshest coffee, tea, and drinking water. Whether you're throwing together a weeknight dinner or hosting a celebration, you'll have everything you need.

The main level flows easily between the kitchen, living room, and dining room. Sink into the living room around a 65" TV with a high-end sofa, swivel chairs, and soft throw blankets, or gather at the dining table just off the kitchen, which comfortably seats eight. Downstairs, a second common room with a large sectional and its own TV gives everyone space to spread out — and opens directly onto the outdoor terrace.

Outside, the fenced backyard is a private retreat wrapped in a cedar hedge, with terraced seating, a dining table, and rocking chairs made for slow mornings and long evenings. Best of all, the terrace has a hot tub — the perfect place to soak under the stars after a day on the trails or a crisp Vermont afternoon.

There are four tranquil bedrooms, each with blackout shades and thoughtfully sourced beds, bedding, and pillows for deep, restful sleep. The main level has a bedroom with a queen and a single bed plus its own bath — ideal for anyone who'd rather skip the stairs. Upstairs, the Owner's Suite and two more bedrooms share a large full bath. Be sure to catch the peek-a-boo views of the Adirondacks from the Owner's Suite; they make for unforgettable sunsets.

You'll be comfortable in every season — there's air conditioning in every room for warm summer nights, plus central heating and heat pumps to keep you extra cozy through the Vermont winter.

Need to stay productive? There's a desk and printer in the upstairs twin bedroom. For unwinding, you'll find yoga mats and blocks in the primary and twin bedrooms, plus plenty of closets and luggage racks throughout. A washer and dryer and a ping pong table round things out.

Right next door, one street up, is Chipman Hill — once the site of Middlebury College's downhill ski area in the 1940s and '50s. Today it's a local favorite for a brisk hike or a challenging trail run, and a beloved mountain-biking spot with 16 miles of single-track. The loop rewards you with three lookouts: one facing east to the Green Mountains, one west over town, the College, and the Adirondacks, and a third facing south.

Because you're right in the village, most of your stay is an easy walk — downtown, the College, coffee, and dinner are all on foot. For arrivals, you're also just a few blocks from Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express, so a car-free trip is simple; and if you're driving, the garage has a 240V NEMA 14-50 charger, with two additional destination chargers (including Tesla) nearby.

A little about us: we're passionate about conscious, holistic living — supporting local makers, eating plant-based, and caring for the land. The home is solar-powered with a 5 kW array as we work toward net-zero energy, and we use non-toxic, eco-friendly products throughout. You'll find local goods showcased around the house, and we're always glad to point you toward the artisans, small businesses, and vegan gems we love in Middlebury and beyond.

Good to know: for security, there are exterior cameras at the front door and facing the garage. We can't wait to welcome you to the Middlebury Cottage.