Sweet Retreat is owned by Ray and Hannah Morvan, who built the Guesthouse for short- and long-term rentals to accommodate Norwich University and central Vermont visitors. Hannah, a retired elementary school teacher, and member of the Vermont Philharmonic is also active in the family's state-of-the art maple sugaring business, Sweet Retreat Sugarworks, and assists her husband and grandchildren with the show oxen. Ray, an entrepreneur and wonderful storyteller, also runs a stone and a firewood business and offers customized etched bottles for their syrup operation. He trains show oxen, along with his grandchildren, and participates in fairs around New England.