745 Acres and 15 miles of riding trails

ROBINSON WINCHESTER FARM
This unique offering of 745 acres and a homestead compound is truly a one of a kind property. In the heart of the Green Mountains of southern Vermont, the Robinson Winchester Farm is located in one of New England’s premier recreation and cultural centers.
Step back in time when you come to southern Vermont from metropolitan areas and enjoy the peace and quiet of yesteryear. Just 2 ½ hours from Boston and 4 hours from Manhattan, it’s like being in another world . Year round activities are abundant within minutes of the farm’s solitude. Mt Snow and Stratton, two major Vermont ski resorts are less than 30 minutes away. Twelve mile long Lake Whitingham, the largest lake within Vermont borders, is a summer gem and located in the adjacent town of Wilmington.
This unique and pristine property is located in the rural town of Marlboro. Marlboro is a small old time community, home to Marlboro College and the internationally acclaimed Marlboro Music Festival. The local residents are particularly concerned with conservation and they work together to conserve and protect their land.
The history of farming on the land dates back to the second half of the 1700’s. The farm was operated as a dairy farm until the late 1800’s. The original home was built around 1790 by the Winchester family with just two rooms around a central chimney. The farmhouse was expanded over the years to meet the needs of the growing family.
In 1969 the stewardship of the property transferred to the late William Davisson. The Davisson Family incorporated additional acreage in to the farm and made many improvements to the house, grounds, farm buildings, farmland, and woodland. The Davisson’s conveyed 640.7 acres to the Vermont Land Trust in 1997 to protect the land from future development. The conveyed land encompasses much of the forested area and is intertwined by 15 miles of maintained old carriage trails over the property’s wooded hillsides and valleys, passing over bridges over numerous brooks and ponds. The properties open fields, about 67 acres, provide lovely views of the surrounding landscape, including Stearns Hill and Grimes Hill. This acreage has been used for years for growing hay and pasturing horses.
The woodlands have been managed to insure the beauty while promoting effective silvicultural practices and establishing winter habitat and summer range for wildlife. A portion of the woodland is home to a 22+- acre sugar bush, which has been operated over the years.
The home was meticulously renovated by Whoppi Goldberg in 2004. The main house was stripped to the post and beam structure and rebuilt. The original features were preserved and the structure was enhanced with taste and modern fixtures. The two sided antique fireplace with a beehive oven, believed to be the original central core of the home, was exposed and restored. The windows were replaced with replicas of the 12 over 12 originals and the entire structure was renovated and up-dated. An addition with a wall of glass was added on the east side of the colonial style home, looking over the open fields and perennial gardens.
Currently there are five bedrooms and six baths in the main house. All bedrooms are en suite with a second floor sitting room. There first floor design is open and spacious- perfect for entertaining. The openness of the renovations present an open canvas for the next owner to selectively divide the rooms to their personal taste.
In addition to the main farmhouse, the barns and out buildings provide perfect space for a family compound, retreat center, or equestrian facility. There are multiple pole barns, an indoor riding arena, a beautiful heated horse barn with tack rooms, two run in sheds with water, a two bedroom bunk house with kitchen and living room and a two story cement barn , used as a wood working shop.
Properties like this don’t often come on the market. This is a rare opportunity. Showings are confidential and must be scheduled in advance. Prospects must be pre-qualified. Call Arlene Palmiter at Palmiter Realty Group for an appt. 802-464-1200