really strong bones,” Kevin said. “It just needed a lot of love.” Nearly all the cozy bedrooms have a fireplace, and the Harters invested in a new heating and cooling system with control by room. The inn rooms all offer picture-perfect views, while the two studio suites provide the most privacy. The completely redone post-and-beam Half Pint Studio is even dog friendly. Local designer Mary Sargent guided redecoration of the main inn building to recall the colonial era in an elegant,
The place itself had really strong bones. It just needed a lot of love. KEVIN HARTER
updated style. Creative touches include a table made from blacksmith bellows and a mirror framed by a horse driving harness collar. While Rockwell’s studio has been restored, the rest of the property is not overly crammed with memorabilia. The Harters have also updated the facilities with a workout space equipped with Peloton bikes and a stretching area. A new media/game room is complete with a freezer full of ice cream from the Chocolate Barn in nearby Shaftsbury; guests can help themselves. (Kevin favors the maple-pecan.) Due to the coronavirus pandemic, their inaugural year as innkeepers has not been exactly as envisioned. But, Kevin allowed, it gave them more time to ramp up gradually. Sue has continued to work remotely in benefits technology while her husband takes the lead innkeeping role. Kevin is always happy to chat about Rockwell’s life and work. He can also guide guests to the best spots to enjoy abundant local outdoor activities, from fly-fishing and tubing on the Battenkill to biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For downhill snow sports, it’s a 30-minute drive to Bromley Mountain. Whatever they choose to do, guests will be amply fueled by Kevin’s hot breakfasts. His signature frittatas might be filled with sweet potatoes, leeks, sausage, peppers and Vermont feta; inspiration comes from a communitysupported agriculture share from Shaftsbury’s Clear Brook Farm. The eggs in those frittatas are local, too. In fact, they are raised by a neighbor whose family modeled for Rockwell. m ST34V-helloburlington112520 1
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