Michelle and I are the only ones who've made it in to work today. Snow is falling ever so gently, but it's persistent! We've got about 6" and the forecast is for 6 more. So I thought it would a good time to reprint this article that was recently published on Sotheby's Vermont Country Properties blog. We are grateful to President and Principal Broker Lisa Coneeny and Office Manager Melissa Olson for posting it. This is how Pine Top looked in 1960. If the rope tows were still here, Michelle and I would be out there skiing today!
What to Do with a Lost Ski Area?
Jeremy Davis, author of "Lost Ski Areas of Southern Vermont” estimates there were 119 ski areas in the Green Mountain state during the mid 20th century. It seems that 2/3 of Vermont’s towns had their own ski area! Of course they were a far cry from today’s luxury resorts like Mount Snow, Stratton, Killington and Stowe. But back in the day, they were the center of winter activity in the communities they served. Now what has become of them?
A group of local enthusiasts at Vermont Woods Studios has recently transformed the former Pine Top ski area in Vernon, Vermont into a showcase for Vermont’s handcrafted, fine furniture and home décor products. The 220 year old farmhouse that used to welcome Nordic and alpine skiers has been lovingly restored. Known as “Stonehurst” since c1870 when it was sold to Lucretia Kendall for a sum of $2000, it is now home to a high end interior design gallery.
Here's the same scene today. Pine Top, the little lost ski area in Vermont is beckoning Michelle and me to bring our sleds out and play. On days like this the mountain longs for the good old days of the 1940s, 50s and 60s when skiers packed the slopes.
“With all it’s rich history we thought Stonehurst would be the perfect place to showcase the high quality home décor products coming out of Vermont”, said Peggy Farabaugh, new owner of the property. “The homestead is situated on a hundred acre wood with beautiful views of the mountains, forests and Connecticut River Valley. Customers can look out our windows and see Vermont’s sustainable working lands in action. Stonehurst gives us a way to show and tell the story of Vermont’s high quality, handcrafted products: where they come from and how they’re made.”
Here's what Pine Top looks like today. The farmhouse that's been know as Stonehurst for over 2 centuries has been lovingly restored. It now houses the finest handmade furniture America has to offer along with many luxury brands of home decor. And everything here is made in Vermont. Come visit us before the snow melts!
The gallery features a revolving selection of fine furniture from Vermont’s iconic brands including Copeland, Lyndon and many custom and specialty furniture makers. Original artwork by Linda Marcille, Susan Osgood, Donna Scully, Georgie Runkle and other local artists accents the furniture and is offered for sale.
“We’re adding new products daily and hope to soon have a consummate collection of Vermont home goods with glassware by Simon Pearce, lighting by Hubbardton Forge, kitchen accessories by JK Adams, pottery by Laura Zindel and a creative selection of specialty handmade items from the area’s top craftspeople,” said Farabaugh.
Visitors are warmly welcomed at Stonehurst. Hours of operation are 9am-5pm, Mon-Sat. Details and directions to the gallery on Huckle Hill Road in Vernon can be found on our website. Be sure to bring your sled, skis or snowshoes!
For more Stonehurst photos, visit our Pinterest board.
This blog is written by your friends at Vermont Woods Studios. Check out our Vermont made furniture and home decor online and visit our showroom and art gallery at Stonehurst, the newly restored 1800s farmhouse nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains.
