Visit Higher Ground

When art meets architecture...

Tucked into a hill in the very green mountains of Vermont is a captivating, secluded gem! Anyone who has stepped through the round door for a stay has agreed that this is true! This finely furnished Hobbit-like Cottage totals approximately 1,200 sq. ft and has over 130+, 5-star reviews on Airbnb, attesting the the magic of the setting and space, as well as the quality and uniqueness of the cottage and decor. (See Reviews ‘Rent on Airbnb’ tab) This property has been featured nationally and internationally as ‘Best Of”.

The Setting...

Maybe it’s the four-acres of private, open organic meadows, stonewalls, old maples, flowering gardens and sweeping valley views transports one far from the maddening crowds and plops one into nature’s luxuriousness or possibly it’s just the cozy cocoon created by being in the deep, rich, quiet hillside that creates the magic. Does it really matter how it happens or just that it does.

The flat, open meadows are perfect for animals, gardens or greenhouses. Currently, green paths for walking or jogging are mowed through the meadows. It will become your favorite daily stroll. Full time residents can cross-country ski out your door to enjoy those lovely fresh snow days, and morning coffee from your cafe table on a grassy green roof 3 seasons, with a lovely view of  gently rolling hills, will start you day with ‘Life is Good!’ on your lips.

The Earth-Sheltered Cottage... 

We, the owners, spent thousands of hours on the design/build to make this dream come true. Completed in 2018 with all modern conveniences which seem to disappear among the period decor, this retreat feels timeless and an age away.

The twelve hundred sq. feet of a truly unique and energy efficient build has walls a foot thick …a safe, quiet, bunker for wild weather. The design was with retirees in mind...no stairs, low windows for easy cleaning, a high quality and low maintenance structure for easy shut down in winters if you fly south. The cottage sleeps four with two full baths. The Lords bath is in the Double Dragon Pub and features a River Stone shower with a window. The Lady’s bath has a claw foot slipper tub and stained glass window for privacy. The Living space includes a full kitchen with ‘sit & sip’ counter, a dining/living/library area with hidden large screen TV. A separate cozy sleeping nook has a Queen bed. Hid away in the main closet is a full-sized washer and dryer.

The Double Dragon Pub is full of fun! A custom built bar includes a sink, mini fridge & freezer. Guests love the unique player piano with over 80 rolls tucked in an antique trunk from 1721.  A game table and basket of games, additional large screen TV, dance floor, darts and deep and wide over-stuffed chairs make a cozy corner by the wood stove. The pub has a Queen Murphy bed and walk-in closet. This space is also accessed from the outside by the iconic round door and has everything one imagines in an authentic pub…the look and feel of antiquity in the imported travertine tile, stucco walls, and soft mood lighting.

Outdoors, under the pergola, surrounded by landscaped gardens is another hot & cold shower and claw foot tub, a dining area and plant stand for easy access to herbs.  Steps away is the grill, fire-pit and seating for star-gazing nights. The gardens around the dining portico and entries provide privacy, beauty and interest…blooming from spring to fall.

Systems ...

Radiant heat throughout the cottage along with wood stove options in both Living side and Double Dragon Pub. Deep well water and a whole house water filter ensures pure water with no chemicals. Each side has a portable AC unit and fiber optic internet.

Up on the Roof ...

The green roof is a seven layer roof, carefully engineered and constructed for 135 pounds per sq. foot for the live load of snow and dead load of soil. Proper drainage system is out of sight and creates a no drip roof. Water is piped under ground and away from the structure. Supported by 154 posts & beams, the roof is over engineered 90% of the time in 3 seasons, yet secure in winter and especially in wild weather. The life span is ‘ageless’ as there is no UV damage to the protected liner that is designed for and normally is exposed to sun and weather. The irrigation system has an auto-timer to keep the grass green in drier months. The hill itself is south facing and its sloping field is perfect for a solar system set up, yet out of sight from the cottage.

Storage...

There is a matching 10’ x 16’ 2024 Barn (with space on each side to expand if desired). A separate chicken coop for up to 6 chickens with fenced in chicken yard is protected from predators under the apple trees and is just steps from the Barn and Hollow (parking area) for you or your guests to collect eggs.

The cottage and property is packed with charm as expressed in over the 150 reviews. The cottage is move-in ready to start writing, relaxing and living the simple life! All antiques plus art supplies, artwork, games, books, kitchen ware, linens and towels are included. Just pack your bags and be ready...your family and friends will be excited to visit you and this amazing place.

The Plantings...

We have worked on this property for 20 years to make it the shire it is!

Planted Inventory in part: Norway Spruce: 20, Bridal Veil: 18, Eastern Hemlock: 6, Blue Spruce: 1, Apple: 4, Saucer Magnolia: 1, Dwarf River Birch: 2, Dappled Willow: 6, Panicle Hydrangea: 4, Viburnum: 20, Maples: 10+/-

The Shared Spring Community House...

On four separate acres adjacent to this property is the Spring Cottage at just under 700 sq. ft. This 4-acre parcel has an infill in the lower field on the drawing board, of 4 tiny houses and will share this Spring Cottage as a community space, should this plan materialize. You will have rights to join and use this community house at no buy-in cost.

The cottage has an authentic wishing well that feeds the olympic sized pond. The Spring Cottage is furnished with a living/kitchen area, bedroom for overflow guests and an attached screened in porch that gets lovely sunset light. The high ceiling space with full bath includes a high end composting toilet designed for a 3 bedroom home, so no worries about backups. A wood stove for chilly spring or fall nights and portable AC unit for hot summer days keeps the cottage comfy in all weather. Fiber optic internet.

Inventory of plantings on these 4-Acres~ River Birches: 3, Lilacs: 9, Pagoda Dogwood: 1, Weeping Cherry: 1, ,Apple: 8+/-, Magnolia: 1, Black Walnut: 1, Maples: 10+/-, Blueberry: 15.

A nominal monthly fee will cover the basic upkeep of the community house and shared drive/plowing. 

The Sane & Simple Life...

The property is central in SW Vermont in a village of 700, and the property is a 5 minute walk to the Town Green, providing the best of both worlds…privacy and yet access to all services. A new town hall (2024), library (new library due to open in 2026), community church, general store, post office, town museum and K-6 school, along with the transfer station, the fire house/emergency services. With no traffic, zero stress and community activities…it’s a welcomed step back in time.

Fifteen minutes to the next town of Poultney includes gas, hardware and grocery store, great pizza, tavern, fine dining, bike trail and more. Golfing and boating at Lake St. Catherine just minutes from downtown. Along the way, stop for a hike or mountain bike ride on the Slate Valley Trail. Single-track mountain bike trails covering 60 miles in Poultney alone.

Rutland, one of the main cities in Vermont is 30 minutes away where you can catch a daily train to NY or plane ride into Boston. Another 20-35 minutes away are the beautiful towns of Dorset and Manchester, known for the Equinox Hotel, fine dining, golfing and home to the Orvis flagship store along with many designer outlet stores and Southern Vermont Art Center and one of the best independent bookstores you will ever visit...the drive there is one of the prettiest in the state. We are within an hour of 5 major ski resorts, under 2 hours to Burlington with direct flights to Tampa and Denver and under 4 hour drive to Montreal.

Tour and Stay...

If you wish to book a stay to really get a taste of the place, please contact us (see: Contact tab for our email) and we will open our Airbnb calendar for you to book. Two reviews are required to book, but if you are working with an agent please just include that information in your message to us. The cost of your stay will be refunded if you purchase. 

For your Consideration...

Your possible neighbors on the 4 adjoining acres is a design for tiny home development to provide those with a desire to step away from the AI future. This little community will sign up for a ‘low to no-tech’ lifestyle for independence from AI and government control and surveillance. Top CEO’s of AI companies state, “AI can’t be stopped and presents an uncertain future and possible threat to humanity”.  This reality calls for Plan B to be in place for at least a % of the population. This tiny home development, 'Retro Revival' are for those understanding that turning back the clock to live with ‘less tech’ in order to have the freedom to decide if and when they sign up for the AI future, is the smart way forward.  Although as owners youdo not have to sign up for the vision, having an interest and the same concern will mean your neighbors will be support during what promises to be turbulent times ahead.  (Note: Investors looking for a only a hospitality rental are not the right fit for this purchase. Also, as a truly unique property a bank mortgage will not be possible as there are no comps for this property.)  If you are on Team Humanity join us!

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