Imagine a late afternoon in October. The maple trees along the north, south, and east sides of the property are at full color. A couple who drove up from Boston for their anniversary is sitting on the porch before heading to dinner at one of the village restaurants, a short walk away. Tomorrow they'll spend the morning at Shelburne Farms and the afternoon at the museum. They chose this inn because it was quiet, beautiful, and central — and because the breakfast the next morning was made from scratch, just for them.
That is not a fantasy. That is an October afternoon at this property.
Shelburne Village is one of those rare places that offers genuine walkability without sacrificing the scale and serenity that bring people to Vermont in the first place. There are no franchise restaurants here. No chain hotels. What there is: an extraordinary outdoor museum with world-class art and architecture, a working historic farm that draws visitors from across the country, a community library that hosts events year-round, local shops, a craft school, and a village energy that feels both alive and unhurried.
Opportunities to acquire a property with this combination of historic character, village location, permitted hospitality use, and future residential flexibility are exceptionally rare in Shelburne.
The property is listed on PrimeMLS under both a commercial hospitality listing and a residential listing. Commercial MLS Listing ↗ · Residential MLS Listing ↗
The Victorian main building anchors the property with architectural character that is genuinely rare in Vermont's hospitality market. The first floor includes the inn kitchen, common areas (living room and two breakfast rooms), and one king guest room. Four additional guest rooms occupy the second floor. Owner’s quarters are entirely private on the third floor.
The Carriage House occupies a distinct character on the property — quieter, more private, and dedicated entirely to guest space. A custom horse-hames chandelier by Conant Metal & Light (2015) greets guests in the foyer. Four rooms with five booking configurations — including a two-room suite combination — make this building a flexible revenue asset in its own right.
Modern systems and historic character are not opposites here. Since 2015, every infrastructure upgrade has been made with the expressed intention of preserving what was already here.
Preserved woodwork and period hardware — one of the finest original interior features remaining in the building.
Preserved and maintained — not replaced. Intact and original. A long-standing indoor no-shoes policy has protected the wood and kept the inn exceptionally clean throughout the current ownership.
Original to the 1880s construction.
Non-working fireplace retained as an architectural focal point in the main common room.
Rare surviving examples of locally-made period hardware. Functional and in place.
These are not decorative plantings. They are established trees that define the character of the property in every season — and in October, they are exceptional.
Within the original cutting garden footprint. Maintained for seasonal color and guest-facing curb appeal year after year.
Shelburne sits at the southern edge of the greater Burlington metropolitan area — close enough to offer full access to Vermont's most vibrant city, far enough to offer the quiet and character that guests are actually seeking when they choose Vermont.
Burlington International Airport is approximately 9 miles north. Lake Champlain views are a short drive to the west. Stowe, Sugarbush, and Bolton Valley are reachable in under two hours. Montreal is a viable weekend destination.
Within the village itself: Shelburne Museum — one of the country's premier outdoor art and architecture museums — is walkable. Shelburne Farms, a working historic estate that draws visitors from across North America, is approximately 1.7 miles away. The village offers local dining, shops, a craft school, and a public library that functions as a genuine community anchor.
This is not a remote Vermont retreat. It is a property that works year-round, draws guests from across the country, and benefits from a regional draw that expands in every direction from the front door.
Entry foyer, sitting rooms, and two breakfast dining rooms — original hardwood floors, stained-glass windows, and period architectural details throughout the first floor.
A dedicated foyer, custom horse-hames chandelier by Conant Metal & Light, and a loft sitting area above the ground floor — distinct character from the Main House.
The well-equipped inn kitchen features the principal appliances installed in 2015, including a large refrigerator, a double convection oven, two induction cooktops, and two dishwashers, supporting efficient preparation and cleanup for daily guest breakfasts.
The third floor of the Main House is entirely private innkeeper space — a self-contained living area separate from guest rooms, included in the real estate sale.
The third-floor owner’s residence was created by a previous owner through finishing the attic space. It is comfortable and functional. The existing refrigerator and range are older, fully functional appliances that a future owner may choose to replace.
Furnishings & Equipment: The property is offered substantially furnished for continued hospitality use — guest room furnishings, common area furniture, installed appliances, electronic locks, laundry equipment, boilers, EV charging, and more. See the full FF&E overview →
Structured for Every Buyer’s Vision
This offering has been intentionally structured to provide flexibility. Whether a purchaser envisions a private residence, a new hospitality concept under their own brand, or building upon what has already been established — the transaction accommodates all three paths.
For qualified buyers who value continuity, optional acquisition paths — Brand & Identity Transfer or Complete Business Transition & Knowledge Transfer — may be available through separate negotiation.
Transaction structure →Every inquiry is handled personally. Contact Rose Polyakova to express interest or request more information.
