Landmark Village Property in Vermont

The Heart of Ripton: A Historic Home Woven Into Community

This beautifully historic property, built in 1828 by Daniel Chipman—Ripton’s original postmaster and one of Vermont’s most influential early thinkers—stands as a cornerstone of the town’s story. This is more than a historic house. It’s a lived-in legacy—rooted in community, nature, art, and quiet beauty. A house with a past, in a town with a soul—ready to welcome its next chapter.

Property Highlights & Current Features

The home itself is rich in architectural character and thoughtful layout. Upstairs in the original house are four spacious bedrooms, each with its own dedicated full bathroom (three en-suite, one just across the hall). The original wide-plank floors remain underfoot, glowing with age and care. A smaller upstairs room, once likely the servants’ quarters, adds a touch of old-world charm and possibility—perfect as an office or quiet retreat.

Downstairs, two handsome rooms sit at the front of the house: one a parlor with a working fireplace, the other a generously sized space that once served as Ripton’s post office. Two staircases lead to the upper floor: one formal, beginning just beyond the front door; the other a tucked-away servants’ stair rising from what was once the kitchen.

That original kitchen space now functions as a warm and inviting dining area and cozy bar nook. On the newer side of the home—the converted barn—are five additional guest rooms, each with an ensuite full bath. One is ADA-compliant, a rare and thoughtful addition in a historic property.

The home also offers an extraordinary glimpse into the craftsmanship of the past—in the attic, hand-cut beams of virgin timber are still visible, joined with wooden pegs and laid across planks cut by an early steam-powered sawmill. In the stone basement—tall enough for someone 6’4” to stand upright—you’ll find the original well, as well as a state-of-the-art water filtration system, metal support beams to preserve the integrity of the historic floors, modern fire safety systems, internet infrastructure, and updated electrical service.

Historical Significance & Evolution

Daniel Chipman was not only instrumental in Ripton’s founding but also a respected lawyer, professor, and public servant. He served as Speaker of the Vermont House, taught law at Middlebury College, mentored future Vermont Supreme Court justices, and represented the state in Congress. His move to Ripton marked the beginning of the home’s rich and evolving legacy.

Chipman admired the architecture of Thomas Jefferson, and his home reflects that inspiration in subtle ways—including the original Rumford fireplace, nearly identical to those at Monticello. This beautifully proportioned hearth was the heart of the home, used for cooking and baking, complete with a beehive bread oven that remains fully functional to this day.

In 1938, William and Rena Meacham purchased the house in a state of considerable disrepair. William, a proud member of Middlebury College’s Class of 1921, was later honored with the Alumni Plaque—awarded to alumni who have provided exceptional service to the college and its community. With that same spirit of dedication, the Meachams restored the home, installed electricity and plumbing, and built a car barn and workshop on the east side. They added a modern kitchen while preserving the home’s original character.

In the 1970s, the barn and modern (by 1940s standards) kitchen were transformed into a 100-seat restaurant, turning the property into a beloved gathering place. By the 1980s, this restaurant area was converted into five guest rooms, and five bathrooms were added to welcome overnight guests—establishing the property as more lodging than restaurant, though still able to seat up to 50 people combined in its two smaller dining rooms.

Recent Improvements & Future Potential

Most recently, the tradition of hospitality continued—this time with an emphasis on thoughtful updates and stewardship. Much like the Meachams brought the house into the 20th century, nearly a hundred years later, the newest owners brought it into the 21st. Select spaces were modernized to meet current needs while preserving historic details, and the building’s systems—electrical, water, fire safety, and digital infrastructure—were enhanced to ensure long-term stability and comfort.

This is a truly turnkey property—ready to live in or host guests from day one—yet still full of room for restoration, refinement, and imagination. You could say goodbye to a few 1980s wallpaper choices, or take on more ambitious upgrades: the house that once had a horse and carriage stable is now nearly ready for EV charging and updated electric panels. Whether you’re dreaming of refinishing original trim, opening up gathering spaces, or simply preserving what’s already here, this is a place where comfort meets creativity—and where history is still being made.

Location & Community

Step outside, and you’re immersed in a town where the past and present live side by side. Across the street is the Ripton Country Store, where Robert Frost once walked to from his cabin. To this day, locals who knew him still make the same stroll—for coffee, candy, or a bottle of wine and to check their mail. The innkeeper might grab eggs or milk in a pinch. Next door sits the Ripton Community House, once a church funded by Daniel Chipman himself, now home to town potlucks, music nights, and the annual town meeting. Just two doors down is the old Methodist Church, now only active on Christmas Eve, when nearly half the town gathers by candlelight.

The property is nestled in the Green Mountain National Forest, directly along the famous Vermont Long Trail, with access to some of the region’s most beloved hikes—including the Spirit in Nature Trail, a wooded sanctuary born from the Dalai Lama’s visit to Middlebury College. His words inspired Vermonters to create a peaceful, interfaith walking trail just minutes from the house—a place of deep reflection and connection to the land.

And when the snow falls? You’re five minutes from the Middlebury Snow Bowl, a laid-back, family-friendly ski area with charm, affordability, and varied terrain. Even closer is the Rikert Outdoor Center, offering over 55 kilometers of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking through forests, old farm fields, and past Robert Frost’s summer cabin. Whether you seek exercise, fresh air, or poetry in motion, Rikert lets you enjoy winter at your own pace.

This home is represented for sale by Irene Poole, REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman, 802-861-4757, [email protected]

Details

Property ID
702719

11
Bedrooms

11
Bathrooms

Square Footage
5258

Lot Size
5.9

Year Built
1828

Style
Colonial

Property Website