How do two people become the happy owners of Inn Victoria?
After 30 years of marriage and 25 years of living the corporate life, we finally made the leap to our 30 year dream of having our own business, specifically a B&B. For years we asked ourselves how to get off the fast track of corporate life and actually take time to enjoy each other and other people. I believe we have found the balance! Our two oldest children have married and are leading successful lives. Our youngest is just now starting school at Norwich University in Northern Vermont. This allows us the opportunity to follow the dream operating our own bed and breakfast.
In August of 2010, Penny and I recommitted our vows through a wedding ceremony on an island in Casco Bay off the coast of Portland Maine. We invited 50 friends and surprised Penny with a wedding dress, lobster bake, and boat ride out to the island. We had a fantastic time, but most importantly, we decided that life together was getting shorter and our time together is more important to us than the corporate life.
We love people, we love serving with a gracious servant's attitude, and we enjoy watching people in our inn smile at the simple pleasures we are able to bring to them.
Our beautiful Victorian inn was built circa 1850, as a family residence for Dr. Abram Lowell (who gave his name to the nearby Lake and State park). He used the small building to the side (now Mr. Brown's Cottage) as his medical office. The building was later enlarged (circa 1880) by his son in law, George Hilton, who added the third story and mansard roof in the typical grandiose French second empire fashion. Known for many years as the Hilton house, Inn Victoria is the only example of this architectural style in the historic town of Chester.
Over the years, Inn Victoria has had many uses other than a family residence. It was once a Milner's, a cartography office for the National Survey, and for many years was unoccupied before opening as a bed and breakfast inn in 1988.
Under new ownership since early 2005 and following an intensive renovation, Inn Victoria is now one of the finest B&Bs in Vermont. The smart paintwork of purple and buttery yellow draws admiring glances from passers by. Cross our threshold through the imposing front door and the first impression of the cozy Victorian parlor usually attracts a chorus of "wows!!" This continues throughout the inn, as we have well appointed it with antiques of the period and continue to search for those special touches that enhance our customers' stay. Before leaving, many guests ask for a tour of the remaining guest rooms and suites; it is our pleasure to do so! Don't be shy, ask!
In order to cater to those who can't quite let go of business, we provide Wi-Fi Internet access in every portion of the property including both Mac and PC laptop access if needed. You may use us as your business concierge service if needed: fax, copy, mail, whatever meets your needs. All of the rooms are equipped with the most modern conveniences; flat-screen TVs with DVD players, iPhone radio/clock system, Wi-Fi Internet access, and over 100 current movies in our DVD library. Seasonal air conditioning is provided for each room. We have developed a meticulous sleep system consisting of luxurious silky linens on a feather mattress topper, triple sheets, and lots of pillows.
We provide access to 24-hour personal coffee and tea service through a Green Mountain Personal single cup maker, special evening refreshment service delivery to your room, afternoon tea and baked goods, a refrigerator, soft drinks, bottled water, and of course there is plenty of space available for our guests to leave some cool beers for Dan to enjoy!
Check out what the world's most reputable travel advisory firm (Trip Advisor) says through their collection of reviews. We work to earn your respect and we guarantee an exceptional experience!
Dan and Penny were recently interviewed by their local Chamber of Commerce about why they (and other business owners) moved to the Okemo Valley ... we hope you enjoy the video!
