About Washington County, VT

Recently, my son returned from college in North Carolina to "pitch in" and help his fellow Vermonters by volunteering to assist those in need and in distress in any way possible. He and I showed up at an anonymous homeowners house in Waterbury VT I'd been helping previously and she led us to a Serbian family across the street from her. There we were essentially gutting the inside of their home to redo everything destroyed by the rising waters from the Winooski River. Hammers, crowbars, dust and debris. Everything all busted up. Clothing. Toys. Carpets. Photos & keepsakes. What a scene!

Displaced. Stressed. And deeply appreciative that we were there with the only intention being to help and be of service. These folks were so humbled and touched by our "showing up". As were we...

I have been volunteering at the American Red Cross Shelter in Barre Vermont when it was open and secured a local baker in Burlington to donate loaves of his delicious fresh breads to bring with me whenever I went to Waterbury and Barre so I wouldn't arrive empty handed. When I handed out the bread to random people, I remember one woman hugging me and sobbing in gratitude.

If you are considering buying a home or condominium in or near Burlington Vermont Real Estate, please give me a call on my direct line at 802.238.5256 or email me to discuss representing you, our current market conditions and your needs/wants in a new home and community. I would be delighted to assist you.

Armed with solid numbers, Vermont Real Estate buyers and sellers alike can manage their expectations and the current realities of our local Vermont market.

Hen Of The Wood Restaurant - Arguably The Best Dining Experience in VT - A Must for any area visitor...or local!”

Over the last 5 years we have dined at Hen of the Woods dozens of times. We've never had less than a "5-star" experience from food quality, presentation and flavor, to service, to wine and cheese selection. Beyond the amazing menu and service staff, Chef Eric Warnstedt and his team have managed to bring together a unique venue, warm and inviting atmosphere AND fresh local foods that define what eating "VT Fresh" is all about.

As owners of Stowe Meadows Lodge, our guests rely on our dining recommendations to help turn a vacation trip to the Stowe VT area into a memorable travel experience. Whether celebrating an anniversary, birthday or just looking for an amazing dining experience, we highly recommend Hen of the Woods to every guest. EVERY SINGLE guest we've sent to Hen of the Wood has raved about their experience. What's even better, we can confidently recommend Hen of the Wood to our Gluten-Free guests, vegetarians, vegans, etc.

We are so confident that our guests should consider Hen of the Wood, we now include the restaurant's contact information on each lodging reservation confirmation. These days, it is necessary to book reservations 2-3 weeks in advance for a weekend table....and at least a week in advance for a mid-week reservation. We never want our guests to be disappointed that they tried to book "last minute" for this amazing dining spot....so we try to help guests plan in advance. Hen of the Wood is truly THAT amazing.

For visitors to the Stowe VT area or "locals" who may not have tried Hen of the Wood, pick up the phone now and book your reservation, you'll be so glad that you did! Stowe Meadows Lodge gives Hen of the Wood our highest recommendation, backed by hundreds of guest comments and our own experience! Cheers!

To see addtional Stowe Meadows Reviews Click here ->

Cheers!

Caroline

Photo Credits: Vermont Fresh Network - Clarinetgirl - Flickr

I’ve seen an interesting trend recently: Buyers looking for smaller houses for sale in the Barre and Montpelier area.

First time buyers and people looking to downsize into smaller homes (two bedrooms, or two bedrooms with an office) have always been part of the natural real estate market in Central Vermont, and the demand for these properties tends to be fairly steady.

A great way to get into home ownership is to buy something that’s just the right size. Coming from an apartment, two bedrooms and 1400 square feet might seem palatial. And it can be. As time goes on and life changes, perhaps more space is needed (bedrooms, home office, yard, etc.). And guess what? There’s someone else looking for a great way to get into home ownership. See how that works?

But recently I’ve met buyers who are thinking ahead to their retirements. They’re looking for homes that have the option of first floor living, but that don’t necessarily require it. For example, there’s a full bathroom and a bedroom on the first floor, but also another of each on the second floor.

“Compact homes”, as someone has called them, are not for everyone. But the right ones might give pleasant surprises in terms of energy efficiency, maintenance, and cost.

Last night, after a well-attended Norwich University summer barbecue, several folks headed over to Northfield’s newest establishment—The Knotty Shamrock. It's on East Street, across from Common off Main Street in Northfield.

Hits the Mark

After weeks of speculation as to what the newly renovated downtown storefront would look like, it had its grand opening last week. Modeled after a traditional Irish pub, complete with ornate barbacking, and rich interior décor, the Knotty Shamrock also seems to be having a little fun with itself. Amid pub favorites such as Irish stew and pot pie was the Greek Salad…with Irish cucumbers. I love it!

Good Service, Too

The service was spectacular. Our waitress took several orders at once, remembered them, and was quick and professional. All of the tables were full, as were most of the seats at the long bar. Business was definitely booming in Northfield last night.

Small Houses in Central Vermont--Special Market Report

Did you know that in the last 12 months in Washington County, there have been 101 sales of homes that have 1500 square feet or less of living space?

101 sales. That’s more than the total number of sales in Montpelier, Barre City, Barre Town, or the U32 District.

Here’s a breakdown of the past month’s activity for smaller homes in the main area’s major markets (Barre City/Barre Town, Montpelier, Waterbury/Mad River Valley, and the U32 District Towns—Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, and Worcester)

Numbers like this suggest that the market for smaller homes in Central Vermont is strong and active. People look to these homes to provide efficiency and ease of maintenance. Buyers also make lifestyle adjustments that lead them to be interested in a smaller home.