Serenity on the Dorset Green

The Musser House, set back beyond a sweeping lawn on the iconic Dorset Green, has been an historic landmark for Southern Vermont since 1905. The six bedroom home combines antique touches and modern amenities, providing a soothing and comfortable getaway experience in arguably the most languid and picturesque setting in New England. The property is a short stroll to the Dorset Playhouse, featuring top level summer stock productions, and the lovely Dorset Inn (circa 1796), Vermont’s longest continuously operating inn. The historic Dorset Green is close to three remarkable ski resort options: Bromley, Stratton and Magic Mountain, which is great for alpine and cross country skiing. Only a few steps from the Musser House’s back door sits the Dorset Field Club with groomed cross-country trails when the conditions are right.

Also within walking distance are the lovely Barrows House Inn, a sister property of the Dorset Inn, and the Dorset Bakery with delicious breakfast and lunch options. Just down the road is the sprawling and eclectic H N Williams Store, established in 1840, which provides a stunning variety of food, hardware and clothing options. A fifteen minute drive away in Manchester one can find spectacular outlet shopping alternatives along with gourmet dining, fishing, hiking and golfing. In addition, Manchester features the classic Northshire Bookstore and the world renowned Orvis flagship retail store and its fly fishing school.

Mt Equinox offers both moderate and challenging terrain for hikers. For children there is a biking and skate park to unwind, and for history buffs, Hildene, the home of President Lincoln’s son Robert, is open to the public and features a goat farm, lovely gardens and tours of the expansive homestead. On Manchester West Road, which links Manchester with Dorset, sits the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Follow a circuitous sculpture lined driveway off of West Road, to its summit and visit a thoughtfully designed museum showcasing a selection of Vermont artists, which highlight the areas appreciation of creativity.

When the snow melts, the Bromley Ski Area slopes are converted to a mountain adventure park for the kids complete with a triple alpine slide, a big splash water slide, bumper boats, a climbing wall for all levels and space bikes just to name a few. Throughout Dorset and Manchester marble sidewalks are the rule, a reminder of the famous marble quarry that produced some of the highest quality building material worldwide. A huge marble quarry is situated a five minute drive from the house, and, if adventurous, you are welcome to take a leap into the 90 foot deep basin lined with natural marble overlooks.

The Musser House offers three levels of living space. On the first floor, the spacious living and family room areas, both with wood burning stoves and flat screen televisions, give an opportunity for everyone to sprawl and gain private spaces when desired. There is a separate formal dining room abutting the kitchen with seating for eight. The kitchen is well-equipped with stainless appliances, marble counter tops, a large soapstone sink and a center island. Opening up into the family room is a more casual eating area which also adjoins the kitchen.

The screen porch off the living room opens up to an outdoor back deck for barbecuing and seasonal dining around a large table for eight. One can also relax on the expansive front porch and listen to the lovely chimes twice a day emanating from the St. James Church across the street from the house. The home has a variety of first floor living spaces that allow full group gatherings or smaller sitting spaces as the circumstance dictates.

The second floor includes three bedrooms with queen beds, one bedroom with a king bed and three bathrooms. There is also a bunk room with a double and two twin beds. The third floor is “kid friendly” with ping pong and foosball tables, along with a doll house, games and plenty of children’s books. Also on this level is a kids’ bedroom for overflow and a dedicated bathroom with shower.

The Musser House is classic in style and an ideal retreat for visitors during all four seasons. It is a “throwback”, offering a stylish and memorable getaway experience for families and couples to unwind.