Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in one of LandVest’s properties? We invite our owners to tell us a bit about their experience, what they love about their homes and a bit of their history. We spoke with the owner of Rogers Farm, to talk about the property and the ideal reasons for owning it.
What brought you to Vermont?
We fell in love with Vermont when we purchased a ski house in Danby (just north of Manchester-Dorset) in 1988. When retirement from corporate life became possible, we searched for a totally private parcel, close to amenities that would allow for stewardship of the land, and recreational possibilities out the back door.
What were you looking for when you were property hunting?
After having moved 27 times in 30 years, we wanted to create our dream residence in a community welcoming to outsiders. We wanted privacy, the perfect view unobstructed by any man-made structures; a forest in which to hike, bike, snowshoe, snowmobile and get lost in thought, and all within close proximity to the Dorset Union store.
We found 900 acres 3 miles from the center of Dorset Village.
What drew you to the property?
The property is the size of Bronxville, New York. It includes the site of an old farm at the end of a road, backs up to protected land on all sides, and has somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 miles of well-maintained trails, old stone walls/old barn foundations and big views. After looking down the valley and walking the property, Nancy asked our builder Steve Thurston, “Steve, I just love the energy, can you build our house here?”
What are some of the highlights of the property?
The “Dorset Viewscape” includes the entire Mettowee valley. The pond is a great source of recreation including swimming and fishing. The pond has been stocked with more than 600 Brown, Rainbow and Brook trout over the past 12 years. The pond is a well-balanced ecosystem and has a 28-foot stone boulder pyramid fish house in its center with a large flat rock swim platform. The pond is virtually algae free due to a system of oxygen diffusers which keep algae out and fish healthy. The Blue Heron and Osprey are frequent visitors (although they are not invited for dinner) they do partake.
In 1998 we hired a local forester and enrolled the property in Vermont’s Land Use program and began recreational trail development and timber stand improvement projects, which have now expanded to wildlife/habitat clearings and invasive species eradication.
What are some of the highlights of the design of the house?
We wanted to combine elements we loved from previous houses into a Vermont farmhouse vernacular. Nancy’s favorite room is the cozy study off the Master Bedroom, where she turns on the gas stove, sits in the comfy chair and reads her Kindle. We both love the Family Room where guests enjoy pizza from the wood-fired oven. The Barn, with its classic lines, was designed by Steve Thurston and built by Doug Crozier of Arlington, Vermont. The Tarm wood gasification boiler was added in 2008 and heats 7,200 square feet of space in the winter while reducing the oil consumption bill to $1,000 per year.
This house has lots of little extras:
- The wood elevator is always a talking point during the Christmas party or when refilling the pizza oven
- Guests love their own patio, where some get very private suntans!
- The location is so secluded – no need for curtains
- The breezeway connects the house to the barn, and is great during blustery winter days or when suiting up for snowshoe outings with the dogs
- In the summers, the porch is the hub: screened for comfort, though insects are not a problem due to the prevailing winds here at 1,340 feet above sea level
- When it’s dry in Dorset, it can be snowing at the farm. In the summer it’s usually 5 degrees cooler due to the altitude and breeze
- The house was designed so that all public rooms have access to the porch for flow of guests and ease of access
- The porch is fully supported by the computer driven lighting and music systems-the piano is also wired for entertainment throughout the house
In 2005 we harvested ash, cherry, birch and pine. This wood was used to build the Ash House and Pine Barn, designed by local architect Patrick Kane.
What is next for you?
We’re downsizing in the area because we love the community and beauty. We will miss the energy of this land, the natural beauty, total privacy, a well-maintained town road, great neighbors, and being minutes from the heart of Dorset Village.
What do you think will characterize the next owner of Rogers Farm?
- Loves the beauty of nature and the relaxed life in Vermont
- Appreciates total privacy
- Enjoys outdoor recreation and wants rapid access to amenities
- Appreciates a sophisticated community valuing the Arts/Theatre & Music
- Desires a place to entertain friends and family in privacy
- Has an interest in timber revenues in the future
For more information on Rogers Farm, please visit the listing page or the individual property website, or contact listing brokers Story Jenks, sjenks@landvest.com and Robert McCafferty, rmccafferty@landvest.com.
