The Real Deal: Moore’s Inn in Saxtons River, Vermont

My family took a grand tour through New England this Spring, visiting schools in five states. One place we visited was the small village of Saxtons River in Southeastern Vermont.  Saxtons River is a quintessential Vermont village, complete with a covered bridge, a general store, and a white steepled church.

At one time, thanks to the water power provided by the Saxtons River, the village had a thriving woolen mill, saw mill, grist mill, tannery, distillery, clock manufacturer, and hotel.  The mills are closed now. Today, the major employer is Vermont Academy, an independent secondary school founded in 1876.

The historic village is remarkably intact, looking much as it did 100 years ago.  In fact, the entire village is designated an historic site  and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  According to the National Register:

Saxtons River shares the cohesive blend of residential, commercial, industrial, and related elements that constitute the nineteenth-century rural Vermont village. Furthermore, Saxtons River retains a higher degree of historic integrity than many counterpart villages that have been subjected to greater development pressure during the current period of rapid change in the state.

One of the buildings chronicled in the National Register is the Moore House, circa 1887.  This property has been in the Moore family for generations.  David Moore, the owner, was born and raised in the house. The Moore House now functions as a family home, and as a guest house.

Moore’s Inn is a large Queen Anne style Victorian that has been impeccably maintained inside and out.  The house sits on a hill overlooking Saxtons River.  There is a spacious wrap around porch, complete with rocking chairs.  The yellow siding has distinctive fish scale shingles, and there is a traditional red barn on the property.

Once you step inside there is evidence of fine period wood work, built-in cabinetry, and stained glass windows.  The original finishings are completely intact.  The guest rooms are quite large, with big windows, and most with private baths.

Moores Inn is not a fancy, high-priced Bed and Breakfast.

Children are welcome.  The innkeepers cater to bicyclists.  Rooms are reasonably priced at $109 per night.

Readers know that I wouldn’t be caught dead paying $109 for a hotel room on Priceline.  However, Moores Inn is an authentic New England experience, and far less expensive than similar accommodations elsewhere.  It’s the real deal.

If you want a hot breakfast, your best bet is just down the street at The Dish on Main.  The Dish on Main is a community gathering place and restaurant that provides vocational training and jobs for adults with disabilities.  You can’t beat the French toast and blueberry pancakes with Vermont maple syrup!

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