Apple Knoll Partners With Vermont Inn to Inn Walking

Located in the village of Weston, Vermont is the fourth partner in the "Vermont Inn to Inn Walking" group of Inns; Apple Knoll Inn.  The owners of this impeccably restored 200 year old home, Wes and Lisa purchased the property in 2010.  

 

Wes & Lisa met at work, living in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, CA.  Wes was born and raised in the Pasadena area. Lisa was a small town, east coast girl with roots in New England.  Lisa introduced New England to Wes and without much convincing, confirmed that New England would someday be their home. Los Angeles was losing its luster for the pair and they knew something bigger and more fulfilling lie ahead.

While vacationing in the Loire Valley of France, they deepened their passion for the country and admired the Innkeeper’s lifestyle.  They knew if they didn’t make the break soon, they’d have to wait another 10 years as their son was just coming to age and uprooting him as a teenager was not an option.  With much soul searching and financial crunching, they decided to take the plunge.  So, they sold the LA home and made the trek across country.  Driving back to VT was interesting as everybody else was headed to LA. The Hupp family settled into Belmont, VT for 6 years exploring and investigating B&B opportunities.  In 2010 they came across the Darling Family Inn and decided it was time to put the pedal to the metal.  With no turning back they plunged into purchasing the Inn and reopened it in 2011 as the Apple Knoll Inn.   

The Inn rests beside a knoll, occupied by large old apple trees that have watched over the property for decades. The house has a rich history as an inn since the 1950’s when the Swart’s opened the 1830s farmhouse to guests as the Black Shutters Inn. The Inn was sold in the mid 80’s and the name changed to the Darling Family Inn where for 30 years they built a grand reputation, fulfilling the lodging needs of the area. The Apple Knoll Inn has been filled with items from yesteryear, private family memorabilia and a yearning for comfortable fireside chats. It has been a welcoming retreat to new guests as well as prior Darling and Black Shutter’s guests.  Wes and Lisa hope to keep the tradition alive for the next 30 years!  

Penny and Dan Cote
Owners of Inn Victoria, a Chester, Vermont Bed and Breakfast