Twin Farms

Located about one-and-a-half hours from the nearest commercial airport in Burlington, the journey into the bucolic landscape surrounding Barnard, Vermont begins the Twin Farms experience. Once on the property’s vast 300 acres, seclusion and privacy come first.

We want Twin Farms to become your second home — with amenities and services that make your stay as adventurous and social, or serene and private as you wish. We attend to every detail in the background so you feel like the entire property is yours.

Located about three hours from Boston, five hours from New York City, and one and a half hours from the nearest commercial airport in Burlington, the journey into the bucolic landscape surrounding Barnard, Vermont begins the Twin Farms experience.

Allow time to dine on lunch and peruse antique shops, visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and tour a working farm, or watch artists shape fine glassware at the Simon Pearce factory in Quechee.

Let the odyssey help you escape and reconnect. Once on the property’s vast 300 acres, seclusion and privacy come first. But some of the shared facilities provide social opportunities as subtle or invigorating as you wish.

THE HISTORY
When Nobel prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis proposed to journalist Dorothy Thompson, she promised to marry him if he bought her a farm in Vermont with sweeping lawns, orchards, and “delicious air.” They found their idyll in a 1795-era farmhouse on 300 acres — all of which they purchased in 1928 for $10,000.

In various seasons, they created and entertained at Twin Farms. Their guest list included political and literary figures who lingered for provocative discussions, outdoor activities, and the opportunity to attend the couple’s legendary parties.

Dorothy kept Twin Farms until she was no longer physically able to live here. As she grew frail, her family sold off parcels of the land, completing the final transaction in 1958. Subsequently, Twin Farms changed hands several times.

It operated as Sonnenberg Haus, an inn with a reputation for fine dining, when Thurston Twigg-Smith acquired the property as a second home for his family in 1974.

By the late 1980s, the Twigg-Smiths found themselves able to visit Barnard only a few weeks a year, so they decided to launch a Bed and Breakfast to share this special place — a quaint notion that soon escalated to the number one small hotel in North America.

The first nine rooms opened on October 1, 1993 to national acclaim. Five additional cottages were added in 1995 and 1996. Then in 2000 the completion of The Spa and Chalet Cottage, and more accolades followed.

The completion of Aviary, and the Farmhouse at Copper Hill in 2005 brought the number of accommodations to 20, where it remains today. Though the ownership now includes several partners, guests continue to embrace Twin Farms —and Twigg-Smith’s vision of a sophisticated escape steeped in playful romance — as their own second home.

COTTAGES
Secluded amid 300 wooded acres, our ten freestanding cottages comfort and inspire with fireplaces and screened porches — each a unique setting for reflection and romance.

FARMHOUSE AT COPPER HILL
These four rooms were designed by famed architect Peter Bohlin with interiors from Thad Hayes, four suites with private entrances are connected by a lounge and library.

THE LODGE
Steeped in amber and wood accents, two suites and a common area are conveniently located next to the Main House.

ROOMS
History and legend envelope all four rooms, nestled in the Main House near the dining room while featuring the spacious interiors of suites.

ART & DESIGN
It all began as a personal escape for Twin Farms founder Thurston Twigg- Smith. He wanted to keep the 1795-era farmhouse as the heart of the property, and allow each cottage to express its own personality through architecture, interior design, and art from his private collection.

Twin Farms opened in 1993 with 15 accommodations. Jed Johnson, regarded as one of the world’s leading interior designers, fashioned these living spaces. In 2005, famed residential architect Peter Bohlin — who designed homes for Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, among others — constructed Aviary and the Farmhouse at Copper Hill, which contains four private suites around a common library and living room.

Interior designer Thad Hayes perfected the integration between function and feel in the more recent accommodations. The attention to detail continues outdoors, with gardens and grounds designed by landscape architect Dan Kiley. The result is a natural topography reminiscent of a country estate replete with recreational areas and wild gardens.

THE EXPERIENCE
Steeped in romance and folklore, Twin Farms is Vermont’s only luxury, five-star experience. With an eclectic, whimsical and extraordinary private art collection throughout 20 uniquely designed accommodations.

Ensconced in 300 acres, Twin Farms is an adult-only property that customizes every detail. Indulge in superb meals and fine wines. Pursue outdoor adventures. Retreat and relax. Reconnect with people you love. Be inspired.

DINING & WINE
Meals, wine pairings, and spirits, enjoyed in our public/dining areas are part of your inclusive rate. The rate also includes any meals you wish to be enjoyed in your guest room. Your stay at Twin Farms is customized for you, and the culinary experience, in particular, is an integral part of your visit.

Since we do not have menus on property, we invite you to share your dietary preferences or restrictions with our culinary team to help them create your customized dining experience.

Our dining philosophy at Twin Farms revolves around the changing seasons, locally-grown herbs and vegetables available each day, and your dietary preferences. The chef selected offering changes daily – and are always presented with the freshest ingredients available, but never presented on a menu.

Like the art and design throughout the property, each dish becomes a delightful surprise. Enjoy meals in the main dining room, on the terrace beside the garden, or request private service in your cottage or suite, atop Ski Hill, along the trail, or anywhere else on the property.

Wine Manager/Sommelier Keven Ring selects several distinctive wines from our 15,000 bottle collection to pair with lunch and dinner. Our cellar ranges from well-known Californian and French estates to nouveau vintners from across the globe.

Wines are carefully married with the meals specially created for you by Chef Nathan Rich and his team. We are delighted to introduce your palate to remarkable new flavors as well as reunite it with some of your long standing favorites during your stay with us.

To supplement our exceptional inclusive wine program, we are very fortunate to offer a limited selection of world-renowned premium wines. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply choosing to treat yourself to a rare vintage, we invite you to select from our wine list.

BREAKFAST
Start the day by indulging in the myriad of possibilities. The only problem is choosing. Begin with freshly baked pastries with jam made from berries picked outside the Main House, fruits in season, and fluffy omelets. Returning guests love the lemon soufflé pancakes filled with fresh Vermont strawberries.

LUNCH
Lunch at Twin Farms can take many forms: choose from a menu in the dining room, a boxed lunch to take on an activity, or even a picnic in the woods. Savor fried chicken from our local partner, Kiss the Cow, accompanied by potato puree and garden vegetables.

Or explore hidden groves of the property with a selection of seasonal picnics including Vermont cheese and charcuterie with garden tomatoes salad in the summer, or a hearty Almanack beef and beans chili in the winter.

EVENING COCKTAILS
Champagne beside the fireplace. Imported beer and a game of croquet or pool. Martinis on your private screened porch. A tasting of Vermont cheeses. Anything you wish.

DINNER
The culinary team serves the highest-quality ingredients from local providers in the candle-lit dining room of the Main House, steeped in rustic elegance. You may also choose to dine in front of a fire in your cottage or suite. Or reserve the Wine Cellar for an intimate and original celebration.

WINE CELLAR
The Wine Cellar offers an intimate private dining experience in our working wine cellar. The Wine Cellar is also the perfect space for friends travelling together to reconnect! The dining experience can be customized to the occasion.

Enjoy exclusive additional courses created by Chef Nathan Rich and his team while dining at our handcrafted walnut table by Charlie Shackleton. Each course is coupled with enhanced wine pairings chosen by our sommeliers. Dinner in the Wine Cellar is at 7pm to allow for the extended experience.

CAVIAR & CHAMPAGNE
Join us for a Caviar and Champagne experience in our Wine Cellar. Chef Nathan Rich and his team will prepare Caviar and traditional accoutrements which our Wine Director Keven Ring will pair with a bottle of Dom Perignon, as well as a bottle of Krug. The team sets the wine cellar up beautifully with candles and is happy to arrange for a customized playlist.

SPA & WELLNESS
Opportunities abound to reconnect with good health through fresh, organic food, exercise, and repose. After a morning of walking, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, snowshoeing, cross–country or downhill skiing, pamper yourself in the salon or in one of two treatment rooms in Twin Farms’ The Bridge House Spa, featuring seasonal treatments and products designed by Vermont’s own, Tata Harper and Lunaroma.

Of course, you can always escape to the Japanese furo together, or bring the spa to your private cottage with in–room couples massages. Celebrating the essence of simplicity that Vermont offers, the harmony and perfection of nature is set into balance inside our spa.

Using local all natural and organic ingredients, our services will renew your spirit and restore your well-being. We invite you to experience complete serenity as we awaken your senses and soothe your soul.

Our fully equipped Fitness Center provides a sheltered alternative to the range of outdoor activities. Fitness Center is equipped with a full line of Technogym cardio equipment, Peloton bikes and concept 2 rowing machine, as well as Technogym strength machines, a Kinesis and Step-Squat.

We also have a dual smith machine freedom rack which allows for light-heavy lifting while providing built-in safety features. Join us for one of our complimentary classes or book a personal training session or a private yoga class for more in-depth instruction. (Additional fees for private sessions). Massages, body treatments, and wellness sessions beckon in any weather. Spa services are an additional fee to the all-inclusive rate.

WEDDINGS
A wedding at Twin Farms is an event like no other, in a place like no other. Only a few weddings each year take place on our 300 acres of mountains, gently rolling hillsides, streams and ponds.

This enchanted setting of twinkling tree lights and candlelit woodland walkways combines with Forbes Five Star service, dining and amenities to bring your wedding vision to reality. Our enthusiastic and expert staff awaits your vision of your wedding at Twin Farms.

FAMILY REUNIONS
Vermont’s bucolic countryside offers a departure from the ordinary for your family gathering. With activities that range from the vigorous – kayaking, hiking, cycling, skiing, sledding swimming to the more relaxing – fishing, puzzling, canoeing and s’more making, everyone will have a plethora of diverting activities right on property.

Convening for meals and conversation is equally satisfying for all. Meals are customized for tastes and preferences of all guests. Inclusive pricing and a team of expert staff at your service further uncomplicate your planning. Gathering the family on the Farm to relive memories, is surpassed only by the joy in creating new ones.

OCCASIONS
Celebrating milestones are like marking rings on the tree of your memories. Reveling in the private woods of Twin Farms away from it all, while simultaneously present for these times of our lives is a gift to all who gather in joy.

Activities, Spa Treatments, exquisite dining and inclusive pricing simplify the merry-making, as does our expert event team. Please tell us just how you wish to celebrate, and we will conspire to delight in your celebration.

CORPORATE RETREATS
Sometimes the best way to see clearly is to see the picture from a distance. When it is time to gather the team to inspire, collaborate and regroup, consider time in the mountains.

Team tournaments, unpretentious service and cuisine, and comfortable conference meeting spaces conspire to create the ideal setting for focused, productive work and play. Our expert meeting and events team are at the ready to make your off-site outstanding.

EXPLORE THE COUNTRYSIDE
Vermonters have had a longtime adoration for Volvos. With miles of dirt roads throughout Vermont in need of exploring, a partnership with Volvo USA seemed perfectly natural. Thanks to Volvo USA, Twin Farms now has a luxurious Volvo XC90 SUV and a sporty V90 Cross Country for you to use during your stay.

If you’re looking for an adventure beyond our beautiful setting, a lovely drive through the Vermont countryside – complete with a chef-created picnic – might be just what you need. For even more fun, try loading up the Volvo with a couple of our premier mountain bikes to explore off-road spots worth the extra push.

We request that our guests simply connect with our Guest Experience Team to make arrangements. The Volvos are loaned based on availability and are enjoyed on a first-come, first-served basis.

SEASONAL DIFFERENCES
Each season exudes a distinct feeling at Twin Farms. No matter what the season, myriad possibilities await on three hundred pristine acres. For your enjoyment of the property, facilities and activities, we invite you to review our guidelines online.

FALL
Our legacy revolves around Fall foliage, bringing unparalleled beauty in shades of red and gold bathed in crisp air, with the promise of warmth and intimacy at the end of the day.

“There will be apple trees and flaming lilies, and the moon over the low mountains and you and me, after dinner, sitting….on the terrace, and inside, when it becomes chilly, the fireplace and lamplight and lots of books,” Sinclair Lewis wrote of his favorite hideaway.

WINTER
Winter offers adventures on private, groomed trails with cross-country skis and snowshoes, or ice skating on our pond followed by hot chocolate and s’mores around a bonfire. A cozy evening starts with fine wine and cuisine. Twin Farms offers everything you love about snow, with none of the inconveniences.

SPRING
With the coming of Spring, a fresh palette, rich with green and the promise of warmth, provides the setting for bucolic — and sybaritic — diversions. Hike into the woods, spread out a blanket, and dine on a gourmet picnic. Later in the day, create a festive atmosphere in the pub, brimming with billiards, fine art, and music from the jukebox.

SUMMER
Summer brings ideal mornings for fly fishing on glassy Copper Pond, days full of exercise and exploring our 300 acres on foot or bicycle, followed by an afternoon of mint juleps and croquet. Share stories with each other on your private screened porch in the warm evening breeze.

DOG POLICY
Twin Farms welcomes dogs (up to two – maximum 100 lbs each) in Log Cabin, Meadow Cottage and Woods Cottage for a $75 additional fee. We provide sleeping accommodations, blankets, treats, water and food bowls, and waste cans for your furry companions.

The only thing we don’t provide is dog food. In order to ensure the comfort of our guests, employees and your pup we have a few guidelines to follow – please let us know if they will be joining you before arrival.

Rooms: 20

Price: from 1.350 EUR per night

Source: www.twinfarms.com