119.5 Acres in Moretown, VT - $1,450,000

Shepard Brook Farm is located on Route 100 in the northern part of Waitsfield, Vermont. Known as the Mad River Valley, the area is a wide, fertile green valley between the Northfield Range to the east and the Green Mountains to the west. The Valley, as it's known locally, is made up of the towns of Fayston, Waitsfield and Warren. Waitsfield is a quintessential Vermont town with a country store, library, covered bridge, quality K-6 school and a variety of dining, shopping and cultural opportunities. Route 100 bisects the town, providing quick access north to Waterbury (20 minutes), Stowe (40 minutes), Burlington (50 minutes) and Montpelier (30 minutes). To the south, Route 100 winds through the scenic Granby Gulch and along the Green Mountains through the quaint towns of Rochester, Stockbridge and Pittsfield. I-89 can be accessed to the north in Waterbury or Middlesex (both 12 miles). Boston is a little over three hours to the southeast and Montreal is just three hours to the north.

The property is accessed by two driveways, one directly off Route 100 and the other from North Fayston Road. North Fayston Road is a town-maintained road that turns west from Route 100. Both entrances have access to the well-built, steel-supported, wooden bridge across Shepard Brook that provides year-round access to the barn, fields and forested part of the estate. From the bridge, a dirt drive stretches 450' to the barn and associated outbuildings.

From Route 100, there is a circular driveway that leads to the front of the house. Thanks to the long setback from the road, the sound of the brook, and the maple tree-line driveway, the setting is quite private.

Shepard Brook Farm combines potential for agriculture, business opportunities, forest management and recreation in a scenic location close to amenities. Around 20 acres of the property is a large, level field that has served several purposes over time. Future possibilities include a pasture for horses or other livestock, field crops, fruit trees, a vineyard, or whatever else you can imagine.

The remaining 100 acres is forested, with a mix of northern hardwoods and white pine. The forest was harvested in the past 10 years, and is regenerating nicely, providing an attractive place to walk and view wildlife. There are old logging roads traversing the forest that were used in past timber harvests. These would make a great start to a future trail network for walking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. A section of the Vast snowmobile trail system parallels the northern boundary of the property.

While the property has many possibilities, most are compatible for simultaneous use. A future resident would be able to enjoy a largely private location, with easy and quick access to a recreationally rich Vermont valley. In addition, there are outstanding views of the Northfield Range to the east, including Bald Mountain, Mount Waitsfield, Scragg Mountain and Burnt Mountain, and views to the south of Burnt Rock Mountain and Appalachian Gap.

This hard-to-find farmhouse was built circa 1850 and has been renovated throughout, including a two-story addition built about 30 years ago. Original beams have been opened up and left exposed to give the house a light and airy feel not common in most old farmhouses. An impressive Great Room with in-floor heating provides a wonderful space in which to entertain, in front of the large open fire. Built-in cabinets, wide pine and maple flooring, French doors, bay windows and a wet bar complement this part of the house. An open-plan kitchen with connecting dining area, both with bay windows, offer even more space to gather with friends and family. An additional living room with wood stove, a bedroom/office with private bath, and a spacious foyer with built-in storage complete the space downstairs.

There are five bedrooms upstairs with three bathrooms, including a large master bedroom with dual aspect windows and walk-in closets. The master bath has a large shower, jacuzzi tub, double sinks and separate toilet, all with in-floor heating, making this a relaxing retreat to enjoy the view over the river and farm.

The large, empty basement is 1,900 sq ft, leaving plenty of room for a workshop, game room or both. The space currently houses a laundry area with washer and dryer, as well as two furnaces, two hot water heaters and a poured cement foundation. In the side yard, the clear cool waters of Shepard Brook fill a swimming pond created for a quick dip on a warm summer day. A two-bay garage and covered porch in the front of the house complete this beautiful property.

While the property itself is an appealing mix of attributes, the barn is an additional element that offers numerous opportunities. At 16,000 sq ft over two floors, there are as many uses as one can imagine. The barn was built for large-scale commercial use, but with some modification could also house horses or other livestock. Walls and floors are a mix of wood and cement blocks, with plenty of windows to let in light. It is heated and, although the two furnaces have not been used recently, it has all the necessary heating ducts, oil tanks and chimneys in place. There is electricity at the barn and at two of the outbuildings, as well as water on site. There are four overhead garage doors, including a massive triple bay door.

Such a large structure has potential for a variety of uses, including stabling horses, farming or other agricultural purposes, or even operating a home business. Pending zoning permits, there appears to be a room that was used for refrigeration, so maybe a small artisan food business or brewery might be the right opportunity. The property offers unlimited possibilities for the buyer to develop and enjoy.