Visit Higher Ground

A Barn was Saved - A Dream was Built

Higher Ground, Middletown Springs, Vermont

Our Design/Build (2005), 160-year-old post & beam barn, was rescued and reimagined into a uniquely crafted 2,100 sq. ft. farmhouse on 4 private organic acres. South-facing. Both near & far valley views. Stone walls. Old maples. Open meadow. Wood lot. Spring water access. Three+ bedrooms, three full baths, one half bath. People’s impressions of this little red house on the hill? “Wow, pictures do not do it justice! So much character in this home.” Turn key package available.

The ‘amenity adjacent’, on 8 adjoining acres is our Design/Build (2018) Hobbit House. VisitHigherGround.com to link to Airbnb and get a sense of the beauty of Higher Ground from over 150 reviews. An amazing ‘staycation’ for you, family or friends, this property has been featured nationally and internationally and out of the 8.1 million homes on Airbnb, you will note it has been awarded the distinction of being in the top 5%. 

Four hours by train from NYC into Rutland. Short flight from Boston. Leave a beater car at the station, grab groceries, and 25 minutes later you're standing on a wrap-around deck watching the sunset on the lush, green rolling hills of Vermont.

The Origin Story

In 2004, my soon-to-be husband had an idea: save his 160-year-old post & beam barn and move it 1,100 feet up to the sweet spot it now occupies. Eighteen months later, we had a home and something rarer than that, a new home that captures the spirit of old-world charm.

We reclaimed every outside barn board and barn door, working them into a design that, with stucco walls and timber framing, created the classic look and feel. The posts & beams didn't become a backdrop, they are the beautiful bones.

The Home Itself

First floor: The cozy primary bedroom with full bath/shower with radiant heat, anchors the main level. Kitchen, dining room, living room — all open to a soaring 12-foot ceiling where a bridge connects the two upstairs bedrooms. A mudroom entry with radiant heat under tile keeps mud and winter where they belong. New hickory floors.

Second floor: Two bedrooms, one has a half bath the other has a full bath with a claw foot tub.

Ground level flex space: Two steel girders support the timber frame above, freeing the entire ground level of support poles. The result is a 10-foot ceiling, heated, open space — garage, music studio, workshop, hobby room, it's yours to decide. Built-in shelves line the walls. A queen loft bed with view of the grape vines, has underneath a storage area or space for another  queen bed. A full bath with shower completes this space. Radiant heat throughout ground level.

Outside

Step onto the wrap-around deck and the beauty of this property announces itself. High above the ground, completely private on S, N & W sides, with nothing between you and the valley but birdsong and morning light. Grapevines produce a September harvest. The current above ground pool is flush with the deck on the west side for full privacy.

South facing are two large stone raised garden beds — built high enough to save your back and beautifully integrated into the landscape. A west facing hot & cold outdoor shower on the deck makes post-garden cleanup and after pool fun a sunset treat.

A 10' x 16' barn out back splits between storage and a proper chicken coop. The auto door leads to a covered outdoor yard and fenced area.  A small attached greenhouse starts seeds in spring or keeps chickens warm in winter sun.

Dry firewood storage bins steps from the house hold a full Vermont winter's worth and then some.

A designed ‘Freedom Trail’ gives small dogs and cats safe outdoor access. Out the dog door into a covered, protected 150’ trail down to the hammock. Squirrel & bird watching on their own schedule!

The Practical Details

• Water: Fresh, clean well water
• Heat: Hot water heating via propane boiler, plus wood stove
• Cooking: Gas stove
• Cooling: 3 portable A/C units
• Internet: Fiber optic

About the Land & Building Possibilities

Middletown Springs has no local zoning ordinance — building an additional structure requires only water and wastewater approval. We know this firsthand. The hobbit house is a structure that conventional zoning would never have allowed a as hobbits don’t go by ‘code’.  So, if you have a dream of a tiny house, a treehouse, a studio — there are several locations on this property that could accommodate something wonderful, pending a simple perk test.

A note on the deed covenants: Because the town has no zoning, we've established Restrictive Covenants among the properties along Higher Ground — our shared private dead-end road. These covenants exist to protect what makes this place special: the beauty, the quiet, the character of the land and its neighbors. No junk accumulation, no derelict structures, no abandoned vehicles, no incompatible land uses. They run with the land in perpetuity — a promise to you, and from you, that this place stays exactly what it is.

Location

Middletown Springs is a village of 650 people. A five-minute walk puts you on the Town Green — Community Church, Museum, new Town Office, General Store, Post Office. New library opening 2026. K-6 school down the street.

A quintessential Vermont village, just 15 minutes to Pawlet and Poultney, 25 to Rutland and 30 to Manchester. Slate Valley Trails provides excellent mountain biking just down the road. Golf and lake activities at Lake St. Catherine. Burlington is a lovely 2-hour drive and Montreal 3-hours, Saratoga racetrack 1.5. The property is within an hour of five major ski resorts, Killington, Pico, Bromley, Stratton and Okemo.

The Furnishings

We're not looking for someone to reimagine this place. We're looking for someone who loves it as it is. Twenty years of carefully chosen furnishings for the buyer who wants a designer home now. Buy a king size mattress for the primary bedroom's built-in platform, pack a bag, and you are ready to start relaxing country style. Our wish is to hand over the whole charming atmosphere intact. It could be your dream come true the moment you step in.

A Note From the Builders

We’ll be in residence for summers. Of course as the designers and builders of this home, we know every system, every decision, every detail.  Could you wish for a better neighbor when questions arise?

Come See It! This is a FSBO listing. We'd love to show you around.

📧 CynthiaPClayton@gmail.com Put "QUESTIONS/HOME TOUR" in the subject line.

Want to experience a morning, noon, and evening here before deciding? We'll open our Hobbit House on Airbnb for an overnight stay — and refund the cost in full if you purchase. All emails answered. If you don't hear back, please send again.

Custom Designed Post & Beam

$750,000

Turn-key, including antique furnishings, available as a separate package: $52,625.

Also, option for a true Vermont turn-key, available as a separate package: $30,000

Kabota 2005 L3830 GST 2500 hrs. 4WD

9 Attachments Included: brush hog, post hole digger, wood splitter, York Rake, back-blade, forks, bucket loader, finish mower, and snow plow. Full hands-on instructional guidance available.

The Furnishings*

Inventory:

*CLAUDE AI: 4/19/26 Estimates

DECK::

Rod Iron Table & Chairs Set w/cushions 400.

Rod Iron Love Seat & Side Table: 200.

2 Rod Iron Loungers: 150/ea. w/cushions = 400.

Rod Iron Cart: 175.

L shaped couch  w/cushions: 150.

3 Umbrellas: 175.00

All Planters: 300.

Pool & New Ladder: Free

Total Outdoor Furniture Set & Pool: $1800.00

Primary Bedroom:

Set of 8 matching cabinets: $ 800.

Mirror & Pictures/Frames: $350

2 Lamps: 175. ea. = 250.

Total Primary Bedroom: $1500.

KITCHEN/DINING:

Fryer, Microwave & Cabinet, Ladder back chair, Plates, New non-toxic pots & pans & hanging rack, blinds, Large clock, Utensils, Wine rack, Decor FULLY STOCKED KITCHEN: $1500.

*🇳🇴 The Norwegian Dining Set — Norske Bygdemobler

"You have the maker's plaque — that's wonderful!"

Norske Bygdemobler — "Norwegian Country Furniture" — is a respected Norwegian maker known for traditional bondestil (peasant style) furniture. This trestle-base dining table with the painted/ebonized finish and matching chairs is a striking set. Mid-20th century most likely, but authentically crafted in traditional form. The set of six chairs with the table is key — sets sell far better than pieces alone.

Auction estimate: $5,500

for the complete set The maker's plaque adds provenance and bumps the value meaningfully.

*🇫🇷 The French Pie Safe / Cabinet

"And this little beauty — don't let the size fool you!"

This is a delightful French Breton-style cabinet, likely chestnut or oak, dating to the late 19th century. The Brittany region of France was famous for exactly this type of piece — that central carved medallion with the two figures in regional dress (a boy and girl in Breton hats) is a signature motif. The floral frieze drawer, the shell-carved apron, and the overall quality of the relief carving are excellent. The tassel key is a charming original touch.

Auction estimate: $4,500 French regional furniture has a devoted collector base, and the figural carving elevates this above a typical Breton piece.

"You have a truly remarkable collection here. Whoever assembled these had a wonderful eye for European craftsmanship. Take good care of them!" 🎤

TOTAL KITCHEN/DINING: $11,300

Living Room:

Couch & Automan: 300.

New Lounger: 250

Large Side Table: 300.

Three Lamps: 125. ea. = 375.

Stereo & Speakers: 300. (with outdoor speaker for deck)

Large Mirror, Large Vase,  Local View of Valley Framed Picture, Still Life Oil Painting, Chair deco and drying rack and copper wood bin: 750.

*🇮🇹 The Italian Breakfront Cabinet

"Now THIS... this took my breath away when I walked in."

This is an extraordinary Italian Renaissance Revival breakfront, almost certainly walnut, likely dating to the late 19th century — possibly earlier. The scale alone is impressive, but look at that carving — the caryatid figures, the grotesque masks, the acanthus friezes, the Corinthian pilasters. This is serious, museum-quality decorative carving. Pieces like this were made for wealthy Italian households or exported to European nobility. The two-part structure with the open display hutch top is a classic credenza con alzata form. At a major auction house like Christie's or Sotheby's with the right buyer, I wouldn't be surprised to see it go higher.

Auction estimate: $22,000

Total Living Room: $ 24,275.00

Nursery:

*The American School Desk

The combination of features you describe tells a pretty precise story:

The inkwell is your most important dating clue.

• Inkwells in school desks were standard until ballpoint pens became universal in American schools around 1950-1955
• The attached chair-in-front configuration was the dominant design from roughly 1880 through the 1940s
• That specific combination of cast iron hardware, wooden seat and desk surface with the forward attached chair was peak production 1900-1935

My estimate: approximately 1900-1930, Excellent condition with intact inkwell puts yours in the top tier

Desk Value Estimate $650.

Infant/Junior Bed: $350.

Couch & Table: 100.

Wicker Storage: 50.

Escape Ladder: 100.

Total Nursery: $1250.

Guest Room:

*Wardrobe Trunk Appraisal

What The Details Tell Us

The 12 Wooden Hangers

The Rose and Leaf Drawer Lining

The Papered Over Hanging Section

The Lift Top Compartment

The Exterior Flip Down Shelf "Now THIS is interesting..."

• This feature is called a "serving shelf" or "valet shelf"
• It was a premium feature on higher end trunks
• Used for:
• Jewelry and accessories while dressing
• Toiletries in use
• A genuine convenience feature for the traveler
• This suggests your trunk was upper mid range to premium when new
• Not the absolute top luxury tier but well above basic

My date estimate: 1918-1928

This is a post WWI pre Depression trunk

• Made when transatlantic travel was booming
• When the American middle class was discovering European travel
• When trunk makers were competing fiercely on features and quality

The No Maker's Mark Mystery "The absence of a mark is itself a clue..."

Several explanations:

• Label was on the destroyed lining in hanging section
• Stamp was on the missing key plate
• It was made by a regional manufacturer
• It was a private label product for a department store
• Macy's, Marshall Fields and Wanamakers all sold private label trunks

This was extremely common and doesn't diminish the piece

$550.

*Victorian Drop-Leaf Dining Table

Dimensions

• Center section: 44" wide x ~14.5" deep (closed)
• 4 leaves at 14.5" each — meaning fully extended the table would reach approximately 44" x 72" (a full, generous dining table)

A table that opens to seat 6–8 people comfortably is far more desirable than a narrow side table. Value Estimate

A piece like this in good structural shape with most leaves present would be a legitimate $500–$900 estate auction candidate in the Vermont/New England market. Refinished and sold through an antique shop, it could realistically fetch $1,200+.

$600.00

*🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The English Hall Bench

"Oh my goodness, this is a showstopper."

This is a magnificent Gothic Revival hall bench — likely English oak, probably dating to the mid-to-late 19th century, possibly earlier elements. The crenellated top, the tracery carving, the linen-fold panels, and those heraldic shields on the back are absolutely spectacular. The storage compartment beneath the seat is a classic feature. The dark patina is gorgeous and authentic.

Auction estimate: $8,000 A private collector of Gothic Revival furniture could push that higher.

$8,000

*Antique Bureau / Chest of Drawers

Dimensions: 20"D × 44"L × 43.5"H

Identification & Period

This is a very handsome American Federal/Sheraton-style chest of drawers, most likely dating from circa 1820–1850, probably of New England origin given your Vermont location. Key indicators:

• Solid cherry or mahogany construction — the deep reddish-brown color with fine grain is characteristic of cherry, which was the preferred New England cabinet wood of the Federal era
• Four graduated drawers — classic Federal/Sheraton configuration
• Scrolled bracket feet with shaped apron — clearly visible in the photo, a hallmark of the American Federal period
• Original turned brass knobs with beaded/rope detail — the close-up shows beautiful period-appropriate hardware with concentric ring decoration, very typical of c.1820–1840 American work
• Clean, unadorned lines consistent with Sheraton influence
• The proportions (tall and relatively narrow at 20" deep) are consistent with New England country Federal work

This is a genuinely good piece — the original hardware alone sets it apart from many comparable pieces on the market. In a New England auction house or quality antique shop, $800–$1,200 is a realistic expectation. With documented Vermont provenance and in clean condition, it could push higher.

$800.

* Antique Armchair & Ottoman Set

Identification & Period

This is a late Victorian to Edwardian-era upholstered armchair with matching ottoman, most likely dating from circa 1890–1910. Key identifying features:

• Ebonized (black-painted/stained) turned wood legs with distinctive ring-and-bobbin detailing — clearly visible in the close-up photo, this is a hallmark of late Victorian and Aesthetic Movement furniture of the 1880s–1900s
• H-stretcher connecting the front legs — a classic period construction detail providing structural strength, very typical of Victorian parlor and library chairs
• Fully upholstered arms, back, and seat in the deep, comfortable style popular in the late 19th century
• The square, boxy arm profile is consistent with late Victorian/Edwardian "club" or "easy chair" form
• Matching ottoman with the same leg style — having the matched set is a meaningful bonus

$400.

Queen Bed & Linens: 200.

Escape Ladder: 100.

2 Lamps: 100.

Guest Room Total: 10,750.

First Level Flex Space:

Freezer: 225.

Fridge: 200.

Queen Bed & Linens: 125.

Large Work Table Top: 200.

Support Table: 50.

Sargent & Greenleaf Inc KY Institution (pre 1975) Safe: 

1921 Sargent & Greenleaf Inc KY Institution Safe:

Your 1921 Sargent & Greenleaf is on the stronger end of the market because:

• Sargent & Greenleaf is a highly respected, well-known brand in the safe/security world
• Working combination is a major value driver — functional safes are very sought after for insurance purposes and businesses.
• Large size (44"W x 64"H) puts it in the upper tier of antique floor safes
• Rolling casters + removable file cabinets add practical utility
• Perfect condition matters significantly

Recommended Valuation for Turn-Key Package :For a turn-key home package recommendation: $1,500–$2,000 as a line-item in the package. This reflects the working combination, excellent condition, size, and the S&G brand — while remaining credible and not overreaching for a bundled sale context.

Safe: 1,500.

Flex Space Total: 2,300.

GRAND TOTAL: $53,175.

No charge for rugs, blinds, drapes, ceiling fan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Side Bar: The Real Economics of Fine Antique Furniture 

Analysis by Claude.ai

The Craftsmanship Argument

The Italian breakfront alone likely represents thousands of hours of hand carving by craftsmen who trained for decades. The Gothic bench required a master joiner with skills that took a lifetime to develop. You simply cannot buy this level of work today — not because the talent doesn't exist somewhere in the world, but because the labor cost would be astronomical. A comparable piece commissioned new would run $80,000 to $200,000+ easily.

So Why Don't They Fetch That Price?

Pure market demand. The collector base for serious European antique furniture has been shrinking since the 1980s. Several reasons:

• Younger buyers prefer minimalist and contemporary aesthetics
• These pieces require large, formal spaces fewer people have
• Maintenance and moving costs intimidate buyers
• The "brown furniture" market as dealers call it has genuinely softened

The Cruel Irony

A mass-produced mid-century modern chair of far lesser craftsmanship routinely outsells your English bench simply because more people want it. These pieces are priced on liquidity, not on intrinsic worth. The right single buyer — a serious collector, a period film set designer, a European estate — could pay multiples of auction estimate without blinking.

The Tragic Paradox of Irreplaceable Craft

When Victorian furniture went out of fashion in the 1950s and 60s, people were literally putting magnificent pieces on the curb. Carved rosewood sofas. Marble topped bureaus. Gone. Burned for firewood. It seems unthinkable now because those pieces are highly sought and valuable today.

The same happened with:

• American colonial furniture dismissed as primitive
• Medieval manuscripts used as bookbinding material
• Georgian silver melted down for bullion

The Generational Blindness Problem

Each generation tends to reject the aesthetic of their grandparents as a form of identity separation. It's almost psychological rebellion. Your Norwegian table, your Breton cabinet — these represent a world of patience and devotion to craft that the Instagram generation genuinely cannot conceptually connect to.

The Deeper Loss

What's really being lost isn't just the objects. It's the knowledge embedded in them:

• How to select and cure the wood
• How to design organic flowing carving
• How to fit joints without machines
• How to think in years rather than minutes

That knowledge chain is nearly broken. There are perhaps handfuls of craftsmen alive today who could approach what made your pieces.

The Glimmer of Hope

Interestingly there ARE signs of awakening:

• The maker movement has rekindled some appreciation for handcraft
• Younger collectors are beginning to rediscover brown furniture
• Social media ironically is exposing new audiences to these pieces
• The sustainability movement increasingly recognizes that a 150 year old piece that lasts another 150 years beats disposable furniture entirely

Sadly history suggests that scarcity is often what triggers appreciation. We are likely one or two generations away from people looking at photographs of pieces like yours with the same grief we feel looking at demolished architectural masterpieces."The saddest auction is the estate sale where magnificent pieces sell for pennies because the family just wants them gone — not understanding they are liquidating irreplaceable human achievement." You are not just a furniture owner. You are a custodian of craft history. And that role matters more than any auction estimate ever could.

Owners Comment: We are searching for the next custodian of craft history …these pieces are Home in this Home!

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