Gilded Age Farming In Vermont - Shelburne Farm

William Seward and Eliza (Lila) Osgood Vanderbilt Webb were married in 1881 and acquired some 32 area farms from 1886 until 1902 to create their 3,800 agricultural estate, Shelburne Farm on Lake Champlain. These purchases and the farm construction were made possible through Lila’s multi-million dollar Vanderbilt family inheritance. William Seward was a surgeon, but joined the Vanderbilt family railway businesses. In 1913, the southern portion of the property was given to eldest son J. Watson and his wife Electra Havemeyer Webb (and in 1947 Electra would go on to found The Shelburne Museum on this property). Seward Webb died in 1926 and Lila continued to maintain the property until her death in 1936. At this point the youngest son, Vanderbilt, bought out his siblings and took over the property and maintained it as his residence. Eventually increasing financial pressures were experienced and the family sold off portions of land and focused more on the dairy and beef industry. In 1956, when Vanderbilt died, his son, Derick inherits the northern portion of the property. In 1972, the non-profit is formed and in 1976 Derick donates the Farm Barn, Coach Barn and Shelburne House. Upon his death in 1984, the remainder of the estate’s land and buildings went to the non-profit organization. In 1987, Shelburne House is renovated and opened as an Inn. In 1994, the southern portion was acquired from the descendants of Electra & J. Watson Webb and combined into the present day 1,400-acre working farm / educational center with an inn.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The former country estate home, converted to an Inn, sits on a hill overlooking Lake Champlain. The Inn is an integral part of the financial support of the non-profit.

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The estate grounds were laid out by Frederick Law Olmstead, in functional need: pasture, farmland, woodlands and family residence and leisure activities

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Shelburne Farms: House, Gardens, Farm, and Barns

By Suokko, Glenn

Catalogue of the Shelburne Farms Herd

By Webb, William S.

The House at Shelburne Farms

By Joe Sherman

These carved poles are actually wooden drums created by local artist and muscian, Jerry Geier.

Another building on the property

The Farm Barn built was built between 1886 and 1890. It’s main section is five stories high and its courtyard is nearly two acres.

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The Breeding Barn built from 1889 to 1891 to showcase W. Seward Webb’s grand horse breeding operation. It was the largest open-span wooden structure in the Inited States until 1939.

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Coach Barn was completed in 1902, and was the last major building constructed on the property.

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The original Queen Anne - Shingle style Sheburne House was completed in 1888, with major renovations done in 1900. Unfortunately, during my visit the Inn was closed.

The original home contained a servant’s wing with 22 bedrooms.

A circular drive leads to the front entrance of the former country home.

The formal gardens near the former country home

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Looking out onto Lake Champlain from the formal gardens

Looking out onto Lake Champlain

Shelburne Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.

Lila’s brothers Frederick built Hyde Park in upstate New York, and George built Biltmore in Asheville, NC. Uncles William (Marble House) and Cornelius (The Breakers), both in Newport, RI.

What you should know:

• There are walking trails.

• Restrooms are available.

• Picnicking is allowed.

• Check website for days and hours of operation.

• You could spend a couple of hours or an entire day exploring here.

• This is a carry in / carry out environment.

• Staff are friendly and helpful.

• Monetary donations are accepted in lieu of an admission fee.

Location: 1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne, Vermont 05482

For more information: Shelburne Farm