Early History of The Phineas Swann Inn
At this Vermont Bed and Breakfast the original farmhouse and the barn (which now houses luxury suites) were built between 1847 and 1891. The earliest clear land ownership record is a deed to a French Canadian immigrant, Benoi Laparche who sold the land to William Stiles in 1847. Sometime between 1847 and 1891, William Stiles constructed the homestead and barn. Based on the lathe and plaster construction, the barn assembly, and the exposed heavy fir internal beams, the construction date is estimated to be around 1880. From 1891 until 1935, the house and barn were used by workers and employees of C.T. Hall, the "Lumber Baron of Vermont", whose home, next door, was constructed in 1890.
The farm house and barn were purchased by Louis Martell in 1935 who, expanded the home by the addition of porches and turned the barn into the first garage in the area. Louis Martell had moved into the area in 1922 to work as the chauffeur to C.T. Hall who introduced the first motor car to northern Vermont (a Stanley Steamer).
The Martell family sold the home in 1977 to the Sylvester family who owned it for many years. They eventually sold it in the late 80s to a family that was the first to operate it as a bed and breakfast, and during this time the barn that now houses the Carriage House suites was operated as a bike shop, and then rented as an antiques shop called “Old Memories Antiques”. The owners, from whom we purchased the property in 2005, added the large suites to the lower floor of the barn in 1999 and rechristened the building “The Carriage House.” .
One of the first things we did as new owners was to add a full masonry fireplace to the living room, and plant over 30 trees and bushes on the grounds, with wiring for over 60 accent lights to accentuate the trees and gardens. Plus, we added a 12 foot octagon screened in gazebo (perfect for weddings and civil union ceremonies) and a hot tub with pergola. We enlarged the dining room with a 32 x 9 foot extension, installed expansive new decks, and wainscoting throughout the entire Inn. We tore down all the walls right through to the studs and re-dry-walled and painted them. We also refinished the hardwood floors on the first floor, and wired the entire Inn to make it internet, cable, and telephone ready in each of the guest rooms. (In addition we updated all the mechanicals, including electric, heating, and plumbing.)
In addition, a stereo system was built through the walls of every room on the first floor, French doors were added to the entrance to the dining room, and the first floor bedroom was turned into a library. The kitchen underwent a gut renovation as well, with the addition of two dishwashers, a three-bay sink, commercial grade refrigerator/freezer, two full ovens, commercial venting system, as well as a 6-burner cook top with griddle to allow for full catering abilities. The lastest renovations, completed in 2007, are the addition of our two new luxury suites to the upper floors of the Carriage House. After the first major round of renovations, the inn reopened for business Christmas week of 2005 with the hopes that it will continue to serve future guests for many more years to come in complete luxury and comfort.
The Phineas Swann Sign
After the design interview, Burnett, of Spring Valley Signs, chose to incorporate “Phineas,” the logo designed by Jay, as the sign's central icon—since it reflects Jay’s and John’s great love of dogs and, he said, that particular breed befits the whimsical design that the new owners requested. The design features the canine bedecked with a top hat, monocle, pipe and suit. You can read more about Burnett and his sign-making.
The Ghost at The Phineas Swann
For those who love staying in a haunted house, this Vermont Bed and Breakfast will be sure to please. Make sure to ask for the Red Room, as this is the favorite “haunt” of a playful young ghost named Geraldine. Geraldine was a member of the Martell family who passed away in this room of pneumonia in 1937. She must have been a very happy little child, since her only “appearances” are her periodic giggling and the tickling of our guests’ feet late at night. Perhaps this is a gag she played on her parents, as this was normally their bedroom. Several people have witnessed this event, and it is one of the things that makes the Phineas Swann Inn so special!!! Over the years, many members of the extended Martell clan have stopped by to visit us and fill us in on many facts of their family’s many happy memories in this wonderful old farmhouse!!!
Who is Phineas Swann?
The Phineas Swann Vermont Bed and Breakfast Inn takes its name from one the first settlers to the town. Phineas Swann was one the initial signers of the town’s petition to become incorporated in 1780. Though he never lived in this house, he would have surely been one of the many visitors to the house on this location before it was enlarged into the country manor that it is today.
