Vermont has plenty of old farmhouses. Honestly, if you drive five miles in any direction in the Northeast Kingdom, you'll hit a red barn or a patch of rolling pasture. But the Inn at Mountain View Farm isn't just another drafty B&B with a couple of rocking chairs and some maple syrup. It sits on top of Darling Hill in East Burke, and it feels different because it is different. This isn't just a place to sleep. It’s 440 acres of history that somehow survived the 19th century without losing its soul.
When you pull up, the scale hits you. This was once the "Willoughby Farms" estate, built in 1890 by Elmer Darling. He wasn't just some guy; he was the guy behind the Fifth Avenue Hotel in NYC. He brought that "big city" luxury mindset to the wild hills of Vermont, and you can still see it in the brickwork. It’s massive. It’s elegant. It’s also kinda wild.
What the Inn at Mountain View Farm Actually Offers
Most people show up here for the views, which are, frankly, ridiculous. You’re looking out at Burke Mountain and the Willoughby Gap. But the real magic is the Farm Animal Sanctuary. Not many luxury inns share their property with rescued cows, goats, and a miniature donkey named Pippin. It’s run by a non-profit on the grounds, and it gives the whole place a grounded, earthy vibe that you just don't get at a sterile resort.
You’ve got options for where to stay. The Creamery is usually the favorite for couples. It’s this restored brick building where they used to process butter and cream, now turned into guest rooms. Then there’s the Farmhouse. It feels more traditional, like you’re staying in a wealthy relative’s country home. No TVs in the rooms. That’s a dealbreaker for some, but it’s intentional. You’re supposed to be looking at the stars or reading a book by the fire, not scrolling through Netflix.
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The breakfast is a whole thing. They lean heavily into local ingredients. Expect Cabot cheddar, Vermont bacon, and eggs that probably came from right down the road. It’s hearty. You’ll need it because Darling Hill is basically the epicenter of the Kingdom Trails network.
The Kingdom Trails Connection
If you’re a mountain biker, you already know about this. If you don't bike, you’re going to see a lot of people in spandex and dirt-covered shins. The Inn at Mountain View Farm is literally located on the trail system. You can ride right off the porch and hit some of the best flow trails in the country.
But here is a pro tip: don't just go in the summer.
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The Kingdom Trails are becoming a massive destination for "fat biking" in the winter. The inn stays open during the snowy months, and there is something incredibly peaceful about watching the sun set over the frozen gap while you're tucked into a room that smells like old wood and fresh linen. It's quiet. Like, "can hear your own heartbeat" quiet.
The Architecture is a Time Capsule
Elmer Darling didn't do things halfway. The Morgan Horse barn is a masterpiece of Victorian agricultural architecture. It has these soaring ceilings and incredible woodwork that makes you realize how much care went into farming back then. It wasn't just industrial; it was an art form. Today, that barn is often used for weddings, and it’s easy to see why. It’s photogenic in a way that feels authentic, not staged for Instagram.
The property also features a "tapestry" of gardens designed by landscape architects that have been maintained for over a hundred years. You can walk through the lilac bushes or sit in the gazebo. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to take a slow walk. Not a "fitness walk." A "look at the bees and smell the flowers" walk.
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Addressing the "No Frills" Misconception
Some folks arrive expecting a high-tech boutique hotel with USB ports in the headboards and smart mirrors. That is not this. The Inn at Mountain View Farm is about preservation. The floors creak. The WiFi can be spotty if a storm rolls through the Northeast Kingdom. The heating is old-school.
If you want a cookie-cutter Marriott experience, you will be disappointed. But if you want to feel like you’ve stepped back into 1890—with the addition of indoor plumbing and high-quality mattresses—this is the spot. It’s about the luxury of space and silence.
Planning Your Trip: Practical Steps
Getting here isn't a quick hop. It’s a trek. But that’s the point.
- Book Early for Leaf Peeping: Late September and early October are packed. People travel from all over the world to see the Willoughby Gap turn orange and red. If you haven't booked by April, you're probably out of luck for a weekend stay.
- Check the Sanctuary Hours: If you want to meet the animals, check with the Farm Animal Sanctuary staff. They do amazing work, and a small donation goes a long way in helping them care for the retired farm animals.
- Pack for the Kingdom Trails: Even if you aren't a hardcore biker, bring comfortable shoes. The walking trails around the property are extensive and offer some of the best vantage points of the Green Mountains.
- Dinner Strategy: East Burke is a tiny village. Places like Mike’s Tiki Bar (summer only) or the Foggy Goggle Oyster House are great, but they get busy. Have a plan for food before you arrive, especially on weeknights when things might close early.
- Embrace the Silence: Leave the laptop in the car. Seriously. The inn is designed for unplugging.
The Inn at Mountain View Farm represents a specific kind of Vermont experience that is becoming harder to find. It’s a mix of high-society history and rugged, rural reality. Whether you're there to crush 20 miles on a mountain bike or just to sit in a lawn chair and watch the clouds roll over the mountains, it’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve driven back down Darling Hill.
To make the most of a visit, aim for a mid-week stay during the "shoulder" seasons of June or late October. You'll get the trails to yourself, the rates are often more flexible, and the morning mist over the valley is significantly more impressive when there aren't thirty other people trying to photograph it. Focus on the history, respect the animals, and let the pace of the farm dictate your schedule.