A Glimpse of the Inn's Place in History

Originally, in 1730, there was a log cabin on this site. There's no record of whether it was burned or moved. The Greek Revival building that now greets you was built in 1840 and not only does it have marble columns lining the front porch, but a marble foundation, porches and walkways as well. Inside there are three marble fireplaces. The roof is slate.

George B. Holley (1812-1869), an influential man in the marble industry, gave the house to his daughter Agusta Marie Holley when she married Spafford West. Mr. West founded Norcross-West Marble Company which supplied a half million cubic feet of marble for the New York Public Library. The marble quarry is still alive with activity, only now as the favorite local swimming hole--about 2 miles from the inn.

Agusta, an opera singer of petite size, had the banister and doorknobs lowered to a level that better suited her.

In 1904 Ernest West, son of Spafford and Agusta, added an additional wing. He too used handsome marble columns to support the porch roofs. In total, there are seven marble columns.

In the early 1970's Honey West Mitchell, at 74 years of age, with the help of Dorset resident Adele Bishop (now a renowned stencil artist) stenciled the entire walls of the front foyer--downstairs and upstairs. The exquisite stenciling has been carefully preserved for all to marvel and enjoy.

The house remained in the Holley-West Family from 1840 to 1985 when it was sold and converted to the inn so many guests now enjoy the atmosphere of our Vermont Bed and Breakfast. We're certain you will too.