Built almost 200 years ago stands the historical Rowell’s Inn located in the village of Simonsville, Vermont. Rowell’s Inn has served as a stagecoach stop between the towns of Londonderry, Weston, and Chester. It included a post office, a general store, and most recently an inn which closed in 2012. The present state of the inn is very concerning to most who drive by and see the deteriorating three story porch which has began to detach from the main brick building. The beauty of this building has been rapidly decreasing with the absence of upkeep and maintenance.
Last year while actively looking for bakery locations, it was brought to our attention that the Rowell’s Inn was up for sale. The night we looked at the space, I had my reservations — how can we fit this project into our already busy lives? It was in that moment I saw my husband fall in love again, but I was still on the fence. I left the inn that night pondering and weighing the pros and cons as I often do. My husband, on the other hand, was 100% in. I took the next few days to daydream and imagine all it could be and it was at a stop light — where I have had more than one aha moment — “I am in, all in, let’s do this!” This is our future! We always wanted to own a B&B, although we thought this would happen once our four children had graduated high school. Well, let’s just say no better time than the present, right?!
The future is clear: we will restore the porch and renovate the inside spaces to accommodations for 8 guests, an on-site bakery 4 Kids and a Baker and a Bar/Pub, while keeping all of the antique charm and history intact.
We plan on having a “history wall” dedicated to all stories — both past and present — in hopes that future guests will feel the immediate friendship.
Come as guests … leave as friends.
Can’t wait to see the finished project!
I cannot wait to see the finished project. I am so very proud of all of you. So looking forward to my 1st stay at the Inn. I love this
I would like to make a reservation for opening night….and bring a dozen guests with me.
We have been waiting 7 long years for this property to be loved again, thank you.
My wife and I stayed there in 2000 and had many meals there as I built our log home on Middletown Rd in former owners 2003. We knew Mike and Sue the former owners and had many wonderful times there especially around the holidays. We are glad to see you are restoring it back to it’s former glory. We loved going there for dining and drinks. Never got to dance on the 3rd floor, but Mike told us all about the “dance floor on springs”. Also that it was a haven for the underground railroad for run away slaves. We look forward to the new bakery. We wish you guys lots of luck in the future and will stop in to meet you since you are our neighbors.
On November 9, 2002 my husband and I eloped to the Rowell’s Inn from south Florida . We were married in the snow, by the river, next to the covered bridge in Chester. I believe that bridge has since, unfortunately, washed away several years back due to flooding from a hurricane.
We fondly remember our amazing outdoor wedding and the amazing beauty of the area, as well as the charm of the quaint downtown and the welcoming warmth and hospitality we felt at Rowell’s Inn. We stayed in a room on the top floor and sat outside on the upper porch wrapped in blankets sipping brandy.
We will be looking forward to seeing what you have in store for the Inn.
Hoping to revisit someday and will be sure to share our wedding pics!
Best of luck on your new adventure!
Yvonne Collins
Thank you so much. We would love to see the wedding pics. We are hoping to be able to allow guest weddings. Such a beautiful time in one’s life. We were hoping to have the third floors rooms ready but that may take some time. Right now it will be the 4 on the second level available for booking. We look forward to meeting you in the future.
Always loved the Inn since a 3 year child passed on the way to town Ruth Nash was our adopted sister after the parents passing.Years ago she would do dishes and work in the kitchen.At 5 we moved to Peaseville and after my could no longer take care of the farm my husband and I it from Mom. Unfortunately this year the pandemic we will not be able to return home.Best wishes and I would have to give you the recipe for my Grandmother Williams baked beans, well known in Peru and Londonderry for them