Mt. Philo Inn: historical building in Charlotte Vermont

History of the Mt. Philo Inn

The Mt. Philo Inn was built in 1896, and was a country Inn until 1966. It is currently a family business owned and operated by Jane and Dave Garbose since 1990. The Garbose's, their son Leo, and dog Mabel, live at the Inn, and are able to attend to any issues immediately. Mabel is particularly adept at landscaping. This photo was taken in the late 1950's, and was on a postcard promotion. The Garbose's have worked hard to restore the Inn to the way it looked in it's heyday, maintaining its hardwood floors, complex moulding, and vast gardens

The building was originally built in 1896 for the purpose of being an Inn. Frank Lewis had built a small house nearby, and was persuaded by travelers of the need of an Inn in the area. Many folks using Lake Champlain as a travel route would disembark on Thompson's Point, just a couple miles away.

The Inn remained in the Lewis family until the 1960's. People would come up from Boston and New York and spend the summer, either at the Inn or in one of the many cottages spread around Mt. Philo.

At this time the rapid spread of motels reduced business, and after two generations the Lewis family sold. The Inn was owned by a variety of folks, who unsuccessfully tried to maintain the Inn and restaurant business.

In 1972 it was purchased by a large group who turned it into a commune. This lively period ended in 1979, when it was sold again.

View from mountain road before the last series of turns.

Mt. Philo Road, as a dirt road, heading north from the Hollow Road in North Ferrisburgh.

Mountain Road

This photo, from 1898, shows the road up Mt. Philo, much as it is today.

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e-mail the Mt. Philo Inn
27 Inn Road, #1, Charlotte, Vermont 05445
telephone - (802) 425-3335 Toll free - 877-mtphilo fax - (802) 425-4250
©2003 Mt. Philo Inn