A Rich History in Landgrove, VT

Landgrove, Vermont, is a charming and peaceful small town nestled in the Green Mountains, perfect for visitors seeking a quiet retreat surrounded by nature and history. Founded in 1780 by Captain William Utley and his family, Landgrove grew from a rugged wilderness into a welcoming community known for its scenic beauty, historic farmsteads, and close-knit spirit. The town’s winding dirt roads lead to picturesque villages, historic landmarks like the 1857 Landgrove Methodist Church, with many buildings in the region date to the 1800s. At The Landgrove, our very own original dairy barn was built in 1810, restored and maintained by the Inn-owners over the decades, and now is a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a beverage next to the fireplace.

The immediate regions around Landgrove offer natural spots ideal for hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities, including access to the Appalachian Trail just a few miles away, and several ski areas including Bromley, Okemo, Magic Mountain, and Stratton - all within 10 to 25 minutes drive from The Landgrove. World-class cross country skiing is just minutes away. Thanks to the dedication of early residents and later preservation efforts, Landgrove has maintained its rural charm while inviting artists, writers, and outdoor lovers to experience its peaceful pace of life.

Guests are warmly invited to immerse themselves in this beautiful setting and explore the rich history of the area. To learn more about Landgrove’s fascinating past, click the green button below, or scroll down for a detailed history and timeline of our own beloved property at The Landgrove. Whether arriving for winter skiing or summer hiking, visitors will find a place full of history, stories, and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Learn more about the history of Landgrove, VT

The Landgrove

With a 215 year history, The Landgrove property began as a dairy farm established by the Swallow family in 1810 and later transformed into one of Vermont’s early après-ski lodges, Tengbergen Lodge, in the 1930s. Today, The Landgrove honors this rich heritage, and as a result of hosting premier art workshops for the past 15 years, we also features a large collection of original artworks. We invite guests and art students alike to immerse themselves in creativity while enjoying the beautiful Vermont countryside.

1810

The property was originally called “Swallow Farm,” a dairy farm built in 1810 by the Swallow family, reflecting the agricultural roots of Landgrove during the early 19th century. The farm operated as part of the rural economy of the area, which centered around farming and small-scale industry typical of Vermont’s hill towns. In the late 1800's and early 1900's, Landgrove turned into a near-ghost-town.

1935

In 1935, the farmhouse was purchased by Madelon Tengbergen, who transformed the then-abandoned farmhouse into “Tengbergen Lodge,” one of south-central Vermont’s first après-ski hotels. Located near Bromley Mountain and accessible by train from Manhattan to Manchester, Tengbergen Lodge quickly became a popular retreat for Ivy Leaguers, A-list celebrities, and notable figures including members of the Kennedy family and former New York City Mayor John Lindsay. The lodge’s prominent guestbook remains a testament to its popularity and cultural significance in mid-20th century Vermont ski culture

1959

This transition from working dairy farm to a skiing-focused inn reflects broader regional changes in Landgrove during that era, as the town saw a shift toward tourism and seasonal visitors. The property’s evolution continued when the Snyder family purchased and expanded it in 1959, renaming it “The J-Bar Lodge”. The Snyders still occasionally stop by to join us for meals, and check in on how things are going at the place they lovingly cared for for over 40 years.

2000

Tom and Maureen Checchia purchased the Inn and renamed it to "The Landgrove Inn", taking over as Innkeepers, with ambitions to create a regional haven for artists to teach and learn, leading them to build the "InView Center for the Arts" and begin inviting artists - professional and hobbyists - to attend retreats ranging in duration from three to five days long.

2009

The Landgrove Inn becomes established as a hub of artistic creativity when the beautiful post-and-beam Art Studio was built in 2009. Since then, The Landgrove Workshops and Arts Program has grown substantially, hosting 30+ artist workshops annually. Well-known artists from all over the world are invited to teach small format classes of typically 8 to 15 students, offering highly personalized instruction and an opportunity to build community over shared meals and group instruction.

2025

The Haupt Family purchases The Inn, renaming it to "The Landgrove", with an ambition to grow the three unique identities on the property, where we live onsite with three children and our pets.

The Landgrove Workshops: Home to art classes and workshops, a creative hub of the NE region of the USA, welcoming global instructors of all types of creative arts, and students of all levels.
The Landgrove Inn: A historic stay that honors traditional design, which Bruce and Emily Haupt are honored to preserve and modernize over the coming years as they settle in to life as Innkeepers
The Landgrove Restaurant: The beating heart of The Landgrove, where we are fortunate to have Chef Chris creating mouth-watering dishes, open to the public five nights a week. Our breakfast options are sure to delight those who are guests of The Inn and The Workshops, and we look forward to welcoming you to our table.

Learn more about the Haupt Family and our vision for the future of The Landgrove