Willow Pond Farm Bed & Breakfast

Secluded on 200 acres of New England pasture, woods, and meadows and surrounded on all sides by working farms, this Shelburne inn called Willow Pond Farm bed and breakfast inn offers breathtaking Adirondack and Green Mountain views.

The grounds are exceptional. There are some 20 birdhouses in view, usually populated with nesting tree swallows. A rose garden and beautiful perennial gardens bloom in summer, and yellow clematis vines bloom on the pergola at the end of the wraparound porch.

The Vermont farm borders Shelburne Pond, a haven for wildflowers, birds, and wildlife. Ospreys, pileated woodpeckers, mergansers, bluebirds, wild turkeys, grebes, otters and mink are some of the wildlife that roam the farm where for 4,000 years the Abenaki and Iroquois camped and fished.

Extensive landscaping, ponds, romantic rose and perennial gardens encircle this country home. In fact, Vermont, An Explorer's Guide says "If we had special sections for birders and gardeners, Sawyer and Zita Lee's elegant home would top both lists." The house, set among apple trees, looks down on a smaller three-acre private pond which affords a view of the great blue heron, nesting ducks, and other aquatic life.

Willow Pond Farm offers three guest rooms appointed with fine antiques, oriental carpets and handmade quilts. Lodging accommodations also include a built-in kids' loft. In the morning, arise to cappuccino, the farm's own special blend of coffee, and a full, gourmet Vermont breakfast served in the dining area or out on the terrace, under the pergola among roses and honeysuckle.

Willow Pond Farm is an ideal place for hiking and strolling through the gardens, or you can just sit back and enjoy the view from the terrace. You are only ten minutes from Shelburne and Burlington, where you have access to the Shelburne Museum, University of Vermont, St. Michaels College, Champlain College, Trinity College, Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Wake Robin, and the Burlington Marketplace.

Opportunities for boating, biking, swimming, hiking, antiquing, shopping are all nearby, as are good restaurants and ferry rides. The Ben & Jerry's factory is only a 30-minute drive. Mountain climbing enthusiasts can indulge their passion forty minutes away.

Commune with nature in a country setting while being pampered with comfort and a delicious breakfast at beautiful Willow Pond Farm.

Memorable Mornings .....

Breakfast at Willow Pond Farm is served family style and starts with fresh fruit or other fruit dish accompanied by yogurt, granola, and fruit juice. Guests enjoy the house cappuccino, the farm's own special blend of coffee. Main dishes are all made from scratch with fresh ingredients of the season.

• A main dish, (served with sausages, bacon and Vermont maple syrup) could be one of the following;
• Waffles with strawberries and whipped cream.
• Challah French Toast with sugared, toasted pecans, sliced bananas and creme fraiche.
• Multigrain blueberry pancakes
• Cheese blintzes with blueberry sauce
• Egg Dishes (served with homemade biscuits and ham with Cumberland Sauce) include:
• French style scrambles
• Mushroom, tomato and cheese omelet
• Eggs Benedict

Willow Pond Farm offers three guest rooms appointed with fine antiques, oriental carpets and handmade quilts. Lodging accommodations also include a built-in kids' loft. In the morning, arise to cappuccino, the farm's own special blend of coffee, and a full, gourmet Vermont breakfast served in the dining area or out on the terrace, under the pergola among roses and honeysuckle.

Guest rooms all have loft alcoves that are perfect for reading a book from the light that filters in through dormer windows. Views of the meadows, cool breezes, and sweet bird songs contribute to the relaxing atmosphere this bed and breakfast cherished by guests who return year after year.

Vermont's Willow Pond Farm has lots of repeat guests who relive their pleasurable stays over and over again. The Lees have a lot of cards and letters attesting to the beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, and comfortable lodging accommodations. The following are just a few comments.

"We are still smiling about our wonderful stay at Willow Pond Farm. Many, many thanks!" Tracy

"Many thanks for your hospitality and the best breakfast in New England." California

"We will always keep in mind the hospitality and warmth that we enjoyed during our stay." Germany

"What a wonderful time we had on our two brief nights at your house. Your home / BB is so lovely. It is charming and relaxing and so welcoming! After enjoying your hospitality, we know why people return again and again! Your breakfasts were absolutely delicious - we felt like royalty - while feeling like family as we sat at the table and our shared conversations. You are two charming and interesting people. We really appreciated your restaurant ideas. I took lots of pictures of your lovely home and beautiful yard .... Well Zita and Sawyer, continue making people feel welcome and enjoy seeing all the changes in your beautiful yard. With much gratitude," Roger & Kay

"Thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality and beautiful surroundings when Paul and I were visiting! You have both done a wonderful job with the B&B. Very classy but very welcoming. Zita, your gardens and surrounding grounds are spectacular! I wish I had half of your energy! Sawyer, you did a great job on the breakfasts! Your presentations were beautiful and your surprise compote was delicious. I'm a believer now! When Paul and I are back to Shelburne we'll be sure to arrange another delightful stay with both of you. Thanks again," Theresa & Paul Wrobel

"Dear Sawyer & Zita, Jol and I haven't stopped talking about what a wonderful, wonderful time we had in Vermont. And both of you are a major reason for that. Thank you so much for your incredible hospitality and a special thanks to you for the gallon of Vermont maple syrup -- wow -- what a treat. On weekends we have waffles or pancakes and the syrup will make them extra delicious - we'll have wonderful memories. Thank you again so much for every thing. We look forward to keeping in touch..." Jol & Patty

"Dear Sawyer & Zita, Both of us were delighted with our weekend at your B&B. The accommodations, surroundings and wildlife viewing were outstanding. A special treat was watching the osprey diving for fish in the pond. We felt very comfortable in your home and appreciate your creating this welcoming environment. Kudos to Sawyer for Sunday breakfast - managing a wonderful meal without any staff!!. We would certainly like to return for another getaway from our busy lives in the not too distant future. Thanks again - Warm regards, " Nancy & Bob, Diamond Point, New York

Recommended Bed & Breakfast New England
By Author: Eleanor Berman

Out here in the country on two hundred wide-open acres, you feel as though you could be miles from town, but in fact both Shelburne & Burlington are just minutes from this attractive, reasonable priced retreat.

"The grounds are exceptional. There are some twenty birdhouses in view, usually populated with nesting tree swallows. A rose garden and beautiful perennial gardens bloom in summer, and yellow clematis vines bloom on the pergola at the end of the wraparound porch. It's hard to believe that busy Rt. 7 is just minutes up the road".

Vermont - An Explorer's Guide - Over 900 Lodging & Dining Reviews
By Authors: Christina Tree and Sally West Johnson

If we had special sections for birders & gardeners, Sawyer & Zita Lee's elegant home would top both lists. A 200-acre farm, an exceptional house, with blending of old lines and modern spaces. Many windows let in the view of rose and perennial gardens, with their many bird feeders, and the small pond. These beautiful gardens recently received a "Highly Commended" rating in a contest sponsored by "The English Garden" magazine.

Your accommodations are within 10 minutes of Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Museum (special vouchers available at the inn), UVM, St. Michaels College, Champlain College, Lake Champlain, Burlington Airport, Burlington Marketplace, Wake Robin, and Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

Recreation & Activities: Boating, hiking, biking, swimming, bird watching, antiquing, auctions, ferry rides, lake cruises, sailing, and fishing.

Attractions & Special Events:

• Lake Champlain - Green Mountains
• Shelburne Museum
• Shelburne Farms
• Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
• Ben & Jerry's factory.
• Willow Pond Farm has 200 acres for bird watching, hiking, etc.

Recommended Local Restaurants:

• Serloin Saloon (802) 985-2200
• Paulines (802) 862-1081
• Cafe Shelburne (802) 985-3939
• plus many others within 10 minutes.

Recommended Local Best Kept Secrets: Special backyard tour of garden. In spring and early summer, there are over 200 nesting birds.

From I-89:
Exit at 14-E onto Route 2 East in South Burlington and turn right at the first stoplight (opposite the Holiday Inn) onto Dorset Street. Drive South on Dorset Street 4.2 miles to the flashing light and turn left onto Cheesefactory Road. Drive East and at the 4th driveway on the right (0.8 miles) turn onto Cheesefactory Lane. At the end of the lane turn left onto our drive, which is just before the large white Colonial.

From Shelburne Village:
Drive North out of the Village on Route 7 to the bridge (1/2 mile) and turn right onto Webster Road. Staying to the right, drive East up the hill to the golf course and turn left onto Spear Street. Drive North on Spear 1.3 miles and turn right onto Barstow (Cheesefactory) Road. Go East to the flashing light and continue East on Cheesefactory Road. Turn right at the 4th driveway on the right (0.8 miles), Cheesefactory Lane. Willow Pond Farm's drive is to the left at the end of the lane and just before the white Colonial.

From Burlington Airport:
Take a left onto Airport Drive and go straight on Airport and Kennedy Drive to the 5th stoplight (total of 2.1 miles). Turn left onto Dorset and go 3.2 miles to the flashing light and turn left onto Cheesefactory Road. Drive east 0.8 mile and turn right onto Cheesefactory Lane. At the end of the lane turn left onto our drive, which is just before the white Colonial.