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The "Big House," home of Lila and William
Seward Webb and their four children for much of each year, was built
between 1887-88 in the informal Shingle Style. Designed by Robert H.
Robertson, it was later thoroughly renovated and expanded (1895-1900) to
feature the more formal Queen Anne-style exterior that is evident today.
It was |
As the "Gilded Age" drew to a close and the
agricultural operations of the farm were scaled
back through the 1920s and 1930s, Shelburne House survived, but suffered
from accumulated years of deferred maintenance and structural decay.
In 1985, with Shelburne House in the hands of the
new nonprofit, Shelburne Farms launched an ambitious $1.6 million
restoration of the majestic building. The restoration team repaired the
roof, walls and chimneys, and updated the building to prepare it for a new
life as a seasonal inn. Interiors were refurbished consistent with
original decorating schemes and 75% of the original furnishings were retained.
As a tribute to these efforts to preserve the historical integrity of
Shelburne In 1987, the building was first opened to the public as The Inn at Shelburne Farms. Today, approximately 2,400 overnight guests and 20,000 restaurant patrons enjoy the Inn each year. From mid-May to mid-October, the Inn is open for breakfast, dinner, Sunday brunch and overnight accommodations. |
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©2003 by Shelburne Farms
All Rights Reserved
elegant
yet comfortable, expansive and outfitted with up-to-date technological
features such as indoor plumbing, centralized heat, electric lighting and
telephone services. Compared to other upper-class country houses of the
day, Shelburne House was relatively informal, reflecting the Webb’s
country estate lifestyle and personal taste. Its 25 bedrooms and informal
as well as formal entertaining spaces were well suited to a constant
stream of guests.
House, the nonprofit received the prestigious President’s Historic
Preservation Award in 1988.