Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House

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Entire home

Welcome to the Gideon Lee House, an historic 1840 stone house in Chester, VT.

Owners live in the back area, a converted barn.

The Gideon Lee house, built in 1840 by the Clark brothers.

Modern kitchen with everything a chef needs. Loving the soapstone counters!

Pantry with all the necessities for cooking and serving.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 61500 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Barbecue grill
Fireplace
Parking available
Outdoor Space

Explore the area

Chester, VT

DaVallia Art & Accents
‪4 min drive‬
Vermont Country Store
‪12 min drive‬
Okemo Mountain Resort
‪22 min drive‬
Springfield, VT (VSF-Hartness State)
‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

2 Twin Beds

Den/Reading Room

1 Double Futon

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Master Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Powder Room

Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen

Separate dining area

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Sunshine, flowers, Farmers' Markets, hikes and starry nights are here. Scents fill the air and the birds are calling. Stay in a lovely home, fully equipped for your comfort. The Gideon Lee House has all the mod cons: speedy wifi, air conditioned rooms, comfortable beds, fluffy towels, fully equipped kitchen, tv with Bose speaker, cosy gas fireplace for cool mornings, a fire pit for outdoor fun and a lovely neighborhood to walk in. Our guests love the Gideon Lee House, a home away from home.

The house is eco-friendly with energy efficient appliances, solar panels(on the back barn roof) and Tesla batteries. We ask guests to re-cycle and compost if possible. We encourage you to use the fire-pit, outdoor grill and enjoy the outdoors. The neighborhood and town are walker friendly!

Property manager

Ian and Polly Montgomery

Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor Space

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 12:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

House is not childproofed.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking of any substance

Quiet hours are from 10pm until 7am. This is a village setting with neighbors nearby. Thank you!

Please care for the house as if it belonged to you --or your parents! Thank you.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

This property uses solar energy

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the neighborhood

Chester

Located in Chester Depot, a neighborhood in Chester, this vacation home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Muckross State Park and Lowell Lake State Park, while My Minds Design and Grafton Historical Society are cultural highlights. Traveling with kids? Consider Bonnie's Bundles Dolls and DaVallia Art & Accents. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

View more Vacation Homes in Chester

Chester, VT

What's nearby

Bonnie's Bundles Dolls - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
DaVallia Art & Accents - 4 min drive - 2.4 km
Vermont Country Store - 12 min drive - 12.8 km
Okemo Mountain Resort - 22 min drive - 21.1 km
Magic Mountain Ski Resort - 22 min drive - 21.8 km

Getting around

Bellows Falls Station - 21 min drive
Springfield, VT (VSF-Hartness State) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
‪Springfield Royal Diner - ‬15 min drive
‪Country Girl Diner - ‬2 min drive
‪The Sub-Way - ‬14 min drive
‪Riverside Restaurant - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House located?

This family-friendly Chester vacation home is located in a rural location, within 2 mi (3 km) of Bonnie's Bundles Dolls and DaVallia Art & Accents. Vermont Country Store and Vermont Museum of Mining and Minerals are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Kim J.

Apr 8, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Chester Getaway

We were fortunate to stay at this gem of a property in Chester, Vt. It was extremely clean with gorgeous woodwork and unique craftsmanship. The hosts greeted us to show us around and welcomed us with delicious homemade morning glory muffins. I cannot say enough about this place or the hosts. Top Notch!! Highly recommend.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

jessica s.

Apr 1, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy & Eco-Friendly Retreat Walk to Town, Fireplace, Fire Pit & Scenic Views!

Our stay at the Gideon Lee House was absolutely perfect! This home is a true gem, blending modern comfort with historic charm in a beautiful, walkable neighborhood. From the moment we arrived, we felt at home. The warm ambiance, stunning artwork, and thoughtful details make this house truly special.Inside, the house is fully equipped for a stress-free stay: fast WiFi, a cozy gas fireplace, air-conditioned rooms, plush towels, and ultra-comfortable beds. The fully stocked kitchen made it easy to prepare meals after a fun day of exploring. We especially loved the Bose speaker and outdoor fire pit, perfect for unwinding under the clear, starry skies.A major bonus is the home's eco-friendly design, featuring solar panels, Tesla batteries, and energy-efficient appliances—a fantastic choice for sustainability-conscious travelers. The hosts also encourage recycling and composting, which we appreciated.The location is ideal for exploring—local Farmers’ Markets, scenic hikes, and charming town attractions are all just minutes away. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, the Gideon Lee House has it all.We can't wait to return! Highly recommend this home to anyone looking for a cozy, comfortable, and eco-conscious escape. #VRBO #EcoFriendlyTravel #CharmingStay #GideonLeeHouse #VermontCharm

Stayed 86 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barrett S.

Jan 6, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another Great Stay

Charming and filled with character.

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

jessica s.

Dec 25, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

Our family loved our stay! Everything about this property is special. Ian & Polly are lovely hosts and always accommodates our family. We can’t wait to return in January!

Stayed 16 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

David F.

Nov 14, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful stick season getaway

My family and I have been coming to Chester since my daughter (18) was a child—and before that when I was a child. Reconnecting with the beautiful town of Chester has been so rejuvenating—and of all the places we’ve stayed, Polly’s house in the Stone Village has been the most beautiful and hassle-free experience of all. I highly recommend. We will definitely be returning

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary P.

Oct 14, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall Get Away

Perfect girls week away. Our hosts could not have been friendlier or more helpful. The house was a perfect combination of farmhouse and a tasteful remodel with all the coveniences.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Louise G.

Oct 5, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful getaway

This house is kept up beautifully, and we had everything we needed. We enjoyed exploring parks and trails nearby. Polly and Ian are very welcoming and helpful. It was a great getaway!

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pat M.

Jul 29, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Described as charming certainly fits !

This beautiful and historic home was just what we were looking for. Centrally located in Stone Village it was easy for us to move around to restaurants and hiking. The home is nicely kept and had all the amenities one could want. Including a beautiful yard for morning coffee. Lots of room inside and a modern and thoughtful kitchen. We look forward to going back next summer. Polly and Ian, our hosts were so friendly and welcomed us to the home. Every day we noticed something else, done to make us feel at home. Thank you so much Polly and Ian.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daryl C.

Jun 17, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Away

With family a few minutes away in neighboring towns, this lovely home was our perfect home away from our Maine home. I attended my grandson's 8th grade graduation, visited my daughter and father, hiked the Butternut trail, enjoyed the town's restaurants, and surroundings. The location was excellent for our travels. Polly even left fresh strawberries, which we made in strawberry shortcake for our Father's Day visit. Ian and Polly were the wonderful hosts to compliment the perfect accommodations. Thank you!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eliana D.

Apr 10, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect in Every Way

We can't over state how perfect our stay at Polly and Ian's was. They have given so much attention to every detail - from the soaps in the bathroom, to the welcome card, to the homemade biscotti, the list goes on... The home was immaculately clean, beds were very comfortable, beautiful antique furniture filled the home but it did not feel cluttered at all. The kitchen was incredibly well-equipped and we enjoyed cooking. Chester was a lovely little town to explore, and served as our launch-pad for a trip further north in Vermont. Polly and Ian made the whole check-in process a breeze and were always easy to communicate with and available for anything we needed. We hope to return one day!

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

jessica s.

Mar 30, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Cottage

This is our 3rd time staying at the Gideon Lee House. Its fine quality craftsmanship creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in both spring and winter. The linens, furnishings and appliances are top quality. What really makes this property special, are the owners Ian and Polly. They are gracious, welcoming and beyond thoughtful. Our boys ages: 3,7,9 loved playing in the snow and in the brook. And playing in snow piles or lacrosse in the backyard in the warmer days. We are beyond grateful to have been able to experience this cottage’s charm. It brought us so many amazing family winter memories. We look forward to returning and already miss the cottage and above all, Ian & Polly.

Stayed 79 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barrett S.

Jan 3, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely lovely

A home is not just the house but the people inside them that make it special. Ian and Polly care about this charming house they have restored to its best self and the people that have the privilege to stay in it. If you have reason to stay in Chester, we recommend highly (unless you are trying to rent it the same weekend we want).

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

Oct 31, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous home -2nd visit

This was my second visit with family to this wonderful house. We loved our stay. Will be back for a third!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel C., El Paso

Oct 22, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding in Stone Village

My sister's wedding was in Stone Village and my family stayed at Polly and Ian's place while my siblings and their families stayed at other VRBOs in the neighborhood. It worked perfectly! The community is amazing and it was so nice to all be close to each other and staying in these wonderful historic homes. Polly and Ian were especially generous and communicative. There were four of us, but we had plenty of room. We loved the little gas heater in the cool autumn mornings and the well stocked kitchen made it hard to leave the house. One of the best Vrbos we have ever stayed in!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grant S.

Oct 5, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vermont as it should be

First time booking with Vrbo, and couldn’t be happier. The place is charming, and the owners are the very definition of gracious and accommodating hosts. It’s very likely we’ll be making a return visit. In the meantime, I recommend others book a stay. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carlita S.

Jul 14, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place

The highlight of our stay was the night we grilled out and had a fun campfire. The host provided a grill and campfire supplies.

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

jessica s.

Apr 12, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

10 Stars

Our family of 5 (kid's ages: 8, 6, 2) stayed here during the winter season on the weekends and had the most amazing time. We are sad it came to an end as it was a magical winter. This property is not your typical VRBO rental. It truly feels like home with quality furnishings, linens, towels, appliances, and fine artwork. It's quiet, the lighting is cozy & inviting, shower pressure is great:) and is just a special house. There is so much charm to this historical treasure. We loved putting the kids to bed, then relaxing by the indoor gas fire. The kids loved the outdoor fire pit for smores. The grounds were beautiful and open, so much nature to soak in. The location is perfect, A short distance to the town of Chester, library (amazing children's room), Smitty's Market, Chester Rec Park, Mitch's Maple, antique stores, 15 mins to Okemo, list goes on. And on top of it all Ian & Polly are the kindest, most generous hosts. They left cookies for the kids, homemade bread on multiple occasions, along with giving us the local knowledge on upcoming town events. A very special couple. A very special place. We cannot wait for our next visit.

Stayed 86 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dori G.

Jan 1, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, well maintained home

It was a pleasure staying with Polly and Ian. They are very gracious and accommodating, and their home is just lovely with all the comforts of home you would need. About a 20 minute drive to Okemo straight up Rte 103.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna M., Massachusetts

Dec 28, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway weekend

Polly and Ian’s lovingly restored home was the ideal spot for a quiet family getaway— the perfect balance of bright and cozy, with every comfort of home (fully stocked kitchen, gas fireplace, fluffy towels). The icing on the cake was Polly and Ian themselves — gracious, helpful and all around lovely people! We will definitely look for an excuse to return!

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

Oct 3, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Home

The house was perfect. Extremely clean, well stocked and inviting. Owners were true hosts. Will be back again.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie K.

Jun 10, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay in the Green Mountains

My husband and I stayed at Polly and Ian's beautiful home over a long weekend. It has everything you'd ever want in a VT vacation home. Perfect location, beautiful grounds, a wood stove and so much character and charm. Polly was the perfect hostess even making sure we had coffee and freshly baked muffins ready for the morning after our late arrival. We are already looking forward to planning another trip with our children and staying at Polly and Ian's home.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

jessica s.

Apr 25, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy, Charming, Tranquil Home - A true Gem

My family (husband and 3 boys - 7, 5, 2) stayed here for a weekend visit during their spring break. Our stay far exceeded all expectations. The home owners, Ian & Polly are the kindest, most hospitable hosts. Polly went out of her way to ensure we had a high chair and necessary travel items for our toddler. She even had milk and coffee & tea for us.. The home, is so special. The craftsmanship, restoration and decor of this historical home is amazing. Perfect condition, think magazine-worthy. The linens, towels, kitchenware are all top quality. Temperature was perfect in the home, and very quiet both during the day & at night. Shower pressure was great too :) WIFI signal strong for video & music streaming along with Zoom meetings. We had a lovely weekend and the kids did too! This gem of a place will book fast, RUN to arrange your stay here. You will not regret it :)

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bernard T.

Dec 27, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cosy, rustic yet modern and well-equipped home

My family of 5 spent 2022 Christmas weekend at the Stone House and we loved it! The house was spacious and newly renovated with modern appliances - automatic fireplace, Bose soundbar, washer, dryer etc. The kitchen is well equipped with oven, microwave, stove, dishwasher and all the pots and pans - my daughters loved preparing meals in this well-designed kitchen. Polly and Ian were also welcoming, warm and helpful even before our stay. They offered to help get groceries knowing that shops close early on Christmas Eve and pointed us to a nearby playground that was a great spot for sledding. We did have some issues linking to Apple TV but succeeded after a couple of tries. The neighbourhood was rather quiet even during the day, but could be it’s Christmas Day. Okemo ski resort is a 20-min drive away. Overall a very comfortable, warm and well-equipped house that we’d highly recommend.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ian and Polly Montgomery

My husband Ian and I bought the Gideon Lee House in 2019 right before the Pandemic. We have spent the past 2+ years supervising and helping with the renovation/restoration of this historic house. Built in 1840, it has retained its original character, but the updated plumbing, wiring, and appliances make it comfortable. We have enjoyed restoring the old wood floors and architectural details along with furnishing it with family antiques and original artwork to retain the charm. Our two cats wander the property and our dogs Coco and Bella may greet you upon arrival. We live in the renovated barn on the backside of the property, separated from the Stone House by the garage. Having pastored churches all over the country and travelled in foreign lands, we are ready to settle down into the countryside of Vermont and share our home with family, friends and travelers. We will greet you upon arrival and then leave you in peace to enjoy the surroundings.

Why they chose this property

We have always enjoyed fixing up old houses. Thinking we were ready to downsize and retire to a condominium, we saw this old house in need of much TLC and took it upon ourselves to restore it to its former glory. It has taken over two years of hard work, but the result has been worth it. Welcome to The Gideon Lee House. Gideon and his wife Nancy lived in the stone house with four children in the mi-1800s and farmed the land surrounding it, back to the Trebo Brook. We enjoy walking into town and to our favorite shops from our home. Biking is fun, too, and many of our guests jog along the Green Mountain Turnpike, an old stagecoach route. It's a great neighborhood with friendly neighbors, bird song, wandering deer, wild turkeys and an occasional coyote yipping in the night. We look forward to sharing it with you.

What makes this property unique

It is delightful to stay in a village where you can walk to the country store and stroll along the river, or jog an old stagecoach route. Chester is in a good location for skiers: the slopes of Okemo are just 20 minutes away; Bromley, 30 minutes; Stratton about 45 minutes. In the summer, the Farmers Market in nearby Londonderry is just 15 minutes every Saturday from Memorial Day until October. Farms, antiques shops, bookstores and coffee shops fill the towns. Trails are great for hiking: Mt. Ascutney, Bromley on the Appalachian Trail, and local Chester trails. Swimming holes (Buttermilk Falls) and the town pool provide refreshment for those hot July days. Come relax in the Green Mountain State!

Languages:

English, Spanish

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Vermont Charm in the 1840 Gideon Lee House

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Den/Reading Room

Master Bedroom

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Master Bath

Powder Room

Spaces

About this property