Historic Vermont Seminary Transformed into Unique Hotel
1829 building blends architectural preservation with innovative hospitality.
1A Building with Layers of History
This Colonial-style structure in Vermont, built as a seminary in 1829, has served as a country club and private residence. Architects Rafe Churchill and Casey Sunderland converted it into The Seminary hotel under their Place in Mind initiative, preserving authentic details while creating a hybrid between boutique hotel and B&B experience since its soft launch in May.
2Restoration with Architectural Integrity
The renovation philosophy prioritized minimal visible intervention. Five bedrooms became suites by repurposing existing closet spaces. The bell tower was reconstructed using archival images. Original floorboards were refinished and historic details carefully uncovered throughout the 6,000-square-foot property.
3Design Rooted in Local Stories
Each suite draws inspiration from regional heritage: one room's blue hue references a neighboring building's boiler room, while red paint nods to Mount Lebanon's Shaker Museum. Bathroom greens mirror the seminary barn shutters. Vintage furnishings selected by Heide Hendricks maintain period authenticity.
4Symbiosis with Neighboring Property
The 1771 Walloomsac inn will reopen in 2025 with 40+ rooms, completing the campus. Materials circulate between buildings—sinks relocated, wallpaper patterns replicated. This sustainable approach preserves historical fabric while adapting structures for contemporary use.
5A Design Manifesto
Churchill positions the project as counter to Instagram/AI-driven design: "History-blind design harms both new designers and buildings." With contributions from AD100 talent like Grace Fuller and fashion designer Alex Casertano, the property rejects conventional hospitality models in favor of deeply contextual experiences.
6Expanding Across New England
The Place in Mind team plans similar rescues of endangered architecture throughout New England. Beyond preserving forgotten American landmarks, the project boosts local economies. For Churchill, it also represents giving back to Bennington College, his alma mater that shaped his design philosophy.
Original article: Architectural Digest — Tarihi Vermont Seminer Evi Şimdi Benzersiz Bir Otel