For decades, the sprawling historic Vanderbilt-Webb estate known as Shelburne Farms has captured the imagination of those passing through Vermont’s Lake Champlain region. Today, while the legendary property operates as a nonprofit agricultural education center and working farm where permanent residency is out of reach, a newly listed estate just outside Stowe offers a rare opportunity to capture that very same architectural spirit.
Known as "The Ledges," a magnificent 209-acre compound situated in Elmore, has officially come to market for the first time in its history. Listed at $11 million, the sprawling retreat channels the timeless elegance of the Gilded Age masterpiece down to its fine details. Handled by real estate veterans Wade Weathers and Meg Kauffman of LandVest Christie’s International Real Estate, the arrival of The Ledges on the luxury property market marks a significant moment for high-end Vermont real estate, following closely behind other major high-profile listings in the Green Mountain State.
Nestled just a short drive from the bustling and scenic resort town of Stowe, The Ledges is a masterclass in privacy and secluded grandeur. Arrival at the property sets an immediate tone of a storybook escape. Visitors are welcomed via a mile-long private driveway that winds deeply through thick, mature woodlands before crossing a picturesque, curved stone bridge. Emerging from the forest canopy, guests are greeted by a serene, storybook pond complete with a central water feature, while the striking silhouette of a clocktower rises gracefully above the rambling, Arts and Crafts-inspired main residence.
Spanning a monumental 10,500 square feet, the primary home serves as the heart of the vast 209-acre estate. Built with an unmistakable appreciation for craftsmanship and rustic luxury, the sprawling structure marries classic architecture with warm, inviting living spaces designed for both quiet contemplation and grand-scale entertaining.
Inside the main house, the primary entertaining zones—highlighted by an expansive, adjoining living room and formal dining room—are enveloped by oversized windows that frame picturesque vistas of the surrounding rolling hills and changing Vermont foliage. Every corner of the residence radiates warmth and traditional character. The grand living room features a commanding river-rock fireplace that anchors the space, while a sophisticated library is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling knotty pine bookshelves, evoking the feel of a classic study or literary retreat.
Just off the main living areas, the farmhouse-style kitchen blends rustic charm with modern luxury. It is appointed with crisp white cabinetry, premium marble countertops, and a cozy breakfast nook strategically positioned next to a bright bay window, offering an idyllic spot to enjoy morning coffee while taking in the natural surroundings.
In total, the main residence and its surrounding infrastructure accommodate guests and family with seven well-appointed bedrooms and six full bathrooms distributed thoughtfully throughout the expansive floor plan. Beyond the primary living quarters, the home is packed with specialized recreational and relaxation spaces. These include a dedicated billiards room complete with its own private bar, a secluded reading nook ideal for quiet afternoons, and an expansive sun porch defined by wraparound windows that bring the outside in during every season. An enclosed patio extends the living space further, offering a sheltered venue to look out over the immaculate landscape.
The grandeur of The Ledges extends far beyond the walls of the main house, as the 209-acre grounds function almost like a private luxury resort. Perched dramatically on a rugged rocky outcropping sits a separate guest cottage, offering visiting friends and family an intimate retreat. This standalone structure features a bedroom warmed by its own stone fireplace, which opens directly onto a private patio boasting sweeping, panoramic views of the Vermont landscape. Another dedicated cottage on the grounds is outfitted with a private sauna, providing a spa-like wellness amenity right outside the main door.
Outdoor recreation is woven into the fabric of the estate. Residents and guests can take advantage of an in-ground lap pool for warm-weather exercise or head to the professional-grade tennis court, which is accompanied by a covered viewing pavilion designed for spectators or post-match relaxation.
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of the entire offering is a National Park-style lookout nestled within the property’s vast acreage. From this elevated vantage point, occupants can look out across the horizon and catch clear, sweeping views of the ski runs at the nearby Stowe Mountain Resort, bridging the gap between secluded wilderness and world-class winter recreation.
The debut of The Ledges at $11 million arrives at a dynamic time for Vermont’s ultra-luxury real estate sector. The listing comes to market shortly after the state’s most expensive home, the legendary Monsalvat Farm, captured national attention when it popped up for sale. That historic 400-acre agricultural and residential property near Barnard, which was initially introduced to the market with an asking price of $29 million, has since been adjusted to $25 million.
As high-net-worth buyers increasingly seek out expansive, private compounds that offer both natural beauty and architectural pedigree, properties like The Ledges provide a rare sanctuary. Combining the historic resonance of Vermont’s greatest architectural traditions with modern luxury amenities and an unmatched natural setting, the estate stands as a definitive offering in northern New England’s luxury housing market.
