By Kelly Palecek, Vermont Country Magazine.
It wasn’t part of the plan. Hope only stepped into Haig’s Bar that night because its name matched her grandfather’s. As a literal tug from her sister dragged her through the door, she was unaware that the evening held a quiet, gentle magic. By the next night, the cheerful friends she met in Manchester would lead her straight to Jacob, the man she would marry.
Within a year of that magical meeting, Hope and Jacob had purchased what would become the Brook Bound Inn—a timeless Wilmington property surrounded by the rolling hills of Southern Vermont. They closed on the inn on July 4th—Independence Day—a fitting symbol of freedom and new beginnings. Later, they married on the very property where they’d chosen to build their life together, weaving their love story into every corner of the inn.
When daughter Hazel arrived, Brook Bound Inn transformed into a true family venture, rooted in the rhythms of Vermont living. Today, guests are welcomed like family, each visit layered with warmth and intention. With an ADA-accessible suite that ensures every guest feels welcome, rooms stocked with Dorset Daughters bath products and thoughtfully chosen Vermont-made goods, and seasonal outdoor cookouts that bring neighbors and travelers together, Jacob and Hope have created a refined yet down-to-earth experience—a living homestead where family, community, and celebration intersect in ways that feel both timeless and new.
Step inside and you’ll sense the heart Hope and Jacob have poured into every detail—Orvis-inspired artwork, a plaid carpet with its own loyal fanbase, and locally crafted amenities chosen with care. In winter, these familiar textures take on new life: wool throws, pine garlands, and the soft crackle of the fire welcome guests in from the cold.
That same spirit of warmth extends beyond the front door. Brook Bound is built for gathering—whether it’s a grand celebration or a quiet moment shared by the fire. The pavilion glows with string lights through the season, hosting intimate celebrations, holiday dinners, weddings, and proposals under twinkling lights, while in warmer months the sparkling pool becomes a hub for guests and local families alike (even offering swim lessons for little ones). And on the courts, guided by Hope’s stepfather, visitors can discover padel and pickleball—an experience unlike anything else in Vermont.
Set on 32 peaceful acres in the Deerfield Valley at the base of Southern Vermont’s Green Mountains—where trails wind through pine forests and the sound of the brook accompanies quiet morning walks—Brook Bound was made for moments: snowy weekends with friends, evenings spent beside the fire, and mornings when the world outside glitters with frost. Located
across from the Hermitage Ski Resort and Haystack Golf Club, and just seven minutes from Mount Snow, the inn offers easy access to Vermont’s winter adventures.
For snowmobilers, Brook Bound offers something special: direct access to the VAST trail system right from the property, with a large on-site parking lot featuring 24/7 surveillance where you can leave your trailer without worry. Three electric vehicle charging stations welcome eco-conscious travelers, making Brook Bound as forward-thinking as it is traditional. Whether you arrive on skis, sleds, or wheels, you’ll return to warmth and laughter that feel like home.
As winter settles across the valley, Brook Bound Inn seems to glow a little brighter. The snow softens its rooftops, lanterns cast a golden hue across the porch, and laughter drifts from the great room where friends gather by the fire. This season, the inn becomes a backdrop for togetherness—a holiday proposal by the fire, a New Year’s gathering with family and friends tucked into a private inn, milestone dinners filled with Vermont-made flavors, cozy getaways with family, or a spring wedding where guests stay on-site and celebrate all weekend beneath the pavilion lights.
Each celebration here—whether measured in love rather than guest counts or marked by quiet escapes to watch the snow fall in stillness—carries the same spirit of warmth that Hope and Jacob have built into every corner.
At Brook Bound, joy doesn’t need grandeur; it grows naturally from the setting itself. It’s the scent of pine and mulled cider, the creak of old wood floors, and the ease of gathering somewhere that feels like home—a space where the crunch of gravel underfoot, lanterns glowing across the pavilion at twilight, and laughter drifting from the outdoors remind visitors that this is a place designed for connection.
For Hope and Jacob, Brook Bound Inn is more than a business—it’s a living part of the community and a reflection of their hopes for what hospitality in Vermont can be. They imagine more ways to connect with Wilmington’s people and landscape: staff housing, opportunities for neighbors, community partnerships, and programs that keep the property vibrant through every season.
Their story—beginning with a chance meeting in Manchester and evolving into a life rooted in this valley as innkeepers and community stewards—mirrors the rhythm of Vermont itself: independent, enduring, and full of quiet beauty. Here, heritage meets fresh energy, tradition meets possibility, and the heart of Southern Vermont comes alive in ways that feel effortless, inviting, and unforgettable.
As the year winds down and new beginnings glimmer on the horizon, Brook Bound stands ready to welcome travelers, families, and friends who come seeking rest, connection, and the simple magic of winter in Vermont. For those looking to mark life’s biggest moments with intimacy, warmth, and a touch of Vermont magic, Brook Bound Inn is ready.
Bring the people you love—the rest is already here.
Brook Bound Inn
441 Coldbrook Rd Wilmington, VT 05363 802-430-2001
stay@brookboundinnvt.com
www.brookboundinnvt.com
