# @vermontforreal on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DF0BYvauaFa
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/79165933-vermontforreal-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/fedb5d8fe5.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-02-08T13:06:59.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Vermont For Real • Rebecca (@vermontforreal) — https://gondola.cc/vermontforreal

## Caption

Frolic around Vermont’s fairytale farm and enjoy a magical sunset ✨ 

One of my favorite places to take a long walk is shelburnefarms. This educational farm is open for free all year and features a gorgeous 10-mile trail system through farmlands, forests, and meadows. But the real treat for me is the lakefront “castle” with lots of sun access!

🐴 Shelburne Farms was created in 1886 as a model agricultural estate by Dr. William Seward Webb and Lila Vanderbilt Webb, daughter of one of the world’s wealthiest men. They consolidated 32 farms into this 3,800 acre estate. Landscape architect Frederick Olmsted (creator of Central Park) designed the intricate gardens and farmlands.

🌹 This grand estate is lined with majestic barns and historic structures, but the true gem is the 1888 Shelburne House. This lakefront mansion was Lila and Seward’s home and outdoor haven. Lila planted massive gardens, which she opened to the public in 1926, and tended to these precious plants until her death in 1936.

🥀 Following her death, family members were dedicated to preserving the farms and gardens. But the fairytale buildings required huge investments and many fell into disrepair. A nonprofit was formed in 1972 by 4th generation Webbs, turning Lila’s dream of public agriculture into a reality. 

🦋 In 1987, the Shelburne House was transformed into an inn and restaurant with 24 rooms and 5 cottages. The Shelburne Farms Inn features original Vanderbilt furnishings, farm to table meals, and restored Formal Gardens. It took from 2007 to 2020 to rehab Lila’s beloved plants!

💫 The Inn is open May through October, but the farm’s property is open all year for outdoor explorers. I looove taking a long walk (the Inn is 2.5 miles round trip from the parking lot) and catching the sunset. Come explore this hidden gem and get some sun on your face! 

#vermont #vermontforreal #vermontbyvermonters #vermontlife #newengland #travelvermont #castle #vermontwinter #historicinn

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## Credits

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## Tags

vermontwinter, vermontlife, vermontbyvermonters, newengland, castle, vermont, vermontforreal, travelvermont, historicinn

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