Facilities Designed for Community and Focus
Our campus combines historic Vermont buildings with modern amenities to create spaces where groups can live, work, and gather together. Simple, comfortable, and intentionally designed for genuine connection.
Everything about our facilities reflects our philosophy: simplicity that supports community, comfort without luxury, and spaces that encourage groups to focus on their purpose rather than their surroundings.
These are not hotel accommodations—they're boarding school facilities refined through decades of hosting groups. Rooms are clean and comfortable, not fancy. Meeting spaces are functional and well-equipped, not flashy. Dining is excellent farm-to-table food served communal style, not restaurant-caliber presentation.
This authenticity is what groups consistently value most.
Dormitory Housing
Our overnight accommodations consist of five dormitory houses built between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. Each house has been maintained and updated while preserving historic character.
Conard House
4 Rooms
Sleeps 8
Derby House
2 Rooms
Sleeps 5
Miles House
4 Rooms
Sleeps 10
Room Features
- Twin-size beds (not bunks)
- Dresser or bureau
- Desk and chair
- Closet or wardrobe
- Window with natural light
- Simple, clean decor
What Rooms Don’t Have
Designed for focus and simplicity, rooms intentionally do not include:
- TVs, phones, or mini-fridges
- Private bathrooms (all shared)
- Air conditioning
- Individual thermostats
Linens Provided
We provide basic linens so guests can travel light:
- Sheets, pillowcases, blankets
- Bath towels and washcloths
- Basic toiletries (soap, shampoo)
Tobold House
6 Rooms
Sleeps 12
Underwood House
5 Rooms
Sleeps 11
What Your Rooms & Houses Include
Rooms are simple, comfortable, and intentionally distraction-free, with shared bathrooms and welcoming common spaces in each house.
Bathrooms
Each dormitory has shared bathrooms with:
- Multiple toilet stalls
- Multiple sinks
- Shower stalls (not tubs)
- Hot water
- Basic toiletries provided
Common Areas
Each house includes shared spaces where residents can gather:
- Living rooms with couches and chairs
- Entry areas with coat hooks and boot storage
- Porches (on most houses) for sitting outdoors
- Some houses have small libraries or reading nooks
Climate Control
Buildings have central heating for winter rentals. There is no air conditioning— Vermont summer nights are typically cool enough that open windows provide adequate comfort. Fans are available if needed.
Meals and Gathering Space
Dining Hall
Our dining hall is the heart of campus life. Built in the 1980s and updated since, it seats approximately 80 people at long tables that encourage conversation across the group.
Features:
Long wooden tables with bench seating
Additional tables and chairs for flexible arrangements
Grand piano (available for musically inclined guests)
Large windows with mountain views
Serving line area connected to the kitchen
Commercial Kitchen
Our licensed commercial kitchen is staffed by professional chefs who prepare all meals.
The kitchen includes:
Multiple prep stations
Professional-grade ranges, ovens, and griddles
Commercial refrigeration and freezer capacity
Dishwashing facilities
Storage for dry goods and equipment
Important Kitchen Policy:
For food safety and licensing reasons, only our staff may work in the kitchen. Outside caterers, chefs, or food service providers are not permitted. Groups cannot cook their own meals.
However, our chefs work with you to create menus that fit your needs, and we can prepare special items for birthdays or celebrations.
Farm-to-Table Philosophy
Our kitchen team prioritizes:
Vegetables from our gardens (when in season)
Meat, dairy, and eggs from Vermont farms
Whole food ingredients over processed foods
Scratch cooking rather than pre-made items
Accommodation of most dietary needs
Dietary Accommodations:
Our chefs regularly handle:
Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free
Vegetarian and vegan
Kosher and Halal preparations
Food allergies of all kinds
Medical diet requirements
Kids' food preferences
We need a complete list of dietary restrictions 30 days before your arrival so our kitchen team can plan accordingly.
Meal Service
All meals are served buffet style. Groups serve themselves from the buffet line and eat together in the dining hall.
Coffee, tea, and water are available throughout the day.
We provide mid-afternoon snacks (fruit, granola bars, cookies).
Spaces for Work and Learning
Library
(Main Meeting Space)
Library
(Main Meeting Space)
Our largest meeting room seats 60 people and serves as the primary gathering space for full-group sessions.
Features:
- 60-person capacity in various seating configurations
- Projector and large screen
- Multi-speaker audio system suitable for presentations or music
- Bookshelves with eclectic collection (available for browsing)
- Natural light from multiple windows
- Mountain views
- Flexible furniture that can be rearranged
- WiFi connectivity
Five Classroom Spaces
Five Classroom Spaces
The main academic building houses five distinct classroom spaces, each with:
- 15–20 person capacity
- Wall-mounted large-screen display (55" or larger)
- HDMI connection for laptops
- Chairs and tables in flexible configurations
- Whiteboard or chalkboard
- Natural light
- WiFi connectivity
These rooms are ideal for:
- Breakout sessions during corporate retreats
- Simultaneous workshops for school groups
- Small group discussions
- Planning sessions that need privacy from the main group
Art Studio
Art Studio
Separate building with:
- Large work tables
- Art supplies and equipment (basic materials)
- Natural light from skylights
- Space for creative activities
- Capacity for 15–20 people
Dining Hall
(Alt. Meeting Space)
Dining Hall
(Alternative Meeting Space)
When not being used for meals, the dining hall can accommodate:
- Large group sessions for 60–80 people
- Presentations with audio (no projector)
- Evening programs or performances
- Dance or movement activities (limited)
Technology Available:
Standard AV equipment (screens, projectors, audio)
WiFi throughout all main buildings
Extension cords and power strips
Basic office supplies (paper, markers, tape)
What We Don't Have:
Video conferencing equipment (though WiFi allows groups to bring their own)
Specialized presentation technology
Smart boards or interactive displays
Professional sound systems beyond what's in the library
Nature as Your Meeting Room
Library Hill
Library Hill
Our most accessible outdoor gathering area offers:
- Flat, even terrain suitable for all mobility levels
- Sweeping views of Vermont farmland and the Green Mountains
- Capacity for 80+ people seated or standing
- Short walk from main campus buildings (3–4 minutes)
Open lawn area perfect for:
- Outdoor meetings or workshops
- Team building activities
- Yoga or movement classes
- Group photos
- Outdoor dining (weather permitting)
Garden Hill
Garden Hill
More dramatic setting with:
- Elevated location requiring uphill walk (5–7 minutes)
- Views of Mount Moosilauke and White Mountains
- Nestled among orchard and vegetable fields
- Capacity for 100+ people standing, fewer seated
- Steeper terrain (not fully accessible)
Ideal for:
- Sunrise or sunset gatherings
- Reflection or meditation sessions
- Walking meetings with small groups
- Photography
Bonfire Area
Bonfire Area
Designated fire pit near main campus:
- Seating for 30–40 people on logs/benches
- We provide firewood and fire-tending equipment
- Water bucket and safety equipment
- Marshmallow roasting sticks available
- Evening gathering spot for groups
Porches & Outdoor Sitting Areas
Porches & Outdoor Sitting Areas
Multiple covered porches on dormitory houses and main buildings offer:
- Weather-protected seating
- Views of campus or mountains
- Quiet spots for individual reflection or small conversations
- Rocking chairs and benches
Agricultural Spaces
Vegetable Gardens
Vegetable Gardens
Multiple garden plots totaling approximately 2 acres:
- Raised beds and in-ground rows
- Seasonal crops from spring through fall
- Composting areas
- Tool sheds with farm equipment
Opportunities for groups to:
- Harvest vegetables for meals
- Learn about sustainable agriculture
- Participate in planting or weeding (seasonal)
- Understand the farm-to-table connection
Orchards
Orchards
Apple, pear, and stone fruit trees:
- Seasonal fruit available for picking
- Beautiful setting for walks or gatherings
- Garden Hill is located within the orchard area
Livestock Areas
Livestock Areas
Animal spaces (seasonal, varies by year):
- Sheep pastures and barn
- Chicken coop and run
- Seasonal animals may include goats, pigs, or others
- Groups can visit animals (supervised)
- Learn about animal husbandry and farm systems
Important Note: For the health of our livestock, pets are not allowed on campus.
Sugarhouse
Sugarhouse
Historic building in the woods where we produce maple syrup:
- Active during March–April sugaring season
- Wood-fired evaporator and equipment
- Groups during sugaring season can observe or participate
- Off-season, available as a destination on forest walks
Barns & Farm Buildings
Barns & Farm Buildings
Various historic barns and outbuildings across campus:
- Tool sheds
- Equipment storage
- Historic structures that add to campus character
- Some available for groups to explore
Miles of Walking and Hiking Paths
Our trail system covers the entire 418-acre property:
Easy Trails
Easy Trails
- Well-maintained paths with gentle elevation
- Suitable for most fitness levels
- 15-30 minute loops from main campus
- Destinations include lean-tos, small ponds, scenic overlooks
Moderate Trails
Moderate Trails
- Longer routes with some elevation gain
- 30-60 minute hikes
- Connect to more remote parts of property
- Pass through varied forest ecosystems
Challenging Trails
Challenging Trails
- Steeper terrain and longer distances
- 60-90 minute routes
- Lead to property boundaries and elevated views
- Less maintained (more wilderness character)
Trail Features:
Wooden lean-tos for rest stops or small group gatherings
Historic barns and sugarhouses as destinations
Seasonal stream crossings (stepping stones)
Marked with colored blazes
Maps provided to all groups
Trail Use:
Self-guided hiking anytime
Naturalist-led hikes available (see Programming page)
Suitable for walking meetings or independent reflection
No mountain biking (trails not designed for it)
WiFi Yes, Cell Service Kinda
WiFi Coverage
WiFi is available in all main campus buildings:
Library and all classroom spaces
Dining hall
Art studio
Adequate bandwidth for:
Laptop use and video streaming
WiFi calling
Video conferencing (with reasonable quality)
Email and internet browsing
Not available in:
Dormitory houses (intentionally)
Outdoor areas
Remote parts of campus
Cell Service:
There is extremely limited cellular coverage on campus. Most phones show "No Service" or "SOS Only." This is due to our remote location and surrounding terrain, not by policy.
What This Means for Groups:
Emergency calls possible via WiFi calling
Cannot make regular cell calls
Cannot send/receive regular text messages (SMS)
Can use messaging apps over WiFi (WhatsApp, iMessage, etc.)
Groups must plan around this reality
Equipment Available:
Standard AV equipment in meeting rooms
Extension cords and power strips
We do NOT provide laptops, tablets, or specialized equipment
Accessibility Information
For Groups with Accessibility Needs:
We're committed to making rentals work for groups with diverse abilities, but our historic buildings have limitations. Please contact us early to discuss:
Specific mobility needs
Visual or hearing accommodations
Other accessibility requirements
We can often find workable solutions, but transparency about our limitations is important.
Wheelchair Accessible:
Library and all classroom spaces in main academic building
Dining hall
ADA-compliant bathroom adjacent to the library, ground floor of the main buildings
Not Wheelchair Accessible:
Dormitory houses (stairs, narrow hallways, old buildings)
Garden Hill (steep terrain)
Some remote trails
Upper floors of some academic buildings
Getting Around Campus
We encourage groups to tour the campus before booking. Schedule with our rental coordinator: (802) 685-4520
Parking
Ample parking near main campus buildings
Gravel/dirt parking areas
Space for 25+ vehicles
Accessible parking near main buildings
No parking fees
Campus Layout:
Main buildings clustered together (1-3 minute walks between them)
Dormitory houses within a 5-10 minute walk of the central campus
Library Hill: 3-4 minute walk from the main campus
Garden Hill: 5-7 minute uphill walk from the main campus
Ready to Learn More?
Our facilities provide everything groups need for productive work, comfortable living, and genuine connection. Explore our programming options or jump to pricing to start planning your rental.
Ready to Plan Your Stay?
Explore pricing, accommodations, and availability for educational groups, corporate retreats, and family gatherings at the Mountain School.
Contact
(802) 685-4520
151 Mountain School Road
Vershire, Vermont 05079
Typical response time: within 1-2 business days