Swift House Inn — Vermont’s Quiet Heart

Photography by Swift House Inn

It all started when Matthew Robinson and Serena Kim met in Los Angeles in 2018, each at personal crossroads. Matthew, a former 20th Century Fox executive, was seeking his next chapter, while Serena, then editor-in-chief of a new magazine celebrating Asian American voices in entertainment, dreamed of a life shaped by place and creativity. A shared love of historic homes, food and wine led to an unlikely but resonant idea: a New England inn. Middlebury, with its literary roots, progressive spirit and proximity to Middlebury College and the Bread Loaf School of English, felt inevitable. When the pandemic delayed their plans, they briefly returned to Los Angeles before choosing uncertainty — and Vermont — in the summer of 2020. Arriving with their dogs, Elsa and Kubrick, they stepped into peak foliage and full operation. The inn’s logo, inspired by the resilient swift bird, reflects the endurance and grit it took to bring their vision to life. Today, Matthew oversees day-to-day operations while planning the inn’s next phase of restoration, while Serena shapes its voice, gardens, DJs and writes. Their story came full circle when they were married at Swift House Inn in 2021.

A tale of two intertwined families — Swift House Inn carries the legacy of the Stewarts and Swifts, whose lives shaped Middlebury and Vermont itself. Built in 1814 by Samuel Swift — writer, historian, judge and newspaperman — the house became the country home of Governor John W. Stewart and his daughter, Jessica Stewart Swift, Vermont’s prominent philanthropist who lived to 110. Generations filled its rooms with global travels, music, gardening and winter sledding, while Jessica’s generosity touched neighbors and Middlebury College alike. Victorian architect Clinton Smith added the carriage house and horse barn, blending function with elegance. In 1984, the beloved home opened as Swift House Inn, preserving history while inviting one to experience its timeless warmth.

Photography by Swift House Inn

Across the Main House, Carriage House and Gate House, Swift House Inn offers 20 one-of-a-kind rooms where history and modern comfort coexist. Plush beds promise deep rest, while thoughtful details — like Room 24, once Jessica Swift’s bedroom and home to one of Middlebury’s earliest telephones — anchor each stay in the inn’s storied past.

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Stepping into the historic heart of Swift House Inn — the Main House built in 1814 by Samuel Swift — is like entering a storybook of New England history. Nine distinctive rooms, each with its own personality. From the Garden Room with a king-size bed, rain shower, private patio and dog-friendly welcome, to the sunlit Governor’s Room with a gas fireplace ideal for winter romance, every space invites comfort and reflection. The Swift Room offers a fireplace and private deck, while the Clark Room accommodates families with a queen bed and twin sleeper. Air-conditioned throughout, the Main House combines New England charm with modern amenities, where winter fires and summer sunsets create a year-round sense of serenity and intimacy.

Designed in 1885 by Clinton Smith, the Carriage House carries a legacy of craftsmanship and grandeur. The inn’s most spacious accommodations, its rooms — named after legendary Morgan horses — pair king-size beds, fireplaces and refined comforts with an easy sense of luxury. Deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers and memory-foam sleeper sofas invite lingering, while Nespresso machines and mini-fridges add modern ease. A lower-level wellness space offers a gym, sauna and steam shower, creating moments for restoration. Select rooms open onto private patios framed by perennial gardens and sweeping lawns. Dog-friendly and serene, the Carriage House is a retreat designed for unhurried stays and shared moments.

Built in 1890, the Gate House is Swift House Inn’s Victorian jewel — its Queen Anne-style architecture defined by ornate woodwork, stained glass, and a gracious porte-cochère. Serving as the inn’s welcoming point, it offers five cozy, character-filled rooms ideal for intimate escapes or family gatherings. You can linger by the wood-burning fireplace or rock gently on the wrap-around porch, where warm months are best spent with lemonade, house-made cookies and unhurried conversation.

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Tuck into a hearty breakfast (from their legendary house-made granola to French toast) or enjoy an exquisite dinner at Jessica’s at Swift House Inn, where contemporary American cuisine meets a warm, elegant setting just steps from downtown Middlebury. The main dining room seats 30, the library 12 and the porch 8, each cozy with gas fireplaces in winter. Executive Chef Rob Fenn’s seasonal menus draw from local producers, featuring vibrant salads to steak frites with hand-cut fries and imaginative fine-dining creations — each plate a tribute to Vermont’s bounty. Herbs from the inn’s raised beds and fresh-cut flowers perfume every plate and table. You can watch the sun dip over manicured gardens while savoring each bite, experiencing New England food elevated, with attentive service that makes every meal feel both intimate and celebratory.

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The Blue Bar at Jessica’s is both a gathering place and a quiet retreat, where creativity meets tradition. Mixologist Laura Fenn crafts inventive cocktails from locally sourced ingredients alongside Vermont beers and an award-winning wine list. You can either curl up by wood-burning fireplaces in winter or sip drinks on the screened porch at sunset in summer, letting the season shape your experience. Warmth, conversation and attentive service flow seamlessly, whether friends meet after a day exploring Middlebury or travelers pause to reflect. From creative seasonal drinks to timeless favorites, each pour feels intentional. Every visit is a sensory experience harmonizing with the inn’s historic elegance, creating a space that is simultaneously lively, comforting and unforgettable.

Photography by Swift House Inn

At Swift House Inn, you can linger beside crackling fireplaces, watch sunlight dance across wooden floors and inhale the rhythm of historic Vermont life. Thoughtfully restored and environmentally mindful, the inn welcomes conferences, weddings and intimate escapes, while inviting discovery of Middlebury’s culture, gardens and landscapes. With storied walls, graceful architecture and carefully curated details at every turn, each stay blends comfort, history and tranquility, leaving one refreshed, inspired and attuned to the enduring charm and warmth of this remarkable New England retreat…

Photography by Swift House Inn

Swift House Inn
57 N Pleasant St, Middlebury, VT 05753, United States
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