A Tale of Two (or More) Porcupines: Quill Hill in Weston, VT

From its hand-hewn beams and broad brick hearths; to its expansive, southern views ofMagic and Stratton mountains; to the cozy, screened-in porch for a morning coffee or to curl up with a book while listening to the sounds of the rain, c.1830s Quill Hill in Weston makes quite the impression. We caught up with the propertys current owners to find out some of their favorite features and to learn more about the homes rich historyincluding how a couple of prickly, former residents inspired the Quill Hill name.

Noahs Ark Architecture

In the late 1990s while living in Manhattan, we happened upon Quill Hill one weekend while we were checking out what properties might be available in the Londonderry area. At that time, we owned a small but wonderful antique house in South Londonderry, and with our move to New York City and [the shift to] apartment living, we were looking for a larger home base for gathering our family and friends.

While driving along Dale Road in Weston, our realtor pointed out Quill Hill, saying it would be coming on the market soon. We were spellbound by the setting, the view, and the lovely lines of this Noahs Ark home. After visiting the house and learning the history of its previous owners[including] some occupants that just happened to be porcupines, years agowe began considering the possibility of it becoming our home. We made it happen in 1996.

A Rich History

With the masterful assistance of R.H. Adams, Inc., which specializes in antique home restoration and design, in the late 1990s, we underwent an extensive renovation project, which truly fulfilled our wishes for our Vermont home. The changes enhanced the houses charm and use of space; it truly became ours [at that point]. We were delighted to share our home with those before us (except for the porcupines!) and our joy in owning this special property was complete.

In researching the history of Weston, I found that it had been settled as early as 1768 and became a township in 1799. It grew steadily until the peak in 1840, when it was a thriving community of about 930 residents, more than 5,000 sheep, and many new homes and farms. Quill Hill was built by Alden and Lucille Fuller during that prosperous era when many new farms were established. In 1861, Weston sent 91 men to the Union forces and one to the Confederacy [during the Civil War]. After the war, because of [a rise in] emigration to New England factory towns, and later to the West following the war, Westons population dropped by more than half, and farms and other buildings were abandoned. Thats probably when the porcupines moved in!

Victory Gardening

In 1934, a revival began. Although there probably had been residents of Quill Hill [prior to WWII], the Lott family purchased the property in the 1940s. Father and son pitched a tent and traveled to Vermont to work on the house, making it a livable place for them to reside for the next 16 years. Mr. Lott was an avid gardener, and his [flower beds] were legendary. He used the existing stonewalls as a backdrop to his gardens and planted many beautiful lilac bushes that still bloom every spring.

"Weston residents from those early years still speak of the gardens. We have been gradually bringing them back, and when they are in full bloom, it is a spectacular sight. There are apple trees, as well, which still produce a plentiful crop most years."

The Swimming Pond

"Everyday weenjoylooking out over the clear waters of the pond and watching the weather pass by. Water runs down off the mountain to fill the pond and it is, also, spring fed. Set against the backdrop ofMagic Mountain and Stratton, our family has spent many an hour swimming and playing in the water, and paddling a small boat while setting a line.We have fond memories ofimpromptu picnics, roasting marshmallows over a fire andseeingthe stars come out one by one.

We love the history and beauty of this special place combined with the wonderful home thats well suited to our lifestyle. And the viewwe never tire of it. It is beautiful year-round and during fall foliage season it is truly spectacular.

I must also include our appreciation for our neighbors on Dale Road and the wonderful village of Weston. We discovered both once we moved here full-time. It is truly a very special place.

To find out more about Quill Hill or other properties for sale in the Southern Vermont area, contact Dia Jenks, djenks@landvest.com or Story Jenks, sjenks@landvest.com.