265: Writing Life's Next Chapter as Innkeepers
Satisfying one’s curiosity: Dreaming. Planning. Doing
First of all, we didn't know Norman Rockwell even lived in Vermont. But when we drove through the covered bridge over the Battenkill River and saw the property, we said, “Oh my gosh, I guess we're buying an inn.” – “Rockwell’s Retreat” innkeeper, Sue Harter
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Guests
Kevin and Sue Harter are the proud innkeepers of Rockwell’s Retreat, the former residence and studio of Norman Rockwell in Arlington, Vermont.
Summary
Kevin and Sue began their dream and journey of owning an inn more than 25 years ago. Life intervened, and they got busy raising a family, working, and moving around the country. In the summer of 2019, they made an impulsive visit to the Norman Rockwell property in Arlington, VT, and from the moment they drove over the covered bridge, they knew they were about to write their next chapter. By the end of 2019, they became Vermonters and renamed the property “Rockwell’s Retreat.”
Our conversation focused on
• how to commit to satisfying one’s curiosity and dream
• what it’s like to manage such a historic property
• problem-solving and navigating COVID
• the importance of building relationships with the local community
• the collaborative nature of innkeeping in the Manchester/Arlington Vermont area
• how to provide guests with a meaningful and relaxing experience
Social Media / Links
Articles featuring the Inn
https://movesflash.com/real-people/kevin-sue-harter/
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/new-owners-honor-and-refresh-norman-rockwells-southern-vermont-home/Content?oid=31727601
https://berkshiremag.com/jf21/rockwell
https://www.vtmag.com/post/innvermont-rockwell-s-retreat
Show Credits
"Getting Unstuck" is commercial-free. It’s brought to you by Jeff Ikler, his amazing guests, and Neil Hughes, the best engineer a podcaster could ask for.
"Getting Unstuck" theme music: Original composition of "Allegro ben ritmato e deciso" by George Gershwin. Arrangement and recording courtesy of Bruno Lecoeur.