Robinson Farm: A Legacy of Hospitality
Tucked into the hills of West Woodstock, Robinson Farm has long been a place of welcome. For generations, it offered rest and provisions to travelers passing through-and today, it continues that tradition with cozy stays, unforgettable events, and over 100 acres of private trails through woods and pasture.
The story begins in 1886, when Gilman Fernando Robinson and his wife, Ruth Ellen Lewis, purchased what was then known as River View Farm. The sale came with an unusual stipulation: the former owner, Mrs. Samson, would continue living on the property for the rest of her life. She “came with the house,” and remains part of its story-buried on the land she once called home.
In those early years, the farm sold hay, grain, beef, vegetables, syrup, bread, donuts, and hand made sweaters as well as some small farming equipment. Guests arrived by horse and wagon, picked up provisions, and sometimes stayed the night on the third floor of the farmhouse.
Behind the house, the farmhands lived and worked-keeping the rhythm of Robinson Farm alive. Hospitality and hard work were at the core of this place from the beginning.
In 1905, the current farmhouse was built just 22 feet from the original home, which burned down in 1907 in a dramatic fire. Quilts were soaked and hung in every window to protect the new house, but the entire east side still had to be replaced.
The iconic red barn followed in 1915. Once painted yellow, this five-story bank barn-one of the tallest in Vermont-was built to take advantage of the sloping land for easy access to every level. The white barn, dating back to 1865, had served as the original horse barn.
The guest house, now located next door at 5274 West Woodstock Road, was originally built behind the farmhouse in the 1920s or ’30s so Ruth Ellen could enjoy her flowers from a porch. It was later moved across the lawn to its current spot.
Ralph David (AKA Jumbo) moved up to Echo Ledge part of the farm in the 1930’s.
The guest house was moved in 1972 for Stan, who still lives just across the river today with his wife Lori.
In the 1970s, the sugar maples lining the driveway were planted on Mother’s Day in 1966, and for decades they fueled the Robinson Farm sugarhouse-once featured on the cover of Vermont Life magazine.
After the tragic death of Gilman Frank Robinson (Stan’s father) in a logging accident in 1988, the property was sold and divided into three parcels:
- 5250 West Woodstock Road (home to the farmhouse and red barn)
- 5274 (the guest house)
The farmhouse was turned into a bed & breakfast, with updated rooms and en-suite baths, continuing the tradition of welcoming guests.
By the early 2000s, the question kept coming: “Can we get married here?” The red barn caught everyone’s eye. In 2014, with the help of historic preservation grants, the barn was fully restored and opened as a stunning event venue.
With five children between herself and her partner, she dreamed of hosting large family gatherings and celebrations. When she learned that the inn was for sale, it felt like fate. Cristina quickly became the new steward of Robinson Farm, drawn in by its beauty, history, and the unmistakable charm of the red barn.
Then, while out walking the property one day, Cristina was stunned to see a for-sale sign on the parcel next door-what had once been part of the original estate. Without even stepping inside, she purchased it sight unseen. That home, affectionately known today as the guest house, was the final piece of the puzzle. In reuniting the property, she brought back together what time and circumstance had once separated.
She also restored the sugarhouse and brought sugaring back for the first time in decades. Rue’s Maple Syrup was born, lovingly made by Ezra (and his dog Rue). Ezra’s great-grandfather was cousin to Raymond Robinson, son of the original founders-making the return of syrup production a beautiful full-circle moment.
With the land whole again, the trails were too. Cristina mapped, marked, and reopened over 100 acres of private trails, allowing guests to safely wander through woods, fields, and sugarbush-inviting everyone to experience the quiet beauty of Vermont at their own pace.
The Robinson Farm Today
Today, the farm is a place to gather, unwind, and connect. Guests stay in the lovingly restored farmhouse, host weddings in the historic barns, relax at the guest house, hike 100 acres of private trails, and visit the working sugarhouse.
The full estate-barns, farmhouse, guest house, and grounds-is available for private rental, offering a beautiful and secluded setting for events, retreats, or family celebrations. While we’ve transitioned from a traditional B&B to short-term rental accommodations, the warm spirit of welcome remains the same.
From hand-hewn beams to weathered barn boards, from trail signs to syrup taps, Robinson Farm carries the stories of those who came before-and invites new ones with every visit.
Pull in. Breathe deep. Stay awhile.
Welcome to Robinson Farm.
