Carrie Thomas and Bob Thomas, owners of Sun Lodge
ago, there was a wood shed made of plywood that came off the side there,” recalls Bob.“ It was sort of a maintenance shed, but it was also the entrance to the hotel. We knew it had to be taken care of.” The first order of business was tearing it down.“ That was a big improvement. Getting rid of the shed and opening up the original windows changed everything. Now you have sunlight coming in.”
The new canopy out front was built from rough-cut local lumber sourced at Cripple Creek Sawmill in South Londonderry. The canopy is nicely complemented by stone landscaping elements around the side of the hotel. Meticulously arranged by Rugg Valley Landscaping, they make the approach inviting in all seasons. Inside, the lobby area features several sections with distinct functions and feels, each separated by concrete archways, portals, and cased openings.
The section closest to the front entrance wall is filled with puzzles, board games, and Vermont-centric books, including ski books and Vermont Almanacs.“ We didn’ t want it to feel like a generic tourist rack,” adds Carrie.“ Everything has some character.” The fireplace section stands at the center of the lobby area, outfitted with stylish leather couches and chairs pulled around the original stone hearth. Guests gather here for conversation or simply sit with a book, warmed by the brick-lined, wood-burning fire.
Towards the back of the lobby, another cozy space screens winter sports, like ski races or bobsledding.“ We don’ t just keep
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