INN VERMONT
upgraded the internet to fiber optic speeds , and joined a community solar grid in an effort to lessen their carbon footprint . They also became actively involved in the local community . Before Peter and Susan took over the West Hill House B & B , their predecessors , Dotty Kyle and Eric Brattstrom , introduced them to the lodging group at the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce . Shortly after Peter and Susan relocated to Vermont , Peter joined the Chamber , which greatly helped him get to know the community . He served on their board for almost seven years , several of which he spent as the Board Chair . “ We got to know a lot of people through the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce ,” says Peter . “ We learned a lot of things about the Vermont business community and all of the wonderful things that were going on in the Mad River Valley . I would strongly recommend anyone who moves to Vermont to start a business to become involved with their local chamber of commerce .”
As Susan began to develop West Hill House B & B ’ s kitchen program , she formed a lasting relationship with a local community-supported agriculture farm ( CSA ) known as Muddy Boots CSA . Susan elaborates : “ Muddy Boots CSA is a wonderful group of three independent farms that work collaboratively . They operate out of the Cloud Water Farm in Warren , and they grow everything from cantaloupe and watermelon to kale , spinach , onions , potatoes and carrots . I use their vegetables in my dishes whenever possible . Their delicata squash is absolutely amazing . I look forward to it every fall . Vermont is a state that prides itself on its spirit of independent entrepreneurship , so it ’ s very important to support local businesses and farmers . Vermont ’ s small business owners work hard to make a living , and we make the business community stronger by looking after each other .”
As members of the Vermont Ambassadors Program , Peter and Susan are proud to be able to offer their guests advice on the best things to see and do in the Mad River Valley . “ The Mad River Valley has phenomenal cultural attractions and natural scenery ,” says Peter . “ The Mad River Taste Place has an incredible assortment of cheeses from Vermont . They also have a wide range of local spirits , beer , and chocolates , and a section dedicated to arts and crafts pieces from local artists , as well .”
Peter says that in addition to celebrated ski resorts , such as Sugarbush and Mad River Glen , the Mad River Valley offers a wide range of fun and exciting outdoor activities in every season . “ The Mad River Valley is the home of the famous Mad River Rocket sleds . There are many great sledding spots throughout the area , including the hill at the golf course down the road from the West Hill House B & B , and the Lincoln Gap , which is also a wonderful hiking area . There are also unique winter exploration opportunities , such as the dog sled tours that are operated by October Siberians . In the summertime , there is an active mountain biking and road cycling community here , and Sugarbush Soaring offers glider flights and flight lessons for people who aren ’ t afraid of heights . You get to take in some fantastic scenery while riding in their gliders , and nothing beats those views during fall foliage season .”
As a result of Peter and Susan ’ s tireless efforts , Peter was awarded the Borden E . Avery Innkeeper of the Year award by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce in 2019 . “ It was extremely unexpected ,” says Peter , “ but I appreciated the recognition .” The nomination came as a result of Peter ’ s community engagement at a statewide level and his advocacy work in the field of hospitality . It also recognized Peter and Susan ’ s unfailing commitment to customer service . “ We ’ ve always had
one of the top-rated bed-and-breakfasts in Vermont from fairly early on ,” notes Peter . “ I think the secret to our success lies in the fact that we truly love interacting with our guests and helping them enjoy their time at the West Hill House B & B .” Susan adds , “ We both also enjoy learning from conversations and sharing experiences with our guests who come to stay with us at the B & B .”
Peter adds that through their ownership of the West Hill House B & B , he and Susan have been able to continue bringing people together in the same way that they did through their previous careers . “ We ’ ve built our lives around connecting people in positive ways ,” notes Peter . “ I played a pivotal part in building technological systems that allowed people to communicate effectively with one another , and Susan brought people together across great distances with her work in philanthropic fundraising and radio broadcasting . We get to carry on that legacy of connection in a different way today at the West Hill House B & B . Our aim is to provide a place where our guests can share beautiful moments and connect with their families and the people around them . There ’ s no better feeling than watching our guests relax , leave their stress behind , and share conversations together around the breakfast table . Running a bed-and-breakfast is hard work , but those moments of connection make it all worth it .”
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72 VERMONT MAGAZINE