2026 North Hero Historic House Tour
Featured Buildings
The Dodds House
This pioneer family cleared forests and eventually built the North Hero Inn over 7 generations
- Original architectural details preserved from the 1820 (log house), 1843 (brick)s.
- Unique island history and family stories.
The Courthouse
The District Attorney will tell tales from Vermont’s oldest stone courthouse that may surprise you about our shire town.
- Meet local historians and community storytellers.
- Explore preserved architecture and island heritage.
Stumble Inn
One of the secret gems of historic North Hero is the best-preserved greek revival structure on the island: a white house marked "1860" at the north end of the village, just past the school. It has the red roof and beautiful red begonias that bloom all summer long. Stumble Inn, as it is known, is the PERFECT introduction to the North Hero Historic House Tour! So, "Stumble In", and learn more about North Hero History!
Once a working dairy farm and rest stop with four guest rooms for lake visitors, this historic house was owned and operated as an inn by Fent and Ella Hazen, their family having moved from Connecticut to North Hero around 1790. Guests and locals affectionately called them 'Aunt Ella' and 'Dad Hazen'.
After the Hazen's passed, the house was purchased by David and Diane Beal in 1964, a British couple who had been transferred to Montreal to run the North American operations of a British carpet underpadding firm. The Beals had been vagabonds, living in London, New York, and Montreal; but when they visited Holiday Point, it was an instant love affair…
"They didn't know where they were going, but from this moment on, they knew where they wanted to finish up," remembered their children and current residents Lesley and Timothy Beal. "They HAD to be in Montreal for work, but they CHOSE to be in North Hero. This is where we spent summers, weekends during the school year, and Christmas every year."
David and Diane brought the British love of gardening with them to North Hero. Diane cultivated flower gardens by the lake, while David tended the vegetable garden in a tamed corner of the hay field. When asked if she missed anything from England, Diane answered "YES, my AGA" (a VERY English country stove, known for its radiant heat). Noted on the invoice, their family was only the 8TH customer, once the company started exporting to North America! When asked what words come to mind associated with this historic house, Lesley and Timothy exclaimed in unison "freedom!" and shared memories of running all summer along the shores of Lake Champlain.
They also remembered parties and building community: their parents were both trustees of the North Hero Historical Society, and when the Freeman Foundation offered a $50,000 challenge grant to finance the first phase of the Community Hall renovation, David and Diane hosted a cocktail party -- raising $110,000 in a single evening. "We had over 100 guests, and our mother rang a bell every time someone made a financial commitment to the fund," remembered Lesley and Timothy. The Freeman Foundation was so impressed, they sent an additional $50,000 after the event, allowing the renovation to begin.
David and Diane were proud to feature their home on the first Historic House Tour 20 years ago, and their children are opening their home again this year in recognition of the importance of building community here in North Hero, and to honor the memory of their parents who have recently passed.
Diane and David Beal entertaining at Stumble Inn
Hookenspoon
Wealthier visitors began building seasonal housing and camps in the Champlain Islands after steamships dropped them off at City Bay. Understand how Hookenspoon fits into the transition from farming community to summer resort.
Discovery at Cedar Tops on Hibbard Point
Once undeveloped and agricultural, Hibbard Point's scenic views have attracted generations of summer residents. Cedar Tops remains largely unchanged since being built in the 1920's, offering stunning views from a rustic wrap-around porch build from cedars harvested from the property.
- Original architectural details preserved from the 1820 (log house), 1843 (brick)s.
- Unique island history and family stories.
The Lady Chapel
A Chicago family brought their faith and pump organ to the Islands. And the music is still heard by the faithful!
- Meet local historians and community storytellers.
- Explore preserved architecture and island heritage.
