1824 House Inn in the Mad River Valley, Vermont

The 1824 Vision: Like Vermonters before us who shared similar values, we think it’s important to run this business with passion, as well as a commitment to each other, our customers and our surroundings. Our operating values are current, but they are not new. In Vermont, Green is familiar. We’re not Going Green, we’re Returning to Green. In that light, one could say we are moving backwards, toward local farms, toward handmade food and strong communities. We compost our restaurant scraps, we support the local economy, and we’re intent on serving our customers in the best way we possibly can.
Our staff is enthusiastic and dedicated, and we did that on purpose. When we were selecting employees, we asked our applicants whether they had nurturing in their bones or hospitality in their blood. We hired the ones who could prove it, and we ended up with a talented group of passionate people. Our staff members have dreams of vegetable gardens, laying hens and hand-made sausages. The excitement is palatable around here; we think you’ll taste it when you get here.

More about the Mendell Family:
Connie and Dean are experienced business owners; Connie currently runs Occasions Catering, a gourmet but down-to-earth catering company specializing in personal service and original events. Occasions began in the family home more than twenty years ago, it now employs two of the couple’s three children, their nephew and several other long-term friends (employees) who tend to act like family. In addition, the Mendell family operates The Linen Shop, which boasts the largest selection of specialty rental linens in the state of Vermont.
Just a few years ago the family opened The Village Porch, a unique and cozy bistro-style bar and restaurant in a Victorian-era home Dean renovated himself. The Porch features a bar decorated with a reclaimed mantle, seasonal outside seating (perfect for some old fashioned Vermont-style traffic watching) and an ever-changing menu. Right next door is Nordic Adventures, a cross country ski rental and repair shop Dean operates during the winter months. The 1824 House Inn and the Barn Door Restaurant is the family’s newest and largest venture yet. Daughter Emily will serve as the Innkeeper. The Mendells are happy to have such a gorgeous property in their family and eager to share it. Please visit them there, they’d be happy to tell you about it.