The Ultimate Party Pad: Gothic Vermont Home With Secret Basement Pub and 125-Person Event Barn Hits the Market for $1.5 Million

Who says historic homes have to be stuffy?

Anyone with that preconceived view of older dwellings should look no further than a newly listed dwelling in Vermont that dates back to 1860, yet boasts an array of amazing amenities that will delight guests of all ages (and eras)—including a private English-style pub that is secreted away in the basement.

Known as Glimmerstone Mansion, the entertainer’s dream residence in Cavendish once served as a bed-and-breakfast but has been most recently used as a legacy estate.

Now, it’s ready to take on a new family—and their many friends and loved ones—after being put on the market for $1.5 million.

“The sellers bought the property in 2021 when their home burned down,” says listing agent Kevin Barnes, of William Raveis Vermont Properties.

“They stayed here while they were rebuilding and wanted their large extended family to come here for the holidays. They absolutely love the property, so it is very bittersweet having to sell it now that their home is complete.”

Any house hunters with a similarly impressive brood will be hard-pressed to find a property with as much history and as much space as this dwelling can offer, particularly because it comes complete with a 3,000-square-foot event barn that can host up to 125 people. And that’s in addition to the main home’s 7,100 square feet of living space.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 7,153-square-foot residence got its name for the locally quarried sparkly stone used to construct it.

“The curb appeal is incredible, with its arched windows and Gothic look to it,” Barnes says.

Whether the next buyer wishes to keep the estate as a single-family residence, transition it back to a hospitality venue, or transform it into luxurious wedding retreat or corporate gathering space, the opportunities seem endless as the turnkey property is being offered fully furnished.

“It operated as a B&B for some time, and the couple who transformed it did a major renovation on it,” he says. “They are said to have brought $2 million worth of furnishings in, including the English-style pub found on the lower level with full bar.”

The bar area with a pool table opens up to an expansive patio with fire pit, a covered porch, and hot tub.

Many period details remain throughout the space, including custom millwork, wide-plank floors, and numerous fireplaces.

“In the living room, there’s an ornate carved cabinet that when you open it, it has a dumbwaiter that goes down to the bar,” he notes. “That’s why there is a mirrored section at the back of the bar.”

Modernizations include central air conditioning, high-speed internet, and cell service, which would make it an ideal work-from-home property.

The 10-bedroom mansion features fireplaces in nearly every guest room. If the property were to be transformed back into a rental property, a private owner’s apartment has already been set up.

“I think most likely the next owner will make it into an event venue,” Barnes speculates. “The kitchen is incredible and impeccably designed for restaurant-scale, culinary experiences. The pub is spectacular, and it’s really cozy.”

While the barn is being used as an event space, Barnes says it could also be turned into an equestrian facility.

“The barn has a workshop and lots of storage, so you could have horses there or board livestock and make your own farm,” he notes. “It’s a real fun spot.”

Located on 2.4 acres, the property is also conveniently situated nearby Vermont’s top ski destinations and many outdoor activities.

“I think the next buyer will be someone who wants to be close to skiing as it’s near Okemo, which is the jewel of the ski areas,” Barnes says. “There are also a lot of popular spots for fly fishing, including Black River.”