By Katy Savage
After extensive renovations, the Birch Ridge Inn reopened over Christmas week as a vacation rental and corporate retreat.
The inn closed over the summer, after Jacob McGrath and Dave McComb bought the property for $1.35 million on June 30, 2022.
“We spent a lot of time renovating and getting things ready,” McComb said, explaining that most of the renovations were done in just two months.
The unique double A-frame building is 7,000-square-feet and sits on 2.7 acres. There are new floors and carpets throughout the building and the beams were sanded down to bring out the natural wood.
They also made technological upgrades, including new smart TVs and EV chargers. The 11-room building can sleep up to 28 people. The A-frame great room features a full bar area, a shuffleboard table, a coffee station, microwave, water cooler, gas fireplace, a television, tables, sofas and barstools. The dining room (in the second A-frame structure) features seating for 20, plus a pool table and sofa. There are two hot tubs outside along with a gas barbecue grill. A previous owner’s lounge has been converted to a two-floor loft suite with queen bed, sofa bed and kitchenette. There is also a commercial kitchen available to guests with prior approval.
The previous owners, Bill Vines and his wife, Mary Furlong, retired after 25 years to spend more time outdoors. The Birch Ridge was known for its popular restaurant and dining space on the site.
To the disappointment of some, McComb said there are no plans to reopen the restaurant at this time.
“We’ll continue on in a different path,” McComb said. “I know some people are upset the restaurant’s not reopening. We’re not restaurateurs at this time.”
McComb said the renovations are not done yet. There are plans to make exterior improvements in the spring, with new decks, a new pool and more space for weddings.
“It’s nice to have phase 1 done,” McComb said.
McComb operates Killington Vacation Rentals and manages about 100 properties in the Killington area.
The rental rates of Birch Ridge vary with the season. It starts at $2,400 a night.
“It’s been a labor of love,” McComb said.
