By James Kent
On its website, the newly renovated Grey Bonnet Inn boasts an array of amenities: a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, an on-site bar, a game room, a seasonal outdoor pool, premium rooms, and executive suites. With Killington and Pico buzzing with winter activity, one might expect the Grey Bonnet’s return to include a bustling parking lot filled with visitors. Yet, on Monday morning, Dec. 16, the Mountain Times found an empty, albeit well-plowed, lot.
The uncertainty surrounding the Grey Bonnet Inn’s status had piqued the curiosity of locals like Alan Savenor, a Killington resident. “We were excited to see construction activity,” Savenor said. “But then it’s been hard to tell if it’s open or not. Sometimes the flag is up; sometimes it’s not.”
Conversations among neighbors yielded the same question: Is the Grey Bonnet open for business?
An initial attempt to contact the inn revealed little. Calls to its number were met with a voicemail directing inquiries to its website. The online reservation system listed no availability until Dec. 26. It seemed like the inn might be gearing up for a post-Christmas opening—but why the mystery? A short time later, the managers of the Grey Bonnet Inn reached back out and invited the Mountain Times to tour the inn.
A storied past
To understand the Grey Bonnet Inn’s current state, it helps to revisit its history. The property, located on 25 scenic acres bordering the national forest, had been a beloved part of Killington’s lodging scene for decades. However, sometime between 2015-2017, the inn fell into foreclosure. It remained shuttered for years, changing hands a few times before being purchased by its current owner in 2020.
“When he bought it, it was in a very dilapidated state,” said Brett McManus, the Grey Bonnet’s new manager. “There was a foot and a half of water in the basement, and inspectors told us it had been gutted to the studs. It was unrecognizable.”
The new owner, based in Massachusetts, began an extensive renovation during the pandemic, investing millions to bring the building back to life. However, Brett noted, “He did it under the radar, not involving local groups or community networks. That’s why there’s been so much mystery around it.”
A new chapter
Brett and his wife, Casey, are no strangers to reviving old properties. Known for their work on the Happy Bear Motel—now rebranded as The Apres Inn—the couple documented that project on their Instagram page, “Innvestors.” Their efforts caught the Grey Bonnet’s owner’s attention. “He saw what we did up the road and approached us to manage the Grey Bonnet,” Brett explained.
The McManuses officially took over in September, finding a property that had been meticulously renovated but lacked operational infrastructure. “Every room was clean, the dining room was set up, but it was like a ghost town,” Brett said. “It just needed people.”
The couple worked quickly, opening the inn in time for the Spartan Race weekend in September. They operated through the fall foliage season, achieving near-full occupancy on weekends, before closing briefly in stick season to address maintenance, renew health permits, and make improvements like upgrading linens and furnishings.
Focusing on value
Now partially open, the Grey Bonnet is positioning itself as a value-driven alternative to Killington’s higher-end lodges. “We’re not right on the access road, and we’re not trying to compete with luxury properties,” Brett explained. “This is a clean, comfortable place at a reasonable price.”
With 42 rooms, the inn aims to accommodate families and groups, offering amenities like a full breakfast on weekends and a game room in the basement. While the indoor pool awaits final occupancy permits, the McManuses expect it to open for ski season.
Restaurant Plans? Not Yet
One question from the community has been about the restaurant. While the website touts dining options, the McManuses are taking a cautious approach. “Opening a full-service restaurant is a big commitment,” Casey said. “It’s staff-intensive and high-risk, especially if the demand isn’t there.”
For now, the focus is on a bar with a limited tavern menu. “We’ll offer pub-style food,” Brett said, “but it’ll be counter service, not full table service. This allows us to provide an amenity for guests without overextending ourselves.” If demand grows, they’ll consider expanding the offerings.
Reconnecting with the community
The McManuses recognize that the Grey Bonnet holds a special place in local history. The recent “Cookie Party,” a Killington area fundraiser for the New Story Center, marked the inn’s first significant community event in years. “So many people came just to see what’s been done,” Casey said. “There’s a lot of nostalgia here.”
Brett added, “We want to create an atmosphere where people feel welcome and comfortable. Hosting events like this is a great way to reintroduce the Grey Bonnet to the community without overpromising.”
Looking ahead
With bookings picking up for the holiday season and plans to fully reopen after Christmas, the Grey Bonnet is poised for a strong winter. The McManuses hope their thoughtful approach will build trust and establish the inn as a go-to lodging option for visitors and locals alike.
“It’s all about setting realistic expectations,” Brett said. “We want people to come here and feel at home. Whether it’s for a weekend ski trip or a community event, we’re here to make it happen.”
The mystery of the Grey Bonnet Inn was easy to solve. It’s open and ready for visitors.
For more information, visit: greybonnetkillington.com.
