Robert Liebman
Journalism * Copywriting * Media Training
The Full Vermonty
Daily Mail, 22 December 2006
The New England state might be known for its winter charms, but Vermont's Lake Champlain is a year-round hotspot, says Robert Liebman
THE AMERICAN state of Vermont conjures up romantic images of autumnal foliage, snow-clad ski resorts, warm apple pie and maple syrup.
But the so-called Green Mountain State is famed for more than chilly weather and cosy retreats.
The warmer months herald a busy period of sailing, fishing, concerts and festivals - and it all happens around Lake Champlain.
America's sixth largest lake is the vast playground where all four seasons are exploited to the full. It is also one of the region's property hotspots.
Named after the French explorer Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635), this spectacular lake is 110 miles long, up to 12 miles wide and forms the border between Vermont and upper New York State.
On its shore is Burlington, Vermont's capital, a university city of 40,000 with many shops, restaurants, cinemas, clubs and concert venues. It also has a regional airport linked to the main international gateways of New York and Boston.
Lake Champlain is close to major Vermont skiing areas, such as Stowe in the north and Killington in the south. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, ice-skating, ice-fishing and dog- sledding.
AND WHEN the weather warms, this area of hills and forests is a haven for cycling, hiking and birdwatching. Angling and sailing are the most popular activities, but divers are in for a treat, too.
The Lake Champlain Underwater Preserve diving centre has buoys marking the locations of eight shipwrecks. Elsewhere on the lake bottom are several trains, victims of wooden rail bridges that proved inadequate to their task.
For investors, property is the major attraction. Houses of all shapes, sizes and prices are bountiful on and around this vast lake.
The shoreline has many peninsulas and 80 islands, including the 35 sq mile Grand Isle, which is midway between Burlington and the Canadian border. By British standards, the average plot is huge - and prices outstandingly low.
Small houses are rare around here - but if you're seeking medium, large or extra-large, you will find bargains galore. 'The most exclusive location is Shelburne Point,' says Michael Gannett, estate agent of Coldwell Banker.
'The more affordable areas are further from Burlington, such as Alburg and Isle La Motte, near the Canadian border, and in Chittenden County, north of Burlington.
In downtown Burlington, two-bedroom flats, which are known locally as townhouse condominiums, start from Pounds 125,000 and tend to offer around 1,700 sq ft of floorspace - larger than many British terraces, and big enough for guests.
On Grand Isle, the same amount buys a six-bedroom house and an acre of land.
But expect to pay at least Pounds 400,000 for a five- or six-bedroom house in a good lakeside location closer to Burlington.
Farms with square miles of land overlooking the lake are also available, some with enormous farmhouses (5,000 to 7,000 sq ft) and outbuildings. Expect to pay around Pounds 2million for the better ones.
On the market is a large farmhouse with 66 acres. Located in North Ferrisburg, just east of Burlington, it has a 700ft private beach and several outbuildings, one of which is a separate three- bed rental unit. The asking price is a reasonable Pounds 900,000.
The area also contains properties known locally as camps. 'Lake Champlain has been a recreational venue since the end of the Civil War in 1865, and camps provided temporary shelter for people who came here to fish or enjoy the outdoors,' says Gannett, who owns two camps in addition to his main home.
Generally little more than a plot of land and a temporary shack or shelter, camps can be upgraded and modernised subject to planning permission. But many residents own both a fulltime residence and a camp to which they retreat at weekends or during the holidays.
Originally from Northumberland, Jean Richardson and her American husband Carl Reidel are two such locals. 'We live in a large New England farmhouse on 40 acres of land in North Ferrisburg near the lake, and we also own a 22-acre lakeside camp to the south, near Fort Ticonderoga,' says Jean.
'I studied geography and wanted to live in a beautiful environment, so we built a house here. The location was good for regular trips back to Britain.'
JEAN and Carl's main residence is a classic, woodframe 1840s farmhouse, which is warm in winter and cool in summer. Their camp, on the other hand, offers both a lot less - and a great deal more. It has a mile of lakefront but no buildings.
'We like wild areas, and there is plenty of that here,' says Jean. 'Some of the huge oak trees on our plot are five foot in diameter and were probably here when Samuel de Champlain visited 400 years ago.'
'We put in a little road, and we take our small camper van or tent and sleep on the beach or in the forest clearing,' she adds. 'We have a canoe, and fish for bass and catfish. We go to our camp several times a year, sometimes for three or four days at a time, sometimes for just a couple of hours. 'The lake is a bird migration route. We see bald eagles and ospreys and sometimes 20,000 snow geese at a time. The lake has many fishermen and beautiful sailboats but is never really crowded. It is very romantic.'
It is also familiar British territory.
'New York was settled by the Dutch, while Vermont was populated by English yeoman farmers,' Jean explains. 'Vermont villages are typically English and are built around a green.' English place names abound - including Andover, Cambridge, Bristol and Windsor - recalling the British influence.
Fort Ticonderoga, on the New York side of the lake, was rebuilt - and given its Native American name, meaning land between two waters - by the British. The original French fort was called Carillon.
The more recent British 'invasion' has led to a four-day event staged every September in nearby Stowe. It celebrates all things British, particularly classic cars. It was founded by someone from Newcastle who now lives in Stowe and owns the nostalgic Ye Olde English Inne.
America's property market is slowing and shifting in favour of buyers, but Champlain looks promising for long-term investors.
'Demand should remain strong,' Gannett says. 'Getaway homes have become more popular, and there aren't many areas like Burlington.
There's an old saying: "They ain't building lakefront anymore."' Grab your piece of paradise while you can.
CONTACTS BOOK
Michael Gannett, Coldwell Banker Hickok Boardman Realty (burlingtonvermonthomes.com; 00 1 802 846 9508).
Lang Lion Davis (langrealestate.com; 00 1 802 846 7939).
ON THE MARKET . . . in the Green Mountain State
Burlington
THIS restored and spacious 2,400 sq ft historic townhouse features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and new kitchen, plumbing and electrical systems.
The property is within walking distance of the city centre. Pounds 275,000, Michael Gannett, Coldwell Banker Hickok Boardman Realty (burlingtonvermont homes.com; 00 1 802 846 9508).
Milton
THIS three-bed, two-storey house built in 1900 has a basement, wraparound three-season porch and two-car garage. It has 225ft of lakefront on a threequarters of an acre plot facing the Adirondack Mountains. Milton is about ten miles north of Burlington. Pounds 375,000, Michael Gannett (as before).
Shelburne
THIS three-bedroom, three-bathroom house on eight acres of land was built in 1988. It has vaulted ceilings and a separate guest area. The main house is connected to a two-storey barn, containing a studio. The lower level serves as a garage and has horse stalls.
Pounds 850,000, Lang Lion Davis (langrealestate.com; 00 1 802 846 7939).
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