Early Years 1849-1924
The stately inn that one now finds nestled on this Arlington mountainside is actually the result of years of architectural evolution. The Inn was originally built as a farmhouse in 1849. From 1880 to 1920, first a gristmill and then a lumber mill were operated on the Battenkill River at the foot of the mountain.

The Rochesters
In 1924 Ned and Gwendolyn Rochester purchased the 150 acre farm and began a series of changes that would transform the farm into an estate suitable for an elegant style of summer vacationing. They enlarged the house and added the seven gables which are a prominent feature of the structure today. The Rochesters also dotted the mountainside with barns and small cottages, and crisscrossed the hillside with pastoral stone walls and fences.

West Mountain Inn 1978-Present
A succession of people lived at the estate on the mountain after the Rochesters moved away. Then in 1978, Wes and Mary Ann Carlson saw it, and knew instantly that it could become a haven for them and hopefully others, perhaps as a country inn. Their skills and philosophy have melded to create an ambiance and space that is both warm and welcoming. Their involvement in both the local community and the world community is evidenced by the art, literature, and crafts that add to the decor of the guest and common rooms at West Mountain Inn.