The Victorian farmhouse is on Vermont Route 125, about 3.5 miles west of Middlebury. This house had been in a derelict state for many years and was locally known as the Ghost House, but was recently restored.
Built in 1890, the Foote mansion has been a popular photographic landmark along Route 125 between the Lake Champlain Bridge and Middlebury.
In 1879, Rollin and Abram formed a successful partnership in hay and agricultural implements, specializing in breeding matched horses. Abram, a true entrepreneur born in Cornwall, Vermont, expanded the family’s influence into banking, insurance, and telecommunications.
Abram’s contributions to Vermont were extensive. He organized the Cornwall Telephone Company, pioneering the first line from Addison County to Burlington.
A Republican with a passion for public service, Abram served in various local offices, the Vermont House of Representatives, and as Lieutenant Governor from 1921 to 1923.
Today, the Rollin A. Foote homestead stands as more than a historic residence; it is a living testament to the Footes’ enduring legacy.
The restoration of this grand farmhouse not only preserves its architectural charm but also honors the remarkable contributions of a family deeply woven into the fabric of Vermont’s past.
As Route 125 winds past this storied homestead, it invites travelers to reflect on the agricultural prowess and civic leadership that defined the Foote family’s indelible mark on the Green Mountain State.
