"Above The Clouds" | Stowe, Vermont

Above the Clouds' - so named because on some mornings, it is actually…. above the clouds. This 4 bedroom, 9 bath,15 acre site is beyond breathtaking and overlooks the Green Mountains of Vermont. Perched high above Stowe, Vermont, this enduring and dramatic estate was created with a a commitment to using local and natural materials wherever possible, imparting a sense of durability and a unique beauty. The beauty of the natural rock formations and the stunning mountain views which rise from the valley below celebrate an art form no man could create.

The winding driveway is carved into the enormous rock ledge canyon. The sites dramatic rock ledges helped to inspire architectural designer G.A. McDermott of Stowe, who, in combination with the owners, designed this one-of-a-kind classic that celebrates the joy of living amongst the richness and beauty of Vermont's natural environment. The exterior quality is evidenced by the exclusive use of white marble from Danby, Vermont ), and known for its tight grain and beautiful white appearance with light veining. It was formed when the calcium created from shells & bones from prehistoric life forms combined with carbon dioxide from water. The result is 300 million year old calcium carbonate, which is the fundamental mineral composition of marble. This is the same marble used in the construction of the White House in Washington, DC.

The Mediterranean style roof tiles are actually 80 years old, and have been recycled from a hospital on Staten Island, NY, and installed with a 30 year performance guarantee.

Enter this more than 18,000 square foot home through hand carved wood doors into the foyer, flooded by natural sunlight, bringing the outside into every day living.

which opens into a dining gallery with marble floors and a cathedral skylight. The quiet elegance is evident.
Light pours in from all directions, creating the illusion of being aloft. Concentrating on anything but the vista is difficult.

The three-level residence totals 18,000 square feet of quiet elegance with the main living area, comprised of the kitchen, dining hall and great room being flanked by two wings.

The main foyer, floors and walls are crafted from polished sandstone. Between the east and west wings sits the dining room and the great room – a sunken affair shaped like the steinway grand piano that graces one corner.

The commitment to natural materials throughout the interior combine with an expansive use of windows that form a series of frames to define the spectacular views of the Green and White mountain ranges of New England over the valleys below. Exquisite views from every perspective include nearby gardens and grounds, stone walls, all set atop dramatic ledge out-croppings. above the clouds is, above all, a quality home for a superb quality of life..

Local artisans contributed many of the one of a kind features found in this home, including the custom-designed stained-glass lay light framed in butternut, designed by the owner in conjunction with Susan Fishman of the Design Center. Additionally, local artists created unique woodcarvings gracing the library, the lay light and even in the home theatre, where carving depict various film genres.

Some rooms were designed around a spectacular pieces such as the six foot wide phantom chandelier that graces the dining hall, which lowers hydraulically for easy cleaning and maintenance.

The east wing is entirely dedicated to the master suite, complete with sitting area, exercise room and a palatial master bath carved from statuario marble. The starburst inlay located in the west hall encompasses a series of exotic finish woods used throughout the residence - including heartwood red birch, black walnut, maple, butternut and jatoba (a brazilian mahogany)

Stattuario marble from ancient quarries in Carrara, Italy line the walls and floors of the master bathroom suite, and all interior marbles are installed in a 'bookend' fashion to create a mirrored effect.

The hospitality of this home continues on the second level, accessed by the suspended curving staircase and railings created by a local artist.

The west wing houses the library, lined with black walnut, offices, a spacious laundry room with dry cleaning station and other utilitarian areas including a fully finished and radiant heated 3-bay garage which features a full Gladiator wall system.

The second level is occupied by two bedroom/guest suites with terraces facing ranch valley to the south - on a clear day one can see distant mountain ridges in New Hampshire.

A separate second level apartment with a stunning great room with 15 foot ceilings opens to a large kitchen and dining area; the private bedroom and bath make this suite the perfect place for long-term visitors, in-laws, grandchildren or caretakers.

Accessed by stairs or an elevator, above ground entertainment level is complete with a studio-quality theater with reclining seating for 18, suitable for premier performances, opening to the mezzanine granite bar serving the inviting conversation area as well as the game room with marble-faced fireplace.

All of this is overlooking perhaps the most popular recreation area of all - the 23 x 38 indoor swimming pool with marble surround, cascading waterfall and spa facilities.

Radiant heating extends 5 ft from every window to supplement the forced air heating. passive solar heating is captured and stored beneath a 14 inch slab that houses the air circulation grid; an energy efficient membrane envelopes the house as a seal to maximize the heat storage systems. Smart-house capability, this home is wired for sound throughout. Audio visual surveillance is available from every television.

Here are some of the features which combine to keep the estate running smoothly and efficiently: passive solar heating / cooling systems utilizing thermal storage and air-handling systems, coupled with in-floor radiant heating designed to supplement within 5 feet of windows and all bathroom flooring. programmable electronics encompass sound, security, lighting, and telecommunications. Veissman boilers offer innovative heating solutions and offer the highest efficiency possible in the non-commercial environment. Energy efficient anderson window systems, pre-treated for added ultraviolet protection. on-demand snow-melt system for the south terrace to manage snow load. Desert aire dehumidification system conditions the air in the swimming pool room. A fire-safety sprinkler system utilizes swimming pool water as an on-site reservoir. water treatment and storage treats the well water with uv light, stores 600 gallons of potable water is stored on-site at all times, and heats on-demand.

Live the life of distinction in this breathtaking abode … Above The Clouds.

Perhaps Stowe's most exclusive neighborhood, Robinson Springs is set high atop the ridge that joins the Mount Mansfield and the Sterling Mountain ranges.

A special enclave of almost 650 acres with approximately 80 privately owned lots, each homesite has been carefully chosen to compliment the beauty of the natural landscape.

To ensure that the rural beauty is maintained, a conservation zone buffers the neighborhood and is laced with a wonderful trail network that allows the residents the opportunity to hike, ski and snowshoe around this magnificent park-like setting. The private road system, large swimming pond and tennis courts are carefully maintained year round by the home owners association.