The Grand Isle Lake House is located in Grand Isle, Vermont, the largest of the beautiful Lake Champlain Islands. The property is owned and managed by Isabel's, one of Vermont's finest dining establishments. They will be providing the catering for the wedding.
Lake Champlain has long been noted as one of Vermont's greatest treasures. Many lovely homes, parks, hotels and resorts have come and gone along her shores with people never tiring of ways to enjoy her breathtaking sunsets and quiet waters. The Grand Isle Lake House stands as a jewel in the Lakes crown, offering an unparalleled setting for social and business affairs.
The Briggs family of Burlington purchased Robinson's Point and built the main building as a hotel in 1903. Embodying true Turn of the Century charm, the property was named the Island Villa Hotel and soon became a spot frequented by the "who's who" of the Northeast. In the history of the area, it tells of fancy cars and men and women dressed in "city clothes" arriving for extended stays at the hotel with their families. Croquet tournaments were held each weekend and guests would enjoy bridge parties on the porches well sheltered from passing rain showers. Beautiful gardens adorned the property and provided lavish centerpieces for the tables at dinner where men were required to wear coats and ties and the women wore evening gowns. During the day, however, practicality reigned and the men were allowed in the dining room for lunch in their fishing clothes. The large central fireplace was a gathering spot after dinner where the ladies would meet to sew together, and the men would often play card or board games.
The Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic order, purchased the property in 1956 and opened it as a summer camp for girls in the summer of 1957. Many of the sisters from the order taught in the Burlington area Catholic schools, and would spend summers as instructors at the camp. Marycrest was one of the Sisters' leading ministries and was seen as a way to offer a camp experience primarily to Vermont girls. Marycrest hosted thousands of young girls in their summer programs from 1957 through 1993, many of whom would not have been financially able to attend summer camp.
The property and buildings which now comprise the Grand Isle Lake House were donated as a generous gift to the Preservation Trust of Vermont in 1997. In early 1998, the process of restoring the facility began. After assessing the viability of converting the existing facility, considerable research was done as to what use would best serve the mission of the Preservation Trust, and the decision to create a meeting and events facility was made. In doing so, the Preservation Trust has preserved one of Vermont and Lake Champlain's waterfront treasures, while generating funds to support other Vermont communities and organizations in their preservation efforts.
Robinson's Point, on which the 55 acre property sits, is a rolling piece of land which extends gently into the lake, and offers a sweeping view from the grand wrap around porch. The grounds are ideal for wedding receptions and other social functions, easily accommodating large tents for 250 people. The main building can hold up to 80 for a sit-down affair and an additional 125 guests on the porch. Our experienced catering director and chefs will work with you to create the perfect menu for your special event.
The Grand Isle Lake House is also the ideal location for business meetings. The quiet solitude of the Lake House provides the focus you need, while the spectacular view and grounds will inspire and reenergize. The property, reminiscent of another era, offers a break from the crazy pace so many of us live with every day. Exploring the land and shoreline gives guests the experience of a true retreat.
The Grand Isle Lake House represents a partnership between the Preservation Trust of Vermont and the owners of Isabel's on the Waterfront and the Willard Street Inn. The shared vision for the project is to raise funds over the next two years to completely restore the 25 guest rooms on the top two floors of the main building. Anyone interested in the project, or the Preservation Trust, should contact Paul Bruhn, (802)658-6647, 104 Church Street. Burlington, VT 05401.