I am not a skier, and I never will be. In fact, I’ve never even been on skis. I’ve only ever snowboarded once in my life. The last (and only time) I was on a board, I decided I can still enjoy Vermont winters from the comfort of a warm fire, on snowshoes or in a hot tub with snow gently falling around me… I don’t need to be on the slopes. However, I do really love Vermont ski towns. There’s a distinct energy and charm that surrounds Vermont ski communities that is very appealing to me. And let’s face it, I do après ski extremely well…
When I do venture to a Vermont ski town for a weekend getaway, either in the height of the winter season or during summer, I strive for relaxation… Fluffy down comforters. Luxurious accommodations. Maybe a jacuzzi tub or a rainfall shower. I want great scenery, a beautiful view out of our window, and to not have to travel far for a Vermont craft beer or delicious meal. It’s even better if we never have to get in the car.
Until recently, I hadn’t spent much time in Peru, Vermont, home of Bromley Mountain and Seesaw’s Lodge in Southern Vermont. Seesaw’s Lodge is just 15 minutes from Manchester, Vermont, but has an entirely different feel. I was so excited to discover the historic yet modern and rustic collection of cabins and a Lodge right next to the mountain. I finally found the luxurious accommodations in a Vermont ski community I have been looking for for many years now.
Current owners, Ryan and Kim Prins, just underwent a serious renovation to and re-imagination of the property. Their goal was to bring the property back to the lively ski community hub it once was. Seesaw’s Lodge even has its own warming hut on site for après ski – complete with local beers, kettle corn and camaraderie. This is my kind of place!
The History of Seesaw’s Lodge
One of the coolest things about visiting Seesaw’s Lodge and dining at Johnny Seesaw’s, the restaurant on site, was the placemat – seriously! It contained a history of the special Southern Vermont location and its evolution over time. We read it while we were sipping a cocktail and soaking in our surroundings in the inviting, ski lodge-inspired restaurant. I took mine home with me. It was such a neat idea to capture the essence of the Lodge and its historic roots. Much of the history of the location still transcends time with specific elements of the history captured in the modern space of the restaurant, including the Wonder View Log Pavilion sign, the beams on the ceiling, and the top of the steel and copper cut-out fire pit that’s a focal point of the room, just off of the bar area.
As outlined on and quoted from the placemat, here’s the rich history of iconic Johnny Seesaw’s:
1761: Originally called Brumley, the town is chartered by the Royal Governor of New Hampshire Benning Wentworth.
1804: The town is renamed “Peru” after the gold-rich South American country. The first sawmill is built in the area. Logging becomes the dominant industry for more than a century.
1805: Benjamin Barnard Jr. bought the land where Seesaw’s stands today for $500, building a small log house and a barn that reportedly became a tavern.
1924: After passing through a series of hands, the land is sold to Russian immigrant Ivan Sesow and his wife Vinnie. They built the Wonder View Log Pavilion, a roadside dancehall.
1931: As the Great Depression deepens, Sesow and his wife take out multiple loans to keep the Wonder View afloat. Contrary to local legend, Sesow doesn’t lose the property in a poker game, but defaults on a loan.
1932: The federal government established the Green Mountain National Forest, laying the groundwork for the local ski industry to thrive.
The history of Seesaw’s Lodge continued:
1933: The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the first downhill trail on Bromley Mountain.
1938: At the encouragement of his mother, avid skier Lew deSchweinitz along with his brother-in-law Bill Parrish buy the neglected property and turn it into a ski lodge. They open on December 26th and are fully booked within days.
1942: The Parrishes establish the High Mountain Farm on the inn property, enabling Johnny Seesaw’s to stay open and attract tourists to the area in lean times.
1974: The deSchweinitzes retire from the business, while the Parrishes help transition the property to its new owners who fail to attract new guests and the operation struggles.
1980: Gary Okun and his wife Nancy buy the property and become great stewards of Seesaw’s in the modern era, operating seven days a week, always bustling with locals and out-of-towners.
2015: Ryan and Kim Prins see an opportunity to re-imagine Seesaw’s and embark, with partners, on a three-year plan to rebuild the property ensuring the Seesaw’s legacy will continue for generations to come.
2018: The newly restored and thoughtfully reimagined Seesaw’s Lodge and Johnny Seesaw’s restaurant open their doors, welcoming back old friends and inviting new ones to celebrate all that Vermont has to offer.
Staying at Seesaw’s Lodge
We arrived at Seesaw’s Lodge for a two-night stay on a late-winter Friday around 7:00PM. We really didn’t know what to expect. The Lodge and Cabins combine to offer 16 newly renovated rooms – three cabins and seven rooms in the main Lodge. All are designed to be a welcoming, high-end retreat. I had seen some photos online and read about the extensive renovations the property had undergone. But otherwise, I was largely unfamiliar with the property. When we arrived, it was pitch black out. We quickly found the restaurant, then decided to follow some signs up to the Lodge, where we knew we were staying for the evening. I literally had no idea the grounds were so expansive. It was such a treat to wake up on a bluebird morning to see what we had missed in the dark…
The Lodge at Seesaw’s Lodge
The Lodge, formerly known as the Ski Loft Residence and Warehouse, was used to assemble skis in the 1950s and 1960s. Now, after a beautiful renovation, it has both a self check-in option, or you can visit the host in the restaurant, who will provide details for check in. I attempted to follow the instructions for self check-in, and, of course, set off the alarm for the lodge. Oops. Lucky for us, owner and innkeeper Kim met us herself. She gave us a tour of the beautiful Lodge we’d call home for the next two nights. During the renovations on the property, Kim and her husband Ryan lived in the Lodge. They ensured every detail was considered in the style, decor, and overall re-design of the building. It’s one of the most beautiful lodges I’ve stayed in.
Upon entering the Lodge, we walked into a gorgeous kitchen and two-story living with a massive stone fireplace as the focal point. Of course, a lovely fire was raging. This kitchen was my dream kitchen – industrial appliances, a golden-hued range hood and beautiful finishes throughout. We climbed the open wooden stairs to the top of the second floor. There’s an open view of the living room from above and views outside through the wall of windows bringing the outside in. We found our suite, Cherry, tucked into one of the hallways upstairs. The Lodge offers six spacious suites and Innkeeper’s quarters. All are inspired by and named after a local tree: Birch, Beech, Oak, Cherry, Black Walnut, and Maple.
Cabins on Site at Seesaw’s Lodge
There are also three large cabins on site, including Chicken, Court, and Butterfly. Chicken also offers The Coop and the Fox’s Den. Although we didn’t get to experience one the cabins, I am seriously thinking about an excuse to rent it out with friends or family this summer. Seesaw’s Lodge would be a great location for a family reunion, intimate wedding, or bachelor or bachelorette party in Vermont.
The Cherry Suite at Seesaw’s Lodge
We opened the door to the Cherry suite, and I couldn’t wait to settle in. The suite had one of the comfiest king-sized beds I’ve slept in, overlooking a three-sided gas fireplace that led into the seating area with an oversized couch. From the bedroom, we could walk out onto a wrap-around porch on the Lodge to take in the sights of Stratton Mountain. Even though it was winter and the porch was snow-covered, I spent some time taking in the morning views and the sun beams flooding the space. My favorite part of the room was the wood with beam accents on the vaulted ceiling, giving the room a Vermonty rustic charm. The fireplace added a coziness factor and would be awesome after a day on the mountain.
The spa-like bathroom had an awesome rainfall shower and was another favorite element of the room. No details were forgotten either. I loved having a bottle of water next to the bed. Products from nearby Dorset Daughters in the bathroom were a sweet surprise. I’m a huge fan of local hotel, inns, and lodges supporting, featuring and celebrating local businesses. The innkeepers provided an extensive informational booklet with many local sights to experience while staying at Seesaw’s.
In the morning, I headed to nearby Bromley Market, a two-minute drive down the hill, and got us some breakfast sandwiches (as recommended by other locals) and some Mochas. We sat in the light-filled living room, making our plan for the day – grateful to call Seesaw’s Lodge home for another night of rejuvenation in the perfect Vermont setting.
Tips for Visiting Seesaw’s Lodge Like a Local:
- Check in starts at 4:00PM until 10:00PM, after which time self-service check-in is available. Check out is at noon.
- All bedrooms in the Lodge are equipped with LED smart TV’s so you can watch Netflix, Hulu or Prime on site.
- Racks are provided for skis, snowboards and bicycles to ensure your belongings are secured.
- For 1-2 night stays, housekeeping won’t enter your room, so ensure you don’t anticipate housekeeping coming in with new towels and linens. The Lodge does offer a refresh service upon request.
- Two dogs are welcome to join you for $50 per night per dog when you book the whole Lodge. If you do plan to bring your best furry friend, just let the owner know and ensure you bring a crate so your pup isn’t left alone in the Lodge.
- The lower-level of the Lodge is ADA compliant. If you need an accessible room, just let the innkeepers know.
- Johnny Seesaw’s, the restaurant on site, is open for dinner Thursday to Monday, starting at 5pm with eclectic comfort food, sourcing locally.
- If you’re looking for breakfast and don’t want to venture far, head down the hill to Bromley Market for one of the best breakfast sandwiches and Mocha you can get your hands on.
3574 VT-11 Peru, VT 05152
Categories: Destinations