Ever wish you could stay in one spot and still have your pick of mountains? At Liberty Hill Farm in Rochester, you can. This working dairy farm sits in the middle of Vermont, within reach of Killington, Pico, Sugarbush, Mad River Glen, and Middlebury Snow Bowl — so you can ski, hike, or explore a different one each day without switching where you sleep.
We spent a full summer weekend there with our boys — you can read the whole story on FindandGoSeek — but here’s a closer look at what makes this particular home base worth considering, in any season.
The Inn: Part Farmhouse, Part Barnyard, All Hospitality
Liberty Hill Farm is a real working dairy farm — an 1825 Greek Revival farmhouse with seven bedrooms and four shared baths, run by the Kennett family since 1979. Fourth-generation farmer David Kennett milks the herd every day, and his wife Asia leads guests on morning farm tours, from bottle-feeding calves to bringing in the cows. A stay includes a home-cooked breakfast and dinner by Beth Kennett — fresh biscuits, three-sisters salad, and plenty of Cabot products, since the farm’s been a part of the Cabot co-op since the Kennetts moved in.
What sets it apart isn’t just the hospitality or the view — it’s the access. Our kids fed baby calves at sunset, learned how newborns are kept safe and warm in their first days, petted barn cats, and played soccer on the lawn as the sun dropped behind the Greens. Beth and the family treat guests less like customers and more like relatives dropping by for the weekend — the kind of down-home hospitality that’s harder to find at a standard hotel or condo. It’s also a short drive from all five mountains below, so the farm can anchor a multi-day, multi-mountain trip without much shuffling.
The Five Mountains: Summer, Fall & Winter
Middlebury Snow Bowl — ~21 minutes
Small and low-key year-round — a good option for an easy family hike in the warmer months, and a more affordable, less crowded choice once the lifts start turning.
Sugarbush — ~25 minutes
In summer and fall, Sugarbush’s Lincoln Peak trail network offers options for different ages and abilities — we hiked Lower Jester up to Allyn’s Lodge, weaving through ferns and wildflowers, with a game of hide-and-seek to keep little legs moving. Trails range from a flat nature walk at the base to the steeper Castlerock summit. In winter, Sugarbush spans two connected mountains, Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen, with terrain for a range of skill levels and a snowboarder-friendly atmosphere.
Mad River Glen — ~30 minutes
A quieter option for summer hiking, with uncrowded trails and Green Mountain views. In winter, it’s known for its old-school character — co-op-owned, home to a well-known single chairlift, and a different kind of experience for families who want to see a more traditional side of Vermont skiing.
Pico Mountain — ~40 minutes
A relaxed summer stop for a hike or picnic, and, in winter, a lower-key alternative to its neighbor Killington — often a good fit for families that want the terrain without the crowds
Killington Resort — ~45 minutes
Summer and fall bring loads of mountain biking, an adventure park, scenic gondola rides and great hiking. In winter, Killington offers a wide range of terrain across multiple peaks, loads of variety to suit different skill levels within the same family.
Bottom Line
Five mountains, one farm, every season covered. Whether you’re there for January turns or July trailheads, Liberty Hill Farm offers a unique home base built around farm life and hospitality — calves to feed, chores to join, and a family who treats you like one of their own by the end of the stay.
Want the full trail breakdown for Sugarbush? Read our guide: Family Hiking at Sugarbush →
Read about our full summer stay at Liberty Hill Farm on FindandGoSeek →
Sarah Wojcik founded All Mountains Mamas in 2012. Becoming a mother in 2017, she grasped the opportunity to share her passion of skiing and snowboarding with families across the U.S. Formerly the Director or Marketing and Communications for Ski Vermont and associate editor, art director and marketing for Ski Area Management magazine, she writes with great knowledge of the ski industry and from the point of view of a mother working to get out on the slopes with two kids in tow. Sarah is currently the proud owner of Vermont’s #1 family fun resource, FindandGoSeek.net.