Secluded on 200 acres of New England pasture, woods, and meadows and surrounded on all sides by working farms, this Shelburne inn called Willow Pond Farm bed and breakfast inn offers breathtaking Adirondack and Green Mountain views.

The grounds are exceptional. There are some 20 birdhouses in view, usually populated with nesting tree swallows. A rose garden and beautiful perennial gardens bloom in summer, and yellow clematis vines bloom on the pergola at the end of the wraparound porch.

The Vermont farm borders Shelburne Pond, a haven for wildflowers, birds, and wildlife. Ospreys, pileated woodpeckers, mergansers, bluebirds, wild turkeys, grebes, otters and mink are some of the wildlife that roam the farm where for 4,000 years the Abenaki and Iroquois camped and fished.

Extensive landscaping, ponds, romantic rose and perennial gardens encircle this country home. In fact, Vermont, An Explorer's Guide says "If we had special sections for birders and gardeners, Sawyer and Zita Lee's elegant home would top both lists." The house, set among apple trees, looks down on a smaller three-acre private pond which affords a view of the great blue heron, nesting ducks, and other aquatic life.

Willow Pond Farm offers three guest rooms appointed with fine antiques, oriental carpets and handmade quilts. Lodging accommodations also include a built-in kids' loft. In the morning, arise to cappuccino, the farm's own special blend of coffee, and a full, gourmet Vermont breakfast served in the dining area or out on the terrace, under the pergola among roses and honeysuckle.

Willow Pond Farm is an ideal place for hiking and strolling through the gardens, or you can just sit back and enjoy the view from the terrace. You are only ten minutes from Shelburne and Burlington, where you have access to the Shelburne Museum, University of Vermont, St. Michaels College, Champlain College, Trinity College, Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Wake Robin, and the Burlington Marketplace.

Opportunities for boating, biking, swimming, hiking, antiquing, shopping are all nearby, as are good restaurants and ferry rides. The Ben & Jerry's factory is only a 30-minute drive. Mountain climbing enthusiasts can indulge their passion forty minutes away.

Commune with nature in a country setting while being pampered with comfort and a delicious breakfast at beautiful Willow Pond Farm.