In 1978, the home was converted into a board and care retirement home. In 1985, it was renovated into the Arches Country Inn. The Shanes, Michael, a general contractor, and Melanie, a trained architect and interior designer, purchased the home in 1991, named it The Lilac Inn and spent the next year and a half renovating to capture the feeling of it’s original grandeur. In the Spring of 2001, the current innkeepers, Shelly and Doug Sawyer purchased the inn after searching for two years for an inn to purchase. They had lived in the charming village of Pangbourne on the Thames in Berkshire, England which is when Shelly dreamed of having a Bed & Breakfast Inn someday. Vermont, with over 600 bed and breakfasts and country inns, is known worldwide for its hospitality and is often called “bed and breakfast central”. However, most of these properties started life as taverns, stagecoach stops or farm houses and have been adapted for guests. What the Sawyers loved about The Lilac Inn was its unique history as a grand house designed for entertaining.

Visit our favorite Brandon artists or our nearby covered bridges, or the birthplace of Stephen A Douglas and watch the video about Brandon’s role in the antislavery movement. With an enticing variety of art, antiques, bookstores and restaurants, plus outstanding nearby year-round recreation choices, Brandon, is the “talk of New England” and “the art and soul of Vermont.” Brandon is Unhurried, Unspoiled, and Unforgettable. Come discover Vermont with one our romantic Vermont getaway packages, or have a culinary class to remember at the Cafe Provence with the Vermont Chef of the Year. Please contact Shelly, the co owner of The Lilac Inn, to find out what makes it so special and romantic. She will be more than happy to help “walk” you through your whole event, including our Vermont custom destination wedding venue packages, including plated, buffet and station menu options, answer your questions and give references from past Vermont weddings. She also will be available for unlimited consultation throughout the wedding planning and personally supervise your wedding weekend.