Do you envision breathtaking mountain views when you think of your wedding day? Have you been looking for a wedding venue that provides a stunning, blank canvas you can use to bring your DIY vision to life? Are you hoping to host close family members and friends on-site for a quintessential Vermont wedding weekend? Wild Sugar Homestead in beautiful Newbury, Vermont checks all of those boxes (and so much more!)
Tucked away in Orange County, the Homestead boasts the most beautiful sweeping views of the White Mountains and historic charm. It’s the perfect for couples looking for a quiet venue in the Vermont countryside with freedom to bring their wildest dreams to life.
Owners Erik and Hallie (who just so happened to get married there themselves this past summer!) sat down with us to share more about their beautiful and one-of-a-kind Vermont property.
The space: What’s the vibe?
Wild Sugar Homestead is a bucolic Vermont dreamland!
Wild Sugar Homestead, which includes a large main house, party barn, and a converted milk house, sits on 70 acres of pure Vermont magic. With views of the White Mountains from Washington to Moosilauke, an apple orchard that overlooks the pond, and beautiful scatterings of carefully chosen plants (by nature or us!) all around you, it is hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere else while you are at Wild Sugar.
The house mirrors the landscape – there’s something to see and nooks to explore everywhere. The first walk-through is like being guided through a maze of Vermont “I Spy” items. 200 year old posts and beams? Check. Hand planed floorboards? Check. Copper tub? Check. Hand-cut nails? Check. Once you’re acquainted with the maze, there is a charming homeyness to the sprawl of the house. If the living room is too noisy (or not noisy enough) you can head to the den and hang out there. If the main kitchen is at capacity, there is another kitchen upstairs waiting for you. Wild Sugar not only has the ability to sleep 16, it has the ability for 16 people to live there for the duration of the wedding weekend without that claustrophobic feeling.
If you have more than 16 folks that you’d like to be on the property for the weekend, we have you covered. We have an almost unlimited capacity for tent campers in our backfield, just a 1-minute walk from the main house and party barn.
Additionally, the milk house which is right off of the barn, has been converted into a space to hang out with a small group and have a drink. It can also be used as a bedroom space where your 2 most introverted friends can stay (dibs on the milk house is a real thing).
The party barn is, as described, a great place to party. It has five “windows” cut into the south and west-facing walls that let in the breeze and some of the most golden mountain light we have ever seen. It can accommodate small dinners (under 90), dancing for up to 200, and it makes a great place to have a ceremony in the event of rain.
You can have your ceremony anywhere you’d like at Wild Sugar, but we have two main sites that are hard to beat. Site one is the mountain view. The highest point on property is an amazing place to take in the White Mountains. If mountains are your thing, this view will leave your mouth permanently agape. Plus, the walk up the field to the high point is so dreamy! Site two is the pond view. Nestled right in our old variety apple orchard and only a hundred feet from the house, this a great spot for a late summer / early fall wedding. Plus, it allows greater ease of access for folks with mobility issues.
The amenities: What’s included?
- You will have complete access to the entire property and grounds for the duration of your stay. This includes lodging for 16 and unlimited tent camping (perfect for summer weddings!) We also offer flexible reservations; typically Friday through Sunday, but can also accommodate at least Wednesday through Sunday. Wild Sugar Homestead offers a variety of flexible packages to truly make your weekend unique. Think: design help, Sunday brunch, staff for the day of your wedding, a smoker/grill that can feed 200, pick your own flowers- and more!
The area: What is there to do during your stay?
Newbury is an incredible small town with a charming small town vibe to match. You are going to have to drive 30+ minutes for the big breweries and nightlife, but you only have to walk out the door to have access to Tucker Mountain Town Forest and its extensive trail system and 360-degree views of the White’s and Green’s. You only have to drive 8 minutes down the hill to spend some time with our friends at 4 Corners Farm (the best strawberries you have ever had, period.) You only have to drive 5 minutes to take a dip or go for a paddle in Hall’s Lake. And, you only have to drive 10 minutes to be in the charming little downtown of Bradford where you can get a coffee and anything else you need for your weekend. We love the liveliness of towns like Stowe or Burlington, but that’s not us. It’s quiet here, and it’s lovely.
The history: What’s the property’s story?
Wild Sugar Homestead was re-built in 1971 by Ray Clarke as his family home. Ray went on to have a very successful career renovating homes using reclaimed materials and 100+ year old building practices, which is exactly what he did at Wild Sugar. In fact, he made Better Home and Garden’s list of Top 10 Contractors in the U.S!
Also, while we (Hallie and Erik) are the owners of Wild Sugar, we were also the very first clients!
After our wedding, all we can really say is that spending a few days with your favorite people while you all do things in preparation for your wedding is like the greatest gigantic bear hug you could ever receive. It made every detail have purpose and every thought intentional. While it might seem like a lot of work, we would never do it any other way. Thank you to our loved ones for chipping in, it truly was the greatest part of our wedding.
Thank you, Hallie and Erik! Learn more about Wild Sugar Homestead in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.
