Do you love being by the lake? Are you looking for a wedding venue that provides a beautiful blank canvas you can transform into your wedding vision? Are you looking forward to relaxing on your wedding weekend with loved ones? If you answered yes, you’re going to love today’s venue spotlight on An Affair by the Lake. This unique property in Addison Vermont is located on Lake Champlain and combines the charm of a historic Victorian inn with picturesque lake views. Owner Loraine sat down with us to share more about this gorgeous, unique property.
The space: What’s the vibe?
Imagine a relaxed, lakeside venue that’s elegant but unfussy with spectacular views.
The ceremony gazebo overlooks the lake and majestic Adirondack Mountains, which play host to spectacular sunsets. A spacious lawn provides lots of room for lawn games and cocktail hour lakeside. The original post and beam barn, while only suitable as storage, provides a rustic, authentically-Vermont backdrop for photos. Just beyond the barn, receptions can be hosted under a tent.
The amenities: What’s Included?
Couples can make use of the full property (grounds, lakefront, historic Victorian home) for 3 days. Our stunning lakeside gazebo provides the perfect backdrop for your ceremony. Couples rent their reception tent (we can fit one up to 200 guests) and a luxury restroom trailer.
We also provide onsite lodging for up to 8 guests in the gorgeous Victorian home, where the wedding party can also get ready in grand style the morning of the wedding. And, speaking of the wedding morning, we provide a mini brunch for houseguests!
We offer partial planning services and full day-of coordination. This includes finding vendors best suited to you, as well as creating layouts, timelines, task checklists, and an overall comprehensive wedding plan. You are not on your own, we are with you every step of the way! Our clients value their time, and love that we can take so much off their plate. Plus, our help means our clients can relax and focus on each other and those nearest and dearest on the weekend of their wedding.
The area: What is there to do in the local area?
The charming towns of Middlebury and Vergennes are both about 15 minutes away, and offer eclectic shops, amazing restaurants (which are perfect for off-site rehearsal dinners), wineries and microbreweries. And we’re only 45 minutes from Burlington.
Whether you’re looking for an early morning run or a more leisurely walk, step off the property and onto the new, spectacular Lake Champlain Bridge to explore the hiking trails and scenic views at the Crown Point Historic Site just across the bridge in NY. If you prefer a little more of a hiking challenge, Snake Mountain Trail is 10 minutes away and provides breathtaking views of the lake and Champlain Valley.
You can also find great golfing nearby at Basin Harbor Club, Ralph Myhre Golf Course at Middlebury College, or challenging mini golf just down the road.
The history: Does the property have a rich history?
The Victorian home was originally built in 1873 and we’ve been lovingly restoring it over the past 20 years, balancing historic charm with updated styling. The property’s massive cottonwood tree, at approximately 200 years old, is the second largest cottonwood in Vermont.
Three rapid fire questions:
Favorite moment during a wedding: When the processional music starts and the walk down the aisle begins. This never stops being emotional and heart-stopping!
Favorite thing to do in VT: Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, skiing, anything outdoors!
Best advice for couples: Take time to enjoy the journey towards your wedding day, and especially the day-of. All of it will fly by, so don’t waste precious time getting caught up in the small stuff. At the end of the day, you will be married, and you’ll be surprised how many of the little details you fretted over really didn’t matter. And do yourself a huge favor, have a day-of coordinator so you can really relax and fully enjoy the day!
Thank you, Lorraine! Learn more about An Affair by the Lake in the vendor guide.
