The Scoop: Made INN Vermont is a laidback Victorian B&B that attracts many couples to Burlington, Vermont, to celebrate their relationships. Guests appreciate the inn’s intimacy, and it only has four rooms, so couples can receive personalized service and opportunities to connect with other travelers. In addition to spacious, relaxing rooms, prices include breakfast and many other amenities that help guests feel at home.
Linda Wolf never set out to be an innkeeper. But when she and her daughter spotted a stunning Victorian house in Burlington, Vermont, with a “For Sale by Owner” sign in the front yard, Linda’s daughter Shelly insisted she buy it.
That’s how Linda became the proud Owner and Designer of Made INN Vermont, a unique B&B where couples come for relaxing, refreshing getaways.
“Shelly is an awarding-winning artist, and it made sense. So, here I am, an innkeeper. I never planned to be,” Linda said.
As a new innkeeper, Linda set out to make the B&B’s rooms more appealing spaces where couples could celebrate their relationships. That’s why she designed each space with a modern, funky twist on Victorian-era style.
For instance, the inn’s living room retains the original fireplace and French doors but is painted in a slate gray and has graffiti-inspired paintings on the walls.
Linda also decorated Made INN Vermont with whimsical elements, including records, toys, books, and games. The inn offers a hot tub and serves a famous local IPAs — The Alchemist’s Heady Topper and Focal Banger — to guests when they arrive.
That differentiates Made INN Vermont from most other B&Bs in Burlington that are more formal and aim to faithfully recreate the period’s style. That is also why Made INN Vermont attracts a younger, more vibrant clientele.
Offering Quirky, Unusual Rooms
Linda’s unique design style is evident in each guest room at Made INN Vermont. The outside of the hotel maintains a traditional look, with a green, tan, and black trim. Inside, though, couples celebrating their relationships are in for a surprise. Each room includes wooden furniture in combination with modern touches, like colorful lighting under the bed.
Guests likely feel they’re staying at a contemporary inn more than a place with such a rich history.
“You can be more comfortable being loud than an average B&B. My stairs squeak, but the rooms are quiet,” Linda said with a laugh.
Each room is equipped with a restored 1960s teachers desk, a flat-screen television that includes HBO and Showtime, and even a record player.
“Our four rooms are insulated and designed for play and appreciation. We’re small, and that makes a difference in feeling like you have an intimate connection with somebody,” Linda said.
Guests also appreciate the architecture, both in the inn itself and in the neighborhood. Couples can walk to top-notch restaurants and breweries in the city’s downtown. The inn is a short distance away from the French eatery Bistro de Margot and a 45-minute drive to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream factory.
Rooms do not have private bathrooms but include shared restroom spaces down the hall. These bathrooms have claw-foot tubs and walk-in showers. Guests can also sit outside on the back patio in lounge chairs or take a walk around the neighborhood to take in the views.
“People like the casualness and the smallness. I used to have people who would want to take tours. It’s funky fun,” Linda told us.
Helping Guests Build Lasting Connections
The inn’s intimacy appeals to many couples. With only four rooms, guests often get to know each other — and the innkeeper — on a deeper level.
“My guests end up talking to each other about where they plan to go. Where they ate, where they hiked,” Linda said. “It’s a little less formal. That’s part of the deal. My guests talk more to each other than they do at average B&Bs.”
Those new relationships also add to the experience when couples visit to connect. If they’re celebrating a special occasion, Linda may even put balloons and a bottle of wine in their room.
Couples can relax without worrying about breakfast, drinks, snacks, and many other amenities that are included in the room price.
Guests offer high praise on many online review sites, including TripAdvisor.
“As soon as you walk in, you can’t help but be whisked away to another world with all the details that the Inn has. There is so much charm as well as no shortage of games and books to keep you busy. Between Linda and the two young ladies that helped make our stay comfy and cozy, our room was clean and tidy. The location of the bed and breakfast is fantastic for it’s not too far from downtown Burlington. And at the same time, it makes you feel like you’re tucked away in a charming neighborhood off the beaten path,” wrote one guest in a testimonial.
Another guest echoed that sentiment, adding:
“Linda and the entire staff are welcoming and provided many great suggestions for restaurants and other activities. The decor is fun and our room was quite comfortable, and the breakfasts, with food cooked to order, were wonderful. Best of all, they welcome dogs and treated our Dudley like a prince!”
Made INN Vermont: A Laid-Back, Historic Destination
Made INN Vermont is now getting booked up again after an extended period when many guests weren’t visiting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Linda is glad that her clientele is returning, especially now that she has magazine subscriptions for them.
“Wouldn’t you know, last year I ordered all the magazines you can think of,” Linda said with a laugh.
She also thinks vacationers are returning to the inn because they appreciate the cooked-to-order breakfast. She used to have specials each day, but now she finds that most guests like to tell the kitchen what they want. Many couples are also eating healthier than they once did.
“What kind of toast do you want? Do you want pancakes? My deep-dish French toast is not a big hit anymore,” said Linda.
Though she didn’t set out to be an innkeeper, Linda has found her niche. In addition to creating a funky atmosphere, she said that guests appreciate the laid-back attitude of the inn and staff.
“I’ve had people come see what we do so they can start their own business. They don’t know why we’re special, so they come to see. It’s our attitude. We do a nice job,” she said.
Couples choose Made INN Vermont because they’re looking for lodging that’s off the beaten path. Part of the appeal for couples celebrating their relationships is Linda herself. She likes having casual conversations with guests and makes them feel like old friends.
“I’m just delighted they chose us. That’s how I look at it. They read the reviews, and they have a feeling of what they’re coming into. They want to come and relax,” Linda said.
