Up above the clouds on the hilltops of Vermont is an eponymous property.
Nestled among the Green Mountains of the region is Above the Clouds in Stowe, Vermont.
At US$9.95 million, the property is the most expensive in the town, near the Canadian border in the north-eastern neck of the United States.
Built on Stowe's highest point in the Green Mountains on a rock ledge over 6.1 hectares, the property is literally above the clouds on some mornings, according to Christie's, where it is listed.
The approach to the property is through a pass similar to a canyon, to enhance the feeling of living in the middle of nature. Designed by Stowe's architect GA McDermott and the owners, the pictures of Above of Clouds show a shining facade as the sun falls on its white marble from Danby, Vermont. The marble, known for its light veining, was also used in the construction of the White House.
The property's roof tiles are 80 years old, recycled from a hospital in Staten Island, New York.
The hand-craved wood doors lead to the foyer and a dining gallery with marbled floor and cathedral skylight, a suspended staircase and Phantom chandelier.
The three-level house towers above the grounds with views of the surrounding hilltops and valleys. It covers 1,670 square metres with its two wings spreading out from a main area comprising a kitchen, dining hall and living room. The house has four bedrooms and nine full baths.
While the east wing is dedicated to the master suite with a sitting area, exercise room and a bath made from Statuario marble, the west wing has a more official look. It has a black-walnut lined library, offices, a laundry room and a three-car garage.
The upper levels offer views of the mountains as far away as New Hampshire.
Q&A
What do the upper levels of Above the Clouds offer?
The second level comes with two bedrooms overlooking the Ranch Valley to the south. A separate apartment has a family room with kitchen, dining area and a bath. The mezzanine floor is complete with a games room with a marble fireplace and an indoor swimming pool with a spa and waterfall. The house also comes with large windows to maximise the views of the surrounding valleys and landscape.
What outdoor attractions are there in Stowe?
Hiking, rock climbing and skiing are popular in the area. The town hosts a balloon festival each summer. In the third week of September it holds a British Invasion week, which is a car show rather than a political affair. The event showcases British automobiles and this year it is expected to feature Jaguar and Land Rover. The area’s Stowe Theater Guild, Hyde Park Opera House and Waterbury Festival Playhouse offer plays in the summertime.
Any other places of interest in the area?
Mount Mansfield, highest peak in the Green Mountains and the highest in the state, is an ideal hiking destination. And the 1,000-hectare Trapp Family Lodge is a popular mountain resort owned by the von Trapp family, whose story inspired The Sound of Music. The family made the land their home upon settling in the United States after their escape from Austria during the Second World War. Their original home was burnt down in 1980 and replaced with a new 96-room resort.