As avid skiers, Boston-based interior designer Jess Klein and her husband always loved the idea of purchasing a Vermont getaway. They knew they’d utilize a weekend retreat year-round, hitting the slopes in the winter and exploring the verdant woods in the summer, so it seemed like a good investment too. But it wasn’t until Jess’s father-in-law decided to retire in 2017 that the couple took the leap and bought a place.
“We thought it might be a good opportunity to look for a home that he could live in and help care for, and we would come up to visit,” Jess explains. “We found this three-bedroom, two-bathroom that was perfect. And the location is really great. We’re in Quechee, right near what we call a ‘ski hill.’ I don’t know if they consider it a mountain, but it’s been perfect for our two kiddos to learn how to ski.”
Skiing and hiking kept Jess and her family occupied until they were ready to renovate the 1973 midcentury-modern abode, which was clearly in need of a refresh. After living with the cramped layout and outdated finishes for a few years, Jess was able to thoughtfully devise a plan for the overhaul.
The project finally happened in 2021—and it was worth the wait. To maximize function, Jess expanded the kitchen, reoriented the island, and moved the dining area into part of the living room. Aesthetically, she opted for a contemporary mountain vibe, with crisp white walls, a plaster fireplace, exposed wood storage, and a reeded walnut island to highlight the original mahogany trim. The result is a skier’s oasis.