Enchant Yourself at Millstone Hill

For many of us, there’s a particular memory of childhood summer vacation that we long to revisit, if we could buy a bottle of it and just open it up from time to time. The smell, and the sense, of a peaceful place where magic seemed just around the corner. For me, it’s a family vacation many years ago on Bear Island in Lake Winnipesaukee, at a camp that my father had also vacationed at more prolifically than I did, over many years of his own childhood.

I hadn’t really thought about the strange magic of that place nor of the wonderful sense of the lake and the smell of all the cedar and pine for a long time, until I set foot on Millstone Hill’s grounds for the first time last year.

Photo credit: Jamie Proctor-Brassard of Letter10 Creative

I’ve since made pretty much every excuse I can to visit Pierre Couture and Frankie Brassard at Millstone Hill. A multipurpose event space close by to the granite quarries in Barre, Millstone Hill quickly offers as much potential for magic as your favorite orphaned wizard children’s book. A charming pond-side garden looks out over a breathtaking view, and the property offers three separate buildings each with something unique.

The largest event space is in the Celebration Barn, which features high ceilings and gorgeous old beams, with historical windows Pierre has appropriated from churches of Southern New England. These are not the only vintage finds he’s cleverly tucked into the various eaves and crannies of the property, adding to the sense of something mystic afoot. Adjacent the event space is the bustling five bedroom Farmhouse; just up the road is the Adirondack-style Lodge which can be rented out entirely to accommodate a large family during a wedding or used for a private event itself.

Photo credit: Jamie Proctor-Brassard of Letter10 Creative

Pierre’s family took possession of the property in the 1930s, working in the quarries and gradually expanding the farm they created on the land. The original farm is now part of the Vermont Land Trust.

Business owner Pierre Couture

The nearby Millstone Trails continue the sense of wonder that Pierre provokes on the property. Those who have hiked these know exactly what I’m talking about—a series of brilliant and easy hikes are accompanied by breathtaking views of the granite quarries and one show-stopping vista. The trails are also peppered with signs detailing the history you encounter while walking. Pierre created the signage and the trail network over a 25-year period, clearing what had once been quarry roads and rail beds. But the absolute best part of the trails is something that will truly delight a visitor aged 5 to 95: secret, special carvings, sculptures and offerings, both found and created, in the granite alongside the walk.

Photo credit: Jamie Proctor-Brassard of Letter10 Creative

For the past decade, this special space has been home to RockFire, a gathering which celebrates the past and present of granite work. Artists, sculptors, and families gather along a two-mile portion of the historic quarry setting to celebrate with luminaries and watch live music drawing from the diverse cultural heritage that the quarries have always been a home to.

Photo credit: Jamie Proctor-Brassard of Letter10 Creative

Summer 2022 saw six weddings at Millstone Hill, and that many are already booked for 2023. Millstone Hill also hosts smaller events such as Celebrations of Life, wedding or baby showers, and meetings at their enchanting location. Visit their website or email Frankie and Pierre directly to discuss.