This secluded lakefront property is a great example of Champlain Island homes with the best of both worlds! Pristine Lake Champlain frontage coupled with complete privacy from the partially wooded 1.4 acre lot. The 250ft of west facing, gradual, shale beach is easily accessible and includes breathtaking sunsets over Sister Islands and the Adirondacks. (This home is NOT for sale)

First impressions are everything and the exterior of a home can set the tone for a potential buyer. Whether you're thinking of putting your home on the market or trying to spruce up the exterior of your home for the summer, these small changes can have a big impact.

1. Maintain Your Landscaping

Make sure to regularly prune any shrubs against and around your home. As they become overgrown they can block your windows. This trick will also help to showcase your windows and allow more natural light to shine through. Another tip is to keep an eye on the landscaping leading up to the house. Dig out or cut back any species that might be overflowing onto your walkway.

2. Freshen Up Your Front Door

Throw a fresh coat of paint on your front door to drastically improve the appeal of your home from a distance. Maintenance is often required with painted doors, so whether you're touching up an existing color or introducing a vibrant new hue both will achieve a sought after exterior appearance. Also, consider hanging a seasonal wreath or adding a couple of planters onto the front porch or the steps.

3. Hide Unnecessary Clutter

An easy way to spruce up your front yard is to remove items that are not necessarily meant to be on display. Relocate your gadgets and equipment such as any tools, lawnmowers, or toys that may be laying around in plain sight. While tidying up outside, take the time to clean out your gutters. This chore is not only important to clean them for the exterior, but also for your home’s general maintenance.

These 3 tips will help spruce up the exterior of your home for summer or to get it ready to sell! If you would like a professional opinion of ways to improve your home please contact us for a personal home consultation with no cost or obligation.

This year- round energy efficient wood frame modular did not last long on the market! This hidden home went under contract in March and was built in 2016! Located on a dead end private road with 4 acres and 127 ft of lakeshore on Pelot's Bay. The modern interior features an open kitchen and living area with 8 x 3 kitchen island, maple floors, and updated appliances. The kitchen/living room has 9 foot ceilings and is framed by wood laminate beams, floor to ceiling glass and includes two sets of sliding doors to the Lakeside deck. (This home is UNDER CONTRACT.)

 

The Champlain Islands boast small-town rural charm with breathtaking scenery and are located conveniently close to the lively cities of Montreal, Quebec and Burlington, Vermont. Its incomparable state parks, close-knit community and countless outdoor activities make the Champlain Islands region a wonderful place to enjoy year-round or seasonally. Check out these 10 must see places that are frequented by folks visiting and the local Islanders themselves! 

1. Island Line Trail 

The Island Line Trail is a 14-mile trail that spans across Lake Champlain from Colchester to South Hero. Part of the Burlington Bike Path, this is a can't miss activity when visiting the Champlain Islands Area. Hop on the Bike Ferry from South Hero to cut across the 200 ft gap in the causeway. Walk, run, or bike the beautiful and historic path while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and the Adirondacks. 

2. South Street, South Hero

Just 20 minutes from Burlington, South Hero's South Street has lots to offer making it the perfect place to explore! First, make sure to stop at Champlain Islands Candy Lab to grab a sweet treat and then head across the street to browse the jewels at Silver by Tish. South Street is also home to two very well-known family owned apple orchards, Hacketts and Allenholm. 

3. The Snow Farm Vineyard

Located in South Hero, Vermont, Snow Farm is a beautiful winery with stunning views. Stop in for a tasting or enjoy your vino outside by the vineyards. Additionally, they have a Summer Concert Series every Thursday evening with live music, local food trucks, and of course, wine! 

4. Bird House Forest

Don't forget your camera when visiting the Bird House Forest at White's Beach! You will find vibrant birdhouses scattered amongst the trees as far as the eye can see.

 

5. Champlain Islands Farmer's Market

Support local Island vendors, makers, and farmers who all gather twice a week throughout the summer and into the early fall months! On Wednesday's the evening farmer's market is located at Saint Rosa Lima Church in South Hero from 3 to 6pm. The Saturday market can be found at Saint Joseph's Church in Grand Isle typically from 10am to 2pm. 

6. Hyde Log Cabin

New England’s oldest standing log cabin, the Hyde Log Cabin, is a historical sight to see! Located in the heart of Grand Isle on U.S. Route 2 and is open on weekends during the months May through October. 

7. North Hero Village

The picturesque North Hero Village is located directly on City Bay of Lake Champlain and hosts a variety of shopping and dining options. The village is home to popular destinations such as Hero's Welcome General Store, The North Hero House Inn & Restaurant, Kraemer & Kin Brewery, and Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant!

8. Alburgh Dunes State Park 

Alburgh Dunes is one of the most beautiful natural sand beaches in the Champlain Islands and one of the longest beaches in Vermont! This park offers crystal clear water making for the perfect day trip to be enjoyed by all ages! 

9. Saint Anne's Shrine 

On the shores of Lake Champlain in Isle La Motte, the Saint Anne's Shrine is a very peaceful setting. This location is full of history it's a great place to explore the grounds, take time to reflect, or have a picnic by the water! 

10. Fisk Quarry Preserve

The Fisk Quarry is a part of the Chazy Fossil Reef, and is now recognized as a National Natural Landmark. This beautiful scenic area is located on Isle La Motte's West Shore Road where you will be able to find some of the oldest fossils in the world!

The beautiful landscape of close-knit communities, history, and countless places to explore are why so many are grateful to call this Island Paradise home! Thinking of making a move? Learn more about Life In The Champlain Islands or to begin your property search browse available homes in the Champlain Islands.

Source of all Images: Coldwell Banker Islands Realty

Looking to make your Vermont home more eco-friendly? There are many updates and changes you can make in your home to help you achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. Some of these changes not only will lower your energy costs but can also increase the value of your home.

1. Switch out your Light Bulbs

Swap your incandescent light bulbs for LED light bulbs. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional lights! These are more efficient and they will end up saving you money in the long run.

2. Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

Whether it’s your washer or refrigerator replacing outdated appliances with a newer more efficient model will help cut your home's energy consumption. However, finding the right model can be overwhelming. We recommend browsing online on Efficieny Vermont where they compare products and help you get the best deal!

3. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

If purchasing a new washer and dryer isn’t in your budget, you can still cut your energy use with the products already in the home. According to energy star, by adjusting your cycle temperature from hot to warm you can cut the energy use in half. Additionally, switching to the cold cycle will decrease the energy use even further! After washing your garments, consider skipping the dryer and line drying your clothes to help reduce even more.

4. Insulate Walls, Ceilings, and Doors 

Make sure your home is sealed tight to retain heat in the winter and keep hot air out of the home during the warmer months. This, in turn, will help decrease the energy used to heat and cool your home throughout the year which will decrease those associated costs as well! 

5. Compost

The average family produces about 18 pounds of trash a day which adds up to 6,570 pounds of trash a year! If you are composting you will help to decrease the amount of solid waste your household generates. If you live in Vermont, then you should have already hopped on the composting bandwagon. However, if you need assistance on how to compost the Vermont Department of Energy Conservation has a great guide on the do's and don'ts of composting. 

6. Install Solar Panels

While these can be costly solar panels will be the most effective to combat greenhouse gas emissions. In Vermont, the solar prices are down 45% over the past 5 years! Plus, to help offset costs you can get a 26% federal tax credit for projects that begin before 2023. 

7. Use Eco-Friendly Household Products 

Try using green plant-based products and eco-friendly paint to reduce the release of toxins that pollute the air pollution. We recommend using databases such as the EPA Safer Choice Program to see how your current household products size up and to search for new cleaner products.

 

Making these lifestyle changes and upgrades to your home will help immensely to reduce your carbon footprint. These improvements will also increase your home's value which will put you in a great position when you decide to sell your home!