Back in the late 1950s and 60s, this sprawling stone mansion in Vermont, USA counted author Ian Fleming as one of its esteemed guests. The creator of James Bond spent summers at the striking residence, drawing inspiration for several 007 spy novels, including Diamonds Are Forever, Goldfinger, and For Your Eyes Only.
And now, the 8,154 square foot property named Black Hole Hollow Farm is on the market for $3,950,000. Appealing to more than just James Bond fans, the seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom home is set on 228 acres of mature gardens, and borders state and national forest. Interwoven throughout the well-kept grounds are walking and riding trails – keep an eye out for the on-site ponds and waterfalls.
Black Hole Hollow Farm: An exceptional estate
Dating back to 1772, the house was expanded by eminent architect Jerome Cerny in the 1930s. Dedicated to designing for the wealthiest of clients, his tagline was: “Creating a new-age home within an old-world image; embracing the past with a view toward the future.”
Fast forward to the present day, and the décor is classic and refined, with bright colors covering the walls, patterned fabrics, and original features such as wooden beams and fireplaces. Each room is individual, from the grandiose living room and downstairs bedrooms opening onto the verdant grounds, to the master suite with access to a quaint walled garden.
The next proprietor will also delight in an attached annex, a heated greenhouse, and a vegetable garden. Over the years, many have scribbled in the guest register, reveling in the estate’s beauty and tranquility. Josephine Hartford Bryce – heiress of grocery store chain A&P – once owned the property, and her suave husband Ivar was rumored to be the inspiration for Bond.
Characterful villages of New England
Located in Vermont – a New England state – the idyllic area surrounding Black Hole Hollow Farm is both peaceful and full of history. No state carries with it more images of idyllic villages clustered around their white church with its tall spire.
Manchester in Vermont, the United States
Manchester is just a 20-minute drive away from the estate: tucked in the Battenkill Valley, the enchanting town is a place to soak up the unique Southern Vermont culture. It’s also a top spot for museums, galleries, and independent restaurants.
Northeast is Weston, an unspoiled village with a picturesque green and bandstand at its center. Home to an old-fashioned country store, a red mill with a water wheel, and the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company, there’s charm and well-preserved heritage aplenty.
An hour eastwards is Chester, best-known for Stone Village and Chester Village – both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And if you head northwards for 30 minutes you’ll reach the hills of Bennington County and Dorset, where the oldest marble quarry in the country lies. Grafton is also worth a visit, with first-rate examples of New England colonial architecture.
Glorious Green Mountains and all-season resorts
An hour’s drive from Albany international airport, the estate is also close to thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Springs and within easy reach of ski resorts of Green Mountains.
Part of the Appalachian system, the Green Mountains cover 402 kilometers and run from north to south through the state. Noted for their scenic beauty, many peaks tower above 900 meters. And so, if you like to get out and about on a set of skis or a board, Vermont is the place for you.
The property features scenic views over Green Mountain National Forest.
An hour and a half northwards is Killington – the area encompasses six peaks and is nicknamed ‘The Beast of the East’. As well as quality snow and runs, the resort is also known for its bustling nightlife.
Okemo is just an hour away, and the best place in Vermont to take kids skiing. Mount Snow is close by, too – head there for well-groomed trails and superior terrain parks. Further afield but still reachable are Stowe, Sugarbush, Jay Peak, and Smugglers Notch.
But the region isn’t just a winter hotspot. Come spring and summer, there’s lake swimming, farmers’ markets, and fly fishing to enjoy. And up in Killington is the Beast Mountain Coaster, a 4,800-foot-long thriller.
