Josh and Andrew Jonestein cut the ribbon at the reopening of the Green Trails Inn and launch of the Pond Village Pub in Brookfield, Vermont. Photo by Bailey Masi-Wood
Vermont Business Magazine After years of restoration, the historic Green Trails Inn has officially reopened under the stewardship of Josh and Andrew Jonestein, marking the return of a cherished Brookfield landmark and the debut of its newly imagined Pond Village Pub.
Set against the backdrop of Sunset Lake and Brookfield’s famous Floating Bridge, the Green Trails Inn now stands renewed, a blend of history preserved and hospitality reimagined. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on the inn’s front porch, drew neighbors, friends, and local craftspeople who each had a hand in bringing the property back to life.
“This has been a labor of love, not just ours but the town’s,” said co-owner Josh Jonestein. “So many neighbors have stepped in to help, share their history, or lend their skills. That’s what has made this project special. It’s been a collective effort to bring something meaningful back to the community.”
Restoring a Piece of Vermont History
Built in 1840 by local leader Marcus Peck and converted into an inn in 1932 by Professor Jessie Fiske, Green Trails Inn has long been a fixture of Brookfield’s identity. Vacant since 2019, the property required extensive work to meet modern codes while maintaining its historic integrity.
The Jonesteins’ renovation celebrates that heritage. They exposed and added post-and-beam framing, restored original wide-plank pine floors with square nails, and selected historically accurate paint colors both inside and out. One guest room even features a traditional limewash plaster finish, a nod to timeless New England craftsmanship.
Local collaboration defined every phase. Neighbor Ted Elzy custom-milled and installed new porch corbels, plinth blocks, and stair spindles to match original designs. Across the lake, Becky Watson of Lotus Lake Camp contributed antique china, copper warming pans, and artwork once displayed in the beloved Fork Shop restaurant. Mason Brad Dowen has completed a stone patio and walkway using locally sourced fieldstone, creating a seamless connection between the inn, its gardens, and the lake beyond.
The surrounding landscape reflects a similar spirit. Designed by Colleen Casimira, a Pond Village neighbor, the new cottage garden features pollinator-friendly and native plants chosen to reflect the seasonal charm of Vermont innkeeping.
The Pond Village Pub: A Fresh Take on Vermont Hospitality
Adjacent to the inn, the Pond Village Pub offers a relaxed gathering place for locals and travelers alike, a cozy English-inspired pub with a focus on fresh, locally sourced fare.
The Jonesteins are collaborating with Mary Claire Britton, a chef, food stylist, and recipe developer whose work has appeared in Food & Wine, Allrecipes, and Real Simple, to shape the menu around seasonal Vermont ingredients. Dishes will showcase comfort and creativity, balanced with simplicity and warmth.
In a touching full-circle moment, Andrew Doerfer, son of the late cookbook author Jane Doerfer, who is the previous owner of the inn and penned The Victory Garden Cookbook, now serves as the inn’s in-house baker, preparing fresh bagels, and breads each weekend morning.
“We’re excited to share this next chapter,” said Andrew Jonestein. “Our goal is simple, to create a comfortable, welcoming space that celebrates local food, Vermont craftsmanship, and community.”
Preservation, Community, and Renewal
What began as a renovation has grown into something more — a grassroots preservation effort grounded in community pride. Neighbors have painted, planted, milled, and shared stories, ensuring that Green Trails Inn remains what it has always been: a gathering place for Brookfield and beyond.
For updates, menus, and reservations, visit www.GreenTrailsInn.com or follow @GreenTrailsInnVT on social media.
Brookfield, VT (October 2025) — Green Trails Inn
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