Siblings Renovate Vermont Fixer-Upper

Three siblings have purchased a fixer-upper home in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom with the goal of creating a shared vacation property. The decision to buy followed a three-year search for a suitable home in New England, driven by a desire to continue a family tradition of shared second homes. The property, located deep in the woods, requires significant renovations including the installation of staircases and electricity. Because all three owners have full-time jobs and live between four and seven hours away, progress has been gradual. Renovation tasks have included clearing the house, installing insulation, and taking quotes for solar panels. While the process involves bickering and logistical challenges, the siblings remain committed to the project. They hope to have the home ready for weekend guests within two years and envision it as a place for family gatherings and quiet reflection.

The decision to purchase a property together originated in 2022. The siblings grew up with a second home that served as a vacation house and a source of rental income for their parents. Motivated by the desire to continue this tradition, they began a search for a property in New England that would not be too far from their respective homes.

To streamline the purchasing process, the group established specific rules. These requirements included:

• At least one sibling would need to view the property in person.
• At least two siblings would have to agree to the purchase.
• The property needed to remain within their budget.

After three years of searching, they settled on a fixer-upper in Vermont. The home is described as being tucked deep in the woods and nearly impossible to find. It is a three-story structure that currently lacks interior staircases and electricity.

The renovation process has been described as time-consuming. The speed of progress is impacted by the fact that all three siblings maintain full-time jobs. Additionally, the property is located between four and seven hours away from their current residences. Despite these logistical hurdles, the siblings have managed to complete several tasks.

Completed renovations include:

• Clearing out the house.
• Installing insulation.
• Creating signs to mark the hidden road and driveway.
• Starting to take quotes for solar panels.

The brother has been the most frequent visitor, handling contractor meetings and mowing a path through the overgrown grass. When all three siblings are present, the dynamic can be tense. The eldest sibling tends to take on a project-manager role, creating to-do lists and asking questions, while the sister often mediates disputes. Arguments have occurred over various issues, including the disposal of previous owners' possessions and the placement of a key lock box.

Looking ahead, the siblings have distinct goals for the property. The brother originally hoped the home would be mostly livable by the end of the year, but the need to install staircases and fix the electricity makes that timeline unlikely. However, the eldest sibling hopes that within two years, the home will be presentable enough to invite guests for weekend stays.

The ultimate vision is for the house to serve as a shared refuge. The siblings imagine it as a backdrop for long summer weekends, big dinners with family and friends, and quiet mornings. Specific hopes include taking long walks with their dogs and having a place where their children can run barefoot in the grass. The project is viewed as a way to catch their breath when the world feels overwhelming.

Purchasing a fixer-upper in Vermont has been a significant undertaking for the three siblings. While the house lacks basic amenities like electricity and staircases, the group has already made tangible progress through clearing and insulation work. Despite the distance and the demands of their full-time careers, the siblings value the journey they are taking together. They remain optimistic that the property will eventually become a cherished family destination.