about Kedron Valley Inn

A History Worth Staying For


As one of the most historic inns in Vermont’s Green Mountains, Kedron Valley Inn has a long and varied past. History lives throughout the property, from its original post-and-beam construction and antique furnishings to the stories that have shaped South Woodstock for more than two centuries.

In 1822, Richard Ransom, Jr. built a store for gristmill workers and mill owners in South Woodstock Village. Today, that building is the oldest structure in the Kedron Valley Inn complex and is home to Ransom Tavern. The building became an important gathering place for the community, serving as a social center and home to South Woodstock’s first post office.

In 1828, the Main House was constructed as a residence for the Ransom family. Known as the Ransom House, it was also used as an inn and tavern. The Federal-style building reflected the substantial architecture of the era and remains an important part of the property today.

In 1848, National Hall was built to connect the Main Building and Tavern Building. The large auditorium hosted dances, concerts, parties, debates, political meetings, and other community gatherings before eventually being lost in the early 1900s.

Through the early 1900s, the property was known as The Colonial Inn. Later, it became the Kedron Valley Inn, the name it carries today. From 1960 to 1985, the Inn was owned by Paul Kendall, an eighth-generation South Woodstock resident. During this period, the Log Lodge was added, a swimming and fishing pond was created, and the original Tavern Building was converted into guest rooms.

Today, Kedron Valley Inn continues the tradition of welcoming guests to South Woodstock while preserving the historic character of the property and its surrounding grounds.

Key Timeline Dates

  • Colorized vintage postcard of a large, multi-story white house with red brick sections, green and white striped awnings, and a wraparound porch at Colonial Inn in South Woodstock, Vermont, surrounded by a garden and a dirt pathway.

    1828

    The Main House is constructed as the Ransom family residence and is also used as an inn and tavern.

    (Picture: Postcard drawing circa 1912 depicts family residence later operated as the Colonial Inn).

  • Group of people standing on the porch of the Kedron Valley Inn, a white historic building with columns and a porch. They are engaging in conversation and holding props, with some painting supplies and buckets on the steps in front of them. The scene has trees and a vintage yellow car in the background.

    1848

    National Hall is built, connecting the Main Building and Tavern Building. The National Hall was a large auditorium where dances, concerts, parties, debates, political meetings, and many other activities were held.

  • A black and white photo of a waterfront scene at the Colonial Inn in South Woodstock, Vermont, featuring buildings, trees, and a small boat near the shore.

    Early 1900's

    The property operates as The Colonial Inn.

  • Man standing next to a sign for Kedron Valley Inn, 1828, in a grassy area with trees in the background.

    Mid-20th Century

    The property becomes Kedron Valley Inn, owned by Paul Kendall.

  • Two children wearing life jackets and caps are swimming in a lake during a sunny day, with a forested shoreline and partly cloudy sky in the background.

    1960–1985

    Under Paul Kendall’s ownership, the Log Lodge and swimming/fishing pond are added, and the Tavern Building (Main Building) is converted into guest rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your stay at Kedron Valley Inn.

  • Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM!

  • There is limited cellular reception in South Woodstock. We do offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi to all our Inn guests.

  • Yes! We love furry friends at the Kedron Valley Inn. All of the rooms in our Log Lodge are pet-friendly. We charge $70 per night per pet for cleaning. You can view our full [Pet Policy] here.

  • Yes! We are a family-run inn and all of our rooms are kid-friendly. Children at the pond under the age of 14 must be under adult supervision.

  • Yes, some of the rooms in our Log Lodge are adjoining. If you are booking online, please call our front desk at (802) 457-1473 to request adjoining rooms.

  • Enjoy outdoor recreation, explore the shops and covered bridges of nearby Woodstock, or visit local stables for horseback riding. South Woodstock and the surrounding Green Mountains offer plenty of opportunities to explore throughout the year.

  • The pond is open, weather permitting, from June through September. It is open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

  • Kedron Valley Inn has roots dating back to 1822, when the oldest building in the present-day Inn complex was constructed. The property has served as a community gathering place, store, inn, tavern, and home throughout its history.

  • Yes. With its historic character, peaceful Green Mountain setting, cozy accommodations, and on-site dining, Kedron Valley Inn offers a memorable setting for a romantic Vermont getaway.

  • Travelers who cancel 2 weeks or more before 11:59 PM EST on the day of check-in are charged no fee. Travelers who cancel less than 2 weeks before 11:59 PM EST on the day of check-in will be charged the full stay amount.

Discover South Woodstock

Set in Vermont’s Green Mountains, Kedron Valley Inn offers a peaceful escape surrounded by the natural beauty and small-town charm of South Woodstock. Spend your days exploring nearby trails, covered bridges, local shops, outdoor recreation, and the surrounding villages, then return to the Inn to relax and unwind.