Gathering Inn At Hancock

The host Kathleen was a bit strange, for sure, but she was nice enough. After being on trail for days and days, it doesn't take a lot to be what we needed. The room we stayed in for the night was basic and bare, and smelled like the chicken yard, and the bathroom was shared with her and a bit dirty. There's no laundry available, though there is wifi. Kathleen also picked us up and dropped us off at the trailhead, which was very nice. Some of the people renting rooms from her were super creepy and hit on my friend in stalker kinds of ways. Additionally, the house water wasn't safe to drink so we had to drink warm water from gallon jugs.

I stayed here for 10 weeks in the fall/winter of 2017 while on a travel nurse contract. For a number of reasons I've been hesitating to write a review. Mainly (and selfishly) I didn't want to participate in increasing any traffic to this special place where I hope to always find an available room. The Gathering Inn is a quiet place tucked between the Green Mountains in the quaint little village of Hancock. You can't find a better location. The Inn is situated where the breathtaking Middlebury Gap (VT 125) and VT's scenic 100 meet. You have access to endless beautiful trails to hike for example: Texas Falls or the Robert Frost Interpretative Trail. Cross country skiing at Rikert Nordic Center or alpine skiing at the Middlebury College Snow Bowl are just a few quick miles away. All in all it was a magical experience! The Gathering Inn's host Kathleen has created an exceptional place. Coffee in the backyard with the Inn's guard ducks and chickens while surrounded by the Green Mountains with sound of the White River in the background is a singular experience and one I dearly miss. Reflecting on my time there brings me much happiness and joy and I hope to return soon.

I stayed here for one month, late November to late December 2014. I don't know if Kathleen is still taking boarders, but it was boarders and overnighters at the time.

This place does not operate as a proper housing provider, relying only on verbal agreements instead of formal leases, which results in favoritism for those who can negotiate or voice objections. Additionally, the landlord is intrusive, anxious, and lacks respect for people's rights and well-being. She tends to pry into tenants' lives and exploits the fact that many cannot afford legal recourse. The environment feels like a mix of public assistance recipients and an unlicensed senior care facility. If you can find an apartment nearby, it might be a better option, but that's not a long-term solution, and those tenants are unlikely to leave anytime soon. Kathleen has developed a negative reputation locally, known for her double standards and troubling behavior, as well as her tendency to engage in repetitive conversations. If you must stay here, do so quickly and don't get too comfortable—be wary of bed bugs and the dust that is conveniently swept aside.

I stayed there a few years ago, and for under $20 a night, it was quite adequate. The owner was friendly and enjoyed chatting with her guests. The property is home to cats, ducks, chickens, and lovely gardens. Be sure to bring indoor slippers, as outdoor shoes aren't permitted inside the house. The group dinner was charming, and I particularly enjoyed the fresh greens salad made from produce grown in the garden. The well water is hard, but the residents are welcoming. The location is unbeatable if you're planning to visit the National Forest.