The Residence Club by Thatcher at Middlebury. Return · Relax · Belong.

More Time Together.
More Reasons to Return.

Thatcher and Middlebury College are restoring historic Painter House as the first home of The Residence Club by Thatcher at Middlebury: two private residences for parents and alumni, with planned shared amenities and personal hospitality services.

Begin a Conversation Watch the Film 31 Seconds

A project in development. An invitation to learn more.

Concept rendering of Painter House’s white clapboard facade, green shutters, front porch, and garden — Painter House · 2 Court StreetConcept Rendering

Middlebury, Vermont A House With a Story Since 1802

The Place We Return To

A Legacy Worth
Carrying Forward.

Painter House, Middlebury

College weekends, reunions, and visits with family deserve room to settle in. Beginning with Painter House, The Residence Club is creating residences designed for coming more often and staying longer.

Built in 1802 for College founder Gamaliel Painter, Painter House overlooks the town green. Plans combine the house’s original character with beautifully appointed interiors, generous spaces for entertaining, and personal hospitality services.

The restoration gives an architecturally significant house a new purpose while preserving its place in the life of the College and town.

The Residence Club is a place for alumni, families, and friends to spend time together and deepen their connection to Middlebury.

The Restoration, Announced

Middlebury College announced its partnership with Thatcher to restore Painter House on March 31, 2026. The project remains in development.

Read the College’s Announcement

The Painter House Film

A Closer Look.

Discover the place and the vision for its next chapter.

The Painter House film. Music only, with no spoken dialogue. Concept imagery illustrates the vision, not completed construction.

Read the Film’s Visual Description

The film approaches Painter House’s white exterior, columned porch, green shutters, and entrance. On-screen text reads “Historic Home in Middlebury — Reimagined.” An early title card reads “The Private Residences at Middlebury — Come Home and Belong.”

Concept scenes show a wood-paneled lounge with a fireplace, a bar, a kitchen, a sitting room, a bedroom, a bathroom, and an outdoor gathering. These illustrate a vision, not completed construction or promised member benefits. The film closes with The Residence Club by Thatcher at Middlebury identity and “Return · Relax · Belong.”

A First Look

Room for Connection.

Plans for Painter House include a two-bedroom residence and a four-bedroom residence. Planned shared spaces include a living room, library, Walking Cane Bar, wine cellar, and exercise and yoga studio.

Library concept with warm wood shelving, books, leather seating, and a low table — Library Concept Rendering · Design imagery illustrates the vision, not completed construction.

01 / Return

A Connection That Grows

For college weekends, reunions, and your own occasions.

02 / Relax

Time to Be Together

Cook dinner with your student, meet friends at the bar, or host a gathering after a game.

03 / Belong

A Welcome of Your Own

A beautifully appointed residence, with planned personal service and help arranging your time in Middlebury.

Let’s Begin

Your Middlebury Story.
Our Next Conversation.

Be among the first to explore The Residence Club. Contact the Thatcher team to see the Painter House plans and discuss your interest.

What Happens Next

The Thatcher team will review your inquiry and follow up personally with information relevant to your interests.

Prefer email? info@thatchermgt.com

A Few Details

Before You Inquire.

What Is The Residence Club?

The Residence Club by Thatcher at Middlebury is being developed to combine private residences in restored historic buildings with shared amenities and personal hospitality services. Painter House is its first location. The project remains in development.

Who Is Behind the Restoration?

Middlebury College has partnered with the Thatcher Group, founded by Mitch Willey, to restore Painter House. Willey brings decades of experience restoring homes and creating personalized hospitality experiences. He founded Time & Place, pairing villa rentals with concierge service, and previously owned and restored the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia, which became a member of Relais & Châteaux.

How Can I Learn More About The Residence Club?

Contact the Thatcher team to discuss the residences, planned services, and restoration schedule.

This page is for project inquiries. Submitting an inquiry does not create a financial commitment.