A Moat and Waterfall Turn Heads at This $880K Midcentury Modern-Inspired Home in Vermont

It doesn’t get much more offbeat than this midcentury modern-inspired house in Barre, VT. Memorably, it’s even surrounded by a moat and waterfall.

The four-bedroom residence recently splashed onto the market and already has dropped $20,000 in price, to $880,000.

The property last changed hands in 2020 for $349,500, according to Realtor.com®.

Combining midcentury flair, Bauhaus influence, and a touch of contemporary style, the 2,908-square-foot dwelling was the brainchild of self-taught architect Donald McKnight. He worked on many local projects at Norwich University in Northfield, VT, and on the North Barre Manor, which is the town’s tallest building. McKnight died in 2020 at the age of 87.

“The house was designed, built, and lived in by architect Don McKnight,” says Lori Peever, who co-owns the home with partner Kristin Michaud. “He was a great fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, and there is even a tribute to him in a stained glass window.”

In keeping with the midcentury design, the home boasts “clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces,” the listing notes.

“We are looking to downsize, as we only live on one side of the house,” Peever says. “There is an in-law suite on the left side, along with a full house on the right side.”

When she and Michaud were in the market for a house back in 2020, they were looking for something different.

“We wanted something unique,” Peever says. “It was built in 1981, so we updated a bunch of things to bring it to this century but kept the teak furnishings. The bathrooms and kitchen have been updated as well. We redid the entire outside. … It’s a really beautiful home.”

And, naturally, the waterfall and moat situated at the front of the property is quite the conversation piece. A small bridge over the water connects the home to the garage and driveway. There are also several patio spaces, the perfect spots for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

“The waterfall has been a huge hit since we put the home on the market,” Peever shares. “You can adjust the level of the waterfall pretty easily. You just take the boards out, and the water level will go to the ground. It’s like a dam the way it is set up.”

She believes the exceptional property will appeal to a variety of buyers.

“I think it would be great for a family who had teenage kids who don’t need to live on top of mom and dad,” she says. “It could also be an older couple who is looking for something different. It’s a very private home, so it could just be someone who is just looking for privacy. [In] Barre, you won’t find anything else quite like it.”

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