As part of a $15 million renovation, Vermont’s Topnotch Resort and Spa tore down an old wing of the property—originally built in 1959—and created a brand new structure that serves as the lobby and entry point for guests visiting the four-diamond hotel. The space includes the addition of a new lobby lounge and dining space called The Roost, which provides sweeping vistas of Mount Mansfield and the Vermont foliage. “Everything is oriented toward the view,” says Kim Deetjen, principal at TruexCullins, the architecture and interior design firm responsible for the project. “We really wanted the space to draw you in and be very warm and welcoming with a sense of drama.”
Orange is the New Black
“Orange is always a great contrast to the natural environment,” says Deetjen. “We wanted to pick a palette that would be indigenous to the region. Bright pops of color were very intentional because they complement all four seasons, whether you’re looking out at the cool blues and grays of winter or the colors of fall.”
Riding the Rail
To give the space a family-friendly feel, the design team reached out to local furniture maker Beeken Parsons for a custom-crafted, 14-foot-long shuffleboard table. The game lures guests in for some friendly competition. “We put a drink rail along one side of the table so that people can sit and play together and socialize,” says Deetjen. “It’s a gathering place and a real focal point in the lounge.”
Hot Hot Heat
As a homage to the alpine setting, the design team included a cozy fireplace as a main gathering spot and accented it with modular, sectional seating. “In Vermont there is a fire roaring most times of the year,” says Deetjen. “Multiple people and parties can enjoy the fireplace. It’s very much an après scene.”
Put a Bird on it
The restaurant blends an après-ski look with industrial finishes. The team wanted to celebrate the structure of the building. They incorporated steel columns into the space to keep the look streamlined and modern but added custom-designed birdhouse light fixtures at the top of each column for a little bit of whimsy.
