Family Innkeepers
The Story Begins: How a 50th Birthday Dinner Became Three Generations of Hospitality
The story of how the Levis family became innkeepers begins with a birthday celebration 36 years ago. Dr. Albert and Georgette Levis dined at The Wilburton to mark his 50th birthday. As the maître d' poured their wine, Albert said, "This place is magnificent." The maître d' replied, "It's for sale," and without hesitation Albert declared, "I'll buy it." Georgette was so startled she fell into her soup.You can hear the full story in The Wilburton theme song - complete with the line, "We didn't buy it to run it like a Hyatt."That spontaneous decision became the best birthday present imaginable. For over three decades, this 30-acre hilltop estate has kept our family collaborating, laughing, working, and playing together every single day. What started as Albert's 50th birthday gift evolved into a three-generation family business where creativity, hospitality, and Vermont beauty converge.
Dr. Albert Levis - Founder & VisionaryPsychiatrist, Scholar, Museum Founder
Dr. Albert Levis purchased The Wilburton to create more than an inn - he envisioned a forum for sharing his discoveries about the integration of art and science, psychology, morality, myths, and creativity. A psychiatrist born in Athens, Greece, Albert's childhood experiences during the Holocaust and Greek Civil War led him to devote his career to understanding conflict resolution and the creative process.His life's work culminated in the Museum of the Creative Process on The Wilburton's grounds, where sculpture trails explore how humans transform emotional experiences into creativity and meaning. He offers guided museum tours and weekend Creativity for Self Discovery retreats where guests create their own art while discovering personal patterns of conflict resolution.Albert's presence at The Wilburton isn't just about family business - it's about continuing the intellectual and creative mission that drew him to this hilltop estate decades ago. His warmth, wisdom, and stories enrich every guest's experience.
Georgette Levis - Beloved Matriarch (1946-2014) - The Heart of Wilburton Hospitality
Georgette Levis was the inspiration for the character "Gorgeous" in her sister Wendy Wasserstein's Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, The Sisters Rosensweig. Just as the play celebrated sisterhood and family, Georgette brought that same warmth and exuberance to The Wilburton.She transformed the estate from a seasonal property into a year-round Vermont destination and started the tradition of weddings here - seeing what the hilltop and Marble Pavilion could become for couples seeking Vermont's beauty for their celebrations. For 27 years, Georgette welcomed guests with the genuine hospitality that made The Wilburton feel like visiting family.Since her passing in 2014, her four children - Melissa, Tajlei, Max, and Oliver - have carried forward her legacy of warmth and creativity, joined by their father Albert. Her spirit remains woven into every gathering here.
Tajlei Levis - Events & Celebrations Director - Attorney Turned Playwright & Event Designer
Tajlei Levis brings her legal mind's attention to detail and a playwright's creative vision to The Wilburton's events. A former attorney, she discovered her true calling in creating experiences that bring people together through laughter, beauty, and celebration.She writes and produces The Wilburton's interactive murder mystery weekends, the Tuesdays in the Tent summer cabaret series featuring Vermont performers, and themed weekends like "Bridgerton Wilburton" that transform the estate into immersive experiences. For weddings and celebrations, Tajlei's three decades of event expertise ensure every detail - from ceremony timing to reception flow - unfolds seamlessly.Her approach combines professional precision with creative flair, understanding that the best celebrations balance careful planning with spontaneous joy. When you're planning a Wilburton event, Tajlei's the creative force making your vision reality.
Melissa Levis - Lodging & Marketing Director - From Rock Star to Innkeeper
Before returning to Vermont in 2013, Melissa Levis was an award-winning children's musician leading her band "Moey's Music Party" - performing interactive concerts that got kids (and parents) dancing and laughing. That same energy and creativity now powers The Wilburton's lodging and marketing.Melissa manages room reservations, helps families select perfect vacation homes for reunions, and ensures every lodging detail supports your Vermont experience. She understands what makes gatherings special because she's been creating memorable experiences her entire career.Her other passion? Hosting Doggie Slumber Parties at The Wilburton with Jetson, her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you're wondering about bringing your four-legged family member to Vermont, Melissa's your enthusiastic resource.Direct Contact: Call Melissa about lodging at the Reservations Team line: (802) 362-2500
Oliver & Bonnie Levis - Earth Sky Time Farm - Organic Farming, Artisan Baking, Vermont Music
Oliver Levis and his wife Bonnie transformed the Levis family home three miles from The Wilburton into Earth Sky Time Farm and Bakery - one of Vermont's most beloved organic farms. Their wood-fired sourdough appears on tables at Vermont restaurants, colleges, and ski resorts. The farm stand offers seasonal organic vegetables grown in Vermont soil without chemicals or compromise.Beyond farming, Oliver and Bonnie host music festivals at the farm every other Sunday from Memorial Day through mid-October, bringing Vermont's musical community together on the land where the Levis family story began. They frequently provide catering for Wilburton yoga retreats and rehearsal dinners, with farm-to-table cuisine that tastes like Vermont's seasons.Their commitment to organic agriculture, artisan baking, and community-building through music extends The Wilburton's creative mission beyond the estate itself, connecting guests to Vermont's land and agricultural heritage.
Max Levis - Family Scholar & Operations Support - Third-Generation Innkeeper
Since Age 3Max Levis became a family innkeeper at age three, quite literally growing up in the hospitality business. Now a Harvard scholar with a PhD in psychology, he teaches at Dartmouth and Bennington College while working for the Veterans Administration - but The Wilburton remains central to his life.His academic expertise in psychology echoes his father's work, and his intimate knowledge of every aspect of running the estate - from guest services to property maintenance to the philosophy underlying the Museum of the Creative Process - makes him an invaluable resource during busy seasons and complex events.Max represents the bridge between The Wilburton's intellectual foundations and its daily hospitality operations, balancing scholarship with the practical work of welcoming guests.
The Third Generation - Seven Grandchildren - The Future of Family Hospitality
The third generation of Levis innkeepers includes seven grandchildren actively involved in the family business: Theo is a Fulbright Scholar currently in Athens, Greece - connecting to the family's Greek heritage. Noam attends Cornell University, continuing the family's tradition of Ivy League education. Monty studies at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Guv attends the University of Vermont, staying close to home. Talula and Eden are high school students in Manchester, helping with summer operations and events. Elijah, at seven years old, is already learning the hospitality business from his family. These young adults and future innkeepers represent The Wilburton's continuity - each bringing their own talents, education, and perspectives to the family enterprise while honoring the creative, welcoming spirit their grandparents established.
Jetson - Canine Concierge - The Cavalier King Charles Who Steals Hearts
Jetson, Melissa's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, serves as The Wilburton's very social Canine Concierge. His fame extends beyond Vermont - Animal Planet featured Jetson on their Puppy Bowl broadcast, celebrating The Wilburton's exceptional dog-friendliness. You'll often find Jetson greeting guests on the mansion porch, supervising Doggie Slumber Party arrivals, or accompanying Melissa on property tours. His gentle temperament and enthusiasm for meeting new friends embody The Wilburton's welcoming spirit. If you're considering bringing your dog to Vermont, Jetson personally approves this decision. He's excellent at making four-legged guests feel immediately at home.
Why Family-Run Matters - What Three Generations of Hospitality Create
As the family sings in The Wilburton theme song, “We didn’t buy it to run it like a Hyatt.” That deliberate choice shapes everything about your experience here.
When Melissa helps you select lodging, she's drawing on three decades of experience, knowing which vacation home suits which family dynamic. When Tajlei plans your wedding, she's applying insights from hundreds of celebrations where she's witnessed what makes gatherings truly special. When Oliver delivers farm products, he's sharing food grown on land his family has tended for decades.
Family-run means you're not guest number 47B in room 203. You're someone we genuinely want to make happy - because your experience here matters to us personally, not just professionally. Our family's reputation, our children's inheritance, and our life's work depend on you loving your time on our hilltop.
That's a different kind of hospitality.
Our Approach to Innkeeping - Creative, Authentic, Welcoming
The Levis family approach to hospitality blends several elements that make The Wilburton unique:
Intellectual Curiosity - From Dr. Levis's Museum to Max's academic work, we believe beauty and ideas both matter. Your Vermont escape can engage your mind and spirit, not just your eyes.
Creative Spirit - Whether it's Tajlei's murder mysteries, Oliver's organic farming, or the sculpture trail's artistic journey, creativity infuses everything here.
Genuine Warmth - We're not following a corporate hospitality manual. We're welcoming you the way we'd welcome family friends - with authentic care and flexibility when unexpected needs arise.
Vermont Authenticity - We're not performing "Vermont charm." We actually live here, love this land, and want you to experience what makes these mountains and this community special.
Closing Invitation
We invite you to make The Wilburton your own mansion in the mountains. Whether you're planning a destination wedding, family reunion, wellness retreat, or simply seeking a Vermont escape, three generations of the Levis family look forward to welcoming you.
This isn't just where we work - it's where we've built our lives together. Your gathering on our hilltop becomes part of our family's story too. We look forward to meeting you and having you join the family.
- The Levis Family: Innkeepers since 1987
Albert, Tajlei, Melissa, Oliver, Max, Bonnie, Jonathan, Theo, Noam, Monty, Guv, Talula, Eden, Elijah, and Jetson
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