|
The Quechee Club (Highlands Course)
Architect: Geoffery Cornish Year: 1970 3268 Quechee Main St, Quechee, VT 05059 Phone : (802) 295-9356 Course Access: Private https://www.quecheeclub.com/ |
The Quechee Club
Origins and Founding (1960s–1970)
The Quechee Club’s history begins in the late 1960s, rooted in the vision of L. John Davidson, a developer with a passion for creating a resort community that harmonized with Vermont’s natural landscape. In 1967, Davidson, along with a group of like-minded investors and historians, identified Quechee—a small village historically inhabited by the Abenaki people and later a mill town—as the ideal site. Their goal was not just development but “restoration,” aiming to preserve the valley’s beauty while building a sustainable community. This vision coincided with Vermont’s newly enacted Act 250 (1970), an environmental law regulating large developments, making Quechee Lakes one of the first projects shaped by its requirements.
The Quechee Lakes Corporation was established to oversee the project, with Harold D. Hirsch often credited as a key figure in its conceptualization, though Davidson’s leadership drove its execution. The initial plan included clustered home sites to maintain open views, with half the 6,000-acre holdings designated as common land. Amenities were central from the start: a clubhouse, golf courses, tennis courts, an indoor pool, and a ski hill. The club itself was formally founded in 1970, with its recreational facilities tied to the Quechee Lakes Landowners Association (QLLA), a private community for property owners and their guests.
The architectural backbone of the golf facilities came from Robert Trent Jones Sr., a renowned golf course designer. In 1970, Jones laid out the first 18-hole course, named the Highland Course, leveraging the area’s rolling terrain and stunning views of the Ottauquechee River valley. His design emphasized challenge and natural integration, setting a high standard for the club’s sporting identity.
Early Development (1970s–1980s)
The Quechee Club opened its doors in 1970, quickly becoming the social and recreational heart of Quechee Lakes. The Highland Course was joined by the Lakeland Course in 1971, creating Vermont’s only 36-hole golf facility at the time. These courses, carved from the valley and uplands, drew both accomplished and recreational players, establishing Quechee as a golfing destination. The clubhouse—featuring post-and-beam architecture—opened as a gathering spot, housing Davidson’s Restaurant (named for L. John Davidson) and offering views of the river and covered bridge.
The 1970s also saw the addition of the Quechee Lakes Ski Area, a modest hill with 13 trails and a chairlift dubbed “Quadzilla.” Marketed as a beginner-friendly destination, it complemented the club’s summer offerings, reinforcing its four-season appeal. Tennis courts, an indoor pool, and Lake Pinneo (a man-made lake with a beach) rounded out early amenities, catering to families and vacationers. The club’s ethos—rooted in the founders’ mission statement—prioritized quality living amid natural beauty, attracting a mix of seasonal residents and full-time families.
This period wasn’t without challenges. Quechee’s mill-based economy had collapsed by the 1960s, leaving a “bedraggled” village that Davidson’s team sought to revitalize. Early efforts included restoring landmarks like the covered bridge (rebuilt and dedicated in 1970 by Governor Deane C. Davis) and converting C. Parker’s colonial mansion into the Quechee Lakes Corporation offices (now the Parker House Inn). These moves blended preservation with progress, though some locals initially viewed the influx of outsiders skeptically.
Growth and Evolution (1980s–2000s)
Through the 1980s and 1990s, the Quechee Club solidified its reputation as a retreat for those seeking Vermont’s outdoor lifestyle. Membership grew, driven by multi-generational families and second-home owners from urban centers like Boston and New York. The club expanded its offerings: platform tennis courts were added, and the ski hill gained traction with Nordic trails (over 10 miles when golf courses were snow-covered). Social events—Fourth of July festivities, torchlight parades, and the Cardboard Box Derby—became traditions, fostering a tight-knit community feel.
The golf courses remained a centerpiece, though their original Jones Sr. designs were later modified. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, architect Geoffrey Cornish reworked parts of the layouts, enhancing playability while preserving their scenic allure. The club’s pristine upkeep and challenging holes—like the Highland’s long par-3s and the Lakeland’s valley-framed doglegs—earned it praise as one of Vermont’s top courses.
Challenges and Resilience (2011–2015)
A pivotal moment came on August 28, 2011, when Hurricane Irene devastated the region. Flooding from the Ottauquechee River destroyed the historic covered bridge (rebuilt by 2012) and ravaged the golf courses, submerging 27 of the 36 holes. The disaster tested the club’s resilience. Renowned architect Brian Silva was brought in to restore the courses, a four-year project that balanced repair with redesign. The club reopened fully in 2015, with Silva’s work lauded for maintaining the spirit of Jones Sr.’s vision while adapting to modern standards.
Modern Era (2015–Present)
Since its post-Irene recovery, the Quechee Club has embraced modernization while honoring its roots. In 2022, the club adopted a campus-wide master plan—the largest project in its 52-year history—approved overwhelmingly by members. Phase one, launched under leaders like past president Brett Long, current president Kathy Hickey, and GM Brian Kelley (hired in 2020), includes a new racquet sports complex and expanded facilities for youth camps. Informed by surveys and planning with firms like Club Benchmarking and JBG JGA Design & Architecture, the plan reflects shifting demographics—more year-round residents and diverse interests.
Today, the club offers 36 holes of golf, a ski hill, tennis and pickleball courts, indoor/outdoor pools, a fitness center, and dining options like Dewey’s Deck and the Base Lodge eatery. Winter activities—cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides—complement summer pursuits like kayaking and golf. The 6,240-yard courses remain a draw, though not overly long, with tight fairways and elevation changes keeping them challenging. Membership is private, tied to QLLA property ownership, but renters and guests can access many amenities, broadening its reach.
Critical Perspective
The Quechee Club’s narrative as a “premier four-season community” is well-supported by its evolution, but its origin story carries some ambiguity. The 1967 founding date is widely cited, yet the club’s physical opening in 1970 suggests a multi-year gestation. Harold D. Hirsch’s role as “founder” is emphasized in some accounts, but L. John Davidson’s operational leadership and the Quechee Lakes Corporation’s broader efforts muddy the attribution. Act 250’s influence is notable, yet its passage in 1970 postdates the project’s inception, raising questions about how much it shaped the initial vision versus later execution.
The club’s resilience—post-Irene and through economic shifts—underscores its adaptability, but its exclusivity (tied to property ownership) limits its accessibility compared to public Vermont resorts. Its claim to being “Vermont’s best-kept secret” holds charm, though marketing efforts and the 2022 master plan suggest a shift toward wider recognition. The balance of preservation and development remains a tension: the clustered homes and common lands fulfilled Davidson’s vision, but modern expansions test that original sensitivity to the valley’s character.
Conclusion
From a 1960s dream to a 2025 reality, the Quechee Club’s 55-year history reflects a blend of ambition, adaptation, and community spirit. Born from a desire to meld recreation with Vermont’s natural splendor, it has grown from a golf-centric retreat into a multi-faceted lifestyle hub. Its courses, designed by legends like Jones Sr. and restored by Silva, anchor its legacy, while its amenities and traditions sustain its vitality. Whether a guarded secret or a shared treasure, the Quechee Club stands as a testament to thoughtful planning and enduring appeal in the Green Mountains. As of March 12, 2025, it continues to evolve, poised for a future as rich as its past.
The Quechee Club’s history begins in the late 1960s, rooted in the vision of L. John Davidson, a developer with a passion for creating a resort community that harmonized with Vermont’s natural landscape. In 1967, Davidson, along with a group of like-minded investors and historians, identified Quechee—a small village historically inhabited by the Abenaki people and later a mill town—as the ideal site. Their goal was not just development but “restoration,” aiming to preserve the valley’s beauty while building a sustainable community. This vision coincided with Vermont’s newly enacted Act 250 (1970), an environmental law regulating large developments, making Quechee Lakes one of the first projects shaped by its requirements.
The Quechee Lakes Corporation was established to oversee the project, with Harold D. Hirsch often credited as a key figure in its conceptualization, though Davidson’s leadership drove its execution. The initial plan included clustered home sites to maintain open views, with half the 6,000-acre holdings designated as common land. Amenities were central from the start: a clubhouse, golf courses, tennis courts, an indoor pool, and a ski hill. The club itself was formally founded in 1970, with its recreational facilities tied to the Quechee Lakes Landowners Association (QLLA), a private community for property owners and their guests.
The architectural backbone of the golf facilities came from Robert Trent Jones Sr., a renowned golf course designer. In 1970, Jones laid out the first 18-hole course, named the Highland Course, leveraging the area’s rolling terrain and stunning views of the Ottauquechee River valley. His design emphasized challenge and natural integration, setting a high standard for the club’s sporting identity.
Early Development (1970s–1980s)
The Quechee Club opened its doors in 1970, quickly becoming the social and recreational heart of Quechee Lakes. The Highland Course was joined by the Lakeland Course in 1971, creating Vermont’s only 36-hole golf facility at the time. These courses, carved from the valley and uplands, drew both accomplished and recreational players, establishing Quechee as a golfing destination. The clubhouse—featuring post-and-beam architecture—opened as a gathering spot, housing Davidson’s Restaurant (named for L. John Davidson) and offering views of the river and covered bridge.
The 1970s also saw the addition of the Quechee Lakes Ski Area, a modest hill with 13 trails and a chairlift dubbed “Quadzilla.” Marketed as a beginner-friendly destination, it complemented the club’s summer offerings, reinforcing its four-season appeal. Tennis courts, an indoor pool, and Lake Pinneo (a man-made lake with a beach) rounded out early amenities, catering to families and vacationers. The club’s ethos—rooted in the founders’ mission statement—prioritized quality living amid natural beauty, attracting a mix of seasonal residents and full-time families.
This period wasn’t without challenges. Quechee’s mill-based economy had collapsed by the 1960s, leaving a “bedraggled” village that Davidson’s team sought to revitalize. Early efforts included restoring landmarks like the covered bridge (rebuilt and dedicated in 1970 by Governor Deane C. Davis) and converting C. Parker’s colonial mansion into the Quechee Lakes Corporation offices (now the Parker House Inn). These moves blended preservation with progress, though some locals initially viewed the influx of outsiders skeptically.
Growth and Evolution (1980s–2000s)
Through the 1980s and 1990s, the Quechee Club solidified its reputation as a retreat for those seeking Vermont’s outdoor lifestyle. Membership grew, driven by multi-generational families and second-home owners from urban centers like Boston and New York. The club expanded its offerings: platform tennis courts were added, and the ski hill gained traction with Nordic trails (over 10 miles when golf courses were snow-covered). Social events—Fourth of July festivities, torchlight parades, and the Cardboard Box Derby—became traditions, fostering a tight-knit community feel.
The golf courses remained a centerpiece, though their original Jones Sr. designs were later modified. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, architect Geoffrey Cornish reworked parts of the layouts, enhancing playability while preserving their scenic allure. The club’s pristine upkeep and challenging holes—like the Highland’s long par-3s and the Lakeland’s valley-framed doglegs—earned it praise as one of Vermont’s top courses.
Challenges and Resilience (2011–2015)
A pivotal moment came on August 28, 2011, when Hurricane Irene devastated the region. Flooding from the Ottauquechee River destroyed the historic covered bridge (rebuilt by 2012) and ravaged the golf courses, submerging 27 of the 36 holes. The disaster tested the club’s resilience. Renowned architect Brian Silva was brought in to restore the courses, a four-year project that balanced repair with redesign. The club reopened fully in 2015, with Silva’s work lauded for maintaining the spirit of Jones Sr.’s vision while adapting to modern standards.
Modern Era (2015–Present)
Since its post-Irene recovery, the Quechee Club has embraced modernization while honoring its roots. In 2022, the club adopted a campus-wide master plan—the largest project in its 52-year history—approved overwhelmingly by members. Phase one, launched under leaders like past president Brett Long, current president Kathy Hickey, and GM Brian Kelley (hired in 2020), includes a new racquet sports complex and expanded facilities for youth camps. Informed by surveys and planning with firms like Club Benchmarking and JBG JGA Design & Architecture, the plan reflects shifting demographics—more year-round residents and diverse interests.
Today, the club offers 36 holes of golf, a ski hill, tennis and pickleball courts, indoor/outdoor pools, a fitness center, and dining options like Dewey’s Deck and the Base Lodge eatery. Winter activities—cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides—complement summer pursuits like kayaking and golf. The 6,240-yard courses remain a draw, though not overly long, with tight fairways and elevation changes keeping them challenging. Membership is private, tied to QLLA property ownership, but renters and guests can access many amenities, broadening its reach.
Critical Perspective
The Quechee Club’s narrative as a “premier four-season community” is well-supported by its evolution, but its origin story carries some ambiguity. The 1967 founding date is widely cited, yet the club’s physical opening in 1970 suggests a multi-year gestation. Harold D. Hirsch’s role as “founder” is emphasized in some accounts, but L. John Davidson’s operational leadership and the Quechee Lakes Corporation’s broader efforts muddy the attribution. Act 250’s influence is notable, yet its passage in 1970 postdates the project’s inception, raising questions about how much it shaped the initial vision versus later execution.
The club’s resilience—post-Irene and through economic shifts—underscores its adaptability, but its exclusivity (tied to property ownership) limits its accessibility compared to public Vermont resorts. Its claim to being “Vermont’s best-kept secret” holds charm, though marketing efforts and the 2022 master plan suggest a shift toward wider recognition. The balance of preservation and development remains a tension: the clustered homes and common lands fulfilled Davidson’s vision, but modern expansions test that original sensitivity to the valley’s character.
Conclusion
From a 1960s dream to a 2025 reality, the Quechee Club’s 55-year history reflects a blend of ambition, adaptation, and community spirit. Born from a desire to meld recreation with Vermont’s natural splendor, it has grown from a golf-centric retreat into a multi-faceted lifestyle hub. Its courses, designed by legends like Jones Sr. and restored by Silva, anchor its legacy, while its amenities and traditions sustain its vitality. Whether a guarded secret or a shared treasure, the Quechee Club stands as a testament to thoughtful planning and enduring appeal in the Green Mountains. As of March 12, 2025, it continues to evolve, poised for a future as rich as its past.