If you’ve ever imagined owning a piece of Vermont history—with all the modern comforts already in place—this property delivers. Built in 1860 by Silas Griffith, Vermont’s first millionaire, this striking home once earned the nickname “skyscraper of Southern Vermont” during the Civil War era. Later, it became the residence of Nobel and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Pearl S. Buck, who operated the Maple Skillet Eatery from the front space. A complete, top-to-bottom renovation in 2017 brought new life to the home—adding insulation, structural reinforcements, updated plumbing and electrical, a new roof, windows, heat pumps, central AC, solar panels, and smart thermostats. The kitchen has since been redesigned with a generous island, new appliances, and an added second-floor bedroom. The main living space, perched on the second floor, offers a sun-filled open layout with hardwood floors, high ceilings, and oversized windows framing sweeping mountain views from two elevated decks. The first floor includes an office or bedroom, an attached two-car garage, and a versatile front retail space—perfect for a shop, studio, or conversion to more living area. Set on 8.24 peaceful acres, the property feels tucked away yet is right in town. Best of all, it comes with private access to the renowned “Danby Slides,” your own secluded swimming hole—a rare and cherished Vermont treasure.
Active
Listed by:
Katherine Zilkha,
Four Seasons Sotheby's Int'l Realty 802-362-4551
Price cut: $40K (6/17)
$845,000
34 South Main Street, Danby, VT 05739
3beds
4,456sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1860
8.24 Acres Lot
$818,400 Zestimate®
$190/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Striking homeAttached two-car garageHigh ceilingsCentral acSecluded swimming holeSweeping mountain viewsHardwood floors
- 178 days
- on Zillow |
- 349 |
- 19 |
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: August 11, 2025 at 05:16pm
Listed by:
Katherine Zilkha,
Four Seasons Sotheby's Int'l Realty 802-362-4551
Source: PrimeMLS,MLS#: 5029647

Travel times
Tour with a buyer's agent
Tour with a buyer's agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3
- Full bathrooms: 2
- 3/4 bathrooms: 1
Heating
- Pellet Stove, Baseboard, Heat Pump, Hot Air, Zoned, Passive Solar
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: ENERGY STAR Qualified Dishwasher, ENERGY STAR Qualified Dryer, Range Hood, Gas Range, ENERGY STAR Qualified Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR Qualified Washer
Features
- Ceiling Fan(s), Kitchen Island, Kitchen/Dining, Kitchen/Living, Primary BR w/ BA, Natural Light
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Windows: Window Treatments
- Basement: Concrete Floor,Interior Access,Interior Entry
- Has fireplace: Yes
- Fireplace features: Gas
Interior area
- Total structure area: 5,656
- Total interior livable area: 4,456 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 4,456
- Finished area below ground: 0
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Shared Driveway, Paved
- Garage spaces: 2
Features
- Levels: 3,Tri-Level
- Stories: 3
- Exterior features: Deck
- Waterfront features: River Front
- Body of water: Mill Brook
- Frontage length: Road frontage: 73
Lot
- Size: 8.24 Acres
- Features: Country Setting, In Town
Details
- Parcel number: 17105410705
- Zoning description: multi use
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Federal
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Other
- Foundation: Stone
- Roof: Asphalt Shingle,Other
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1860
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: 200+ Amp Service
- Sewer: Community
- Utilities for property: Cable
Community & HOA
Community
- Security: HW/Batt Smoke Detector
Location
- Region: Danby
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $190/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $834,400
- Annual tax amount: $14,088
- Date on market: 2/18/2025
- Road surface type: Paved
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