We’re excited to share that Green Trails Inn and the Pond Village Pub were recently featured by VermontBiz in an article written by Amanda Kuhnert, published on September 24, 2025. The story, “Newcomers to Vermont Revive Historic Inn,” highlights the journey of our new owners, Andrew and Josh Jonestein, as they transformed a 19th-century Brookfield landmark into a welcoming space for guests and neighbors.
The piece shares how a spontaneous trip to Vermont in 2023 turned into a new chapter of life and community.
“The community has been very accepting and eager for us to open,” Andrew said. “We often see people peeking through the windows while we’re working, excited to see what we’ve done.”
After moving from Texas, the couple took on the challenge of restoring the 1840s property themselves — insulating walls, refinishing floors, painting, landscaping, and doing everything they could to preserve the building’s character.
“There’s a whole thing about sweat equity,” Andrew explained. “You have to put your heart, soul, and time into it. If not, you really don’t feel like it’s yours.”
Their story also highlights the guidance they received from Vermont Small Business Development Center advisor Charles Ininger, who helped shape the inn’s business plan and support their first restaurant venture — the Pond Village Pub.
“We love to cook; we love to eat, but restaurant ownership is new to us,” Andrew said. “We’re excited to jump into it because Brookfield really needs places like this.”
As the article shares, that passion extends beyond hospitality; it’s about creating Brookfield’s “third place,” a welcoming spot where the community can gather, connect, and share good food.
We’re grateful to VermontBiz and Amanda Kuhnert for telling our story and for recognizing the effort, collaboration, and heart behind the Green Trails Inn and Pond Village Pub.
Read the full article by Amanda Kuhnert at VermontBiz → Here