The Coach Barn is home to our Institute for Sustainable Schools, and an inspiring setting to host various Shelburne Farms events, as well as those of other nonprofits, businesses, and community members.
Completed in 1902, it was the last major Shelburne Farms building designed by Robert H. Robertson, and the last major building constructed on the property. As its name implies, the Coach Barn stabled carriage and riding horses for the Webb family; stored carriages, sleighs, and tack; and housed groomsmen. After the carriage collection was donated to the newly-formed Shelburne Museum in 1947, the barn began housing sheep, wintering heifers and hosting cattle auctions.
Beginning in 1972, the Coach Barn served as an education center for the newly-formed nonprofit, hosting school trips, summer camps and educator workshops. This function passed to the Farm Barn in 1993.
The barn was rehabilitated in 2024/2025 to provide for improved access, upgraded electrical and water service, a new geothermal heating/cooling system, a new kitchen, and more.
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The Coach Barn today hosts workshops, events, and meetings for the Farm and others.
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Coach Barn construction began in 1901, replacing an earlier coach barn that had been located nearby. (Note the family yacht "Elfrida" in the background.)
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The Coach Barn was the last major building designed by Robert H. Robertson on the Shelburne Farms estate. It housed Webb family carriages, horses, and tack.
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The carriage collection was donated to the Shelburne Museum in 1947. The Barn was used for a time to house livestock. (Photo c.1975).
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The Coach Barn served as the education center for the nonprofit until the Farm Barn was renovated for that purpose in the early 1990s.
