Coach Barn

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.

Work has begun in 2023 to renovate and restore the Coach Barn, which will put it "off-line" for events for about a year.

The Coach Barn today hosts workshops, events, and meetings for the Farm and others.
Coach Barn construction began in 1901, replacing an earlier coach barn that had been located nearby. (Note the family yacht "Elfrida" in the background.)
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.
The carriage collection was donated to the Shelburne Museum in 1947. The Barn was used for a time to house livestock. (Photo c.1975).
The Coach Barn served as the education center for the nonprofit until the Farm Barn was renovated for that purpose in the early 1990s.

Discover more about the Coach Barn

Shelburne Farms Awarded a Save America’s Treasures Grant

A new award will help the nonprofit protect and preserve the historic Coach Barn as a hub for professional learning for educators.

black and white photo of students stepping off a schoolbus arriving at the Coach Barn

Campus & Buildings

History

The Coach Barn: Welcoming Educators & Guests

The Coach Barn is home base for much of our work with educators every summer, and welcomes our community in various ways. Here's a peek at its evolution over time.