Built in 1871, the Brooks House is an iconic building that has played a pivotal role in Brattleboro’s history. Located at the corner of Main Street (Rt. 5) and High Street (Rt. 9) in downtown, it was one of the premier hotels in New England and possibly the largest Second Empire building outside of New York City. Four full stories were topped with penthouse suites and the famous tower, where author Rudyard Kipling was known to play poker. A second story ballroom with large windows and high ceilings hosted many dances for guests and local residents alike. The hotel maintained its grandeur through the first half of the twentieth century.
The building’s next phase began in 1970 when it was renovated as a mixed-use building with studio and one bedroom apartments on the top three floors and retail and restaurants along the street. In 2011, an electrical fire rendered the building uninhabitable.
We have taken the opportunity to restore the Brooks House to its former grandeur and to greatly enhance its place in the community.