About our studio and a bit of history about our1786 property restoration…

Claire Payne Studios is located in the renovated barn that is part of the Solomon Goodrich Homestead.  The homestead is located on Ethan Allen Highway, .75 miles north of the Georgia Historical Society. The barn is an example of 18th century post and beam construction and is thought to be one of the oldest structures in the town of Georgia.

The original property was deeded to Ira Allen. Solomon Goodrich claimed this property for back taxes in 1792 and Ira Allen deeded the property to Goodrich in 1795. The original property consisted of 100 acres.

In 1786 Solomon Goodrich built a small frame house on the property (believed to be on the site of the “1786 Barn”). The brick house was built in 1802 and expanded in 1888. The farm had been
used for sheep, cattle and dairy farming and grew to approximately
300 acres. In 1978 the property was sub divided with two acres of
land, the house and three outbuildings being split off from the farm.

When we purchased the property in May of 2014, it had four structures, the Federal Style brick house built in 1802, the barn believed to have been built in 1786, a circa 1888 barn/shed (re-purposed for materials to restore the 1786 barn) and a 20th Century building that had been used as a dairy barn. The property reflects the evolution of Vermont homesteading and farming traditions as well as the evolution of building techniques.

By re-purposing these two structures into an art studio, we hope to give access to the public to experience these different building styles as well as promoting and preserving the agricultural heritage of the Town of Georgia and the State of Vermont.

Additionally, it is our hope to establish a local business that benefits the local economy, assists local artists by providing a meeting space for creative activities and art enthusiasts