Simon Pearce Mill & Glassblowing Studio | Woodstock

The Simon Pearce Mill & Glassblowing Studio in Quechee, Vermont, is both a working artisan workshop and a gathering place-where the timeless craft of glassblowing meets the rustic charm of a restored riverside mill. Perched above the Ottauquechee River, beside a waterfall that once powered the building, this site captures Vermont’s balance of artistry, heritage, and natural beauty in a single moment of light and movement.

A Living Workshop

The story began in 1981, when Irish-born designer Simon Pearce relocated his glassblowing operation from Kilkenny, Ireland, to this historic 19th-century woolen mill. He rebuilt the structure with hydroelectric turbines to power the furnaces-a sustainable energy choice that still runs today-turning the old industrial building into a vibrant studio where molten glass becomes luminous tableware and art pieces.

Descending into the glassblowing workshop, visitors are met by a blast of warmth and the mesmerizing rhythm of the craft. Artisans shape glowing orbs of molten glass with long steel pipes, turning them carefully before blowing, cutting, and cooling each form by hand. The air shimmers with heat; every move is precise yet fluid, almost choreographed. Watching the glass take shape-first opaque orange, then gradually clear as it cools-is like witnessing the transformation of light itself.

The Mill and River Setting

Outside, the old mill sits directly above the Quechee Falls, where the Ottauquechee River drops in a frothy cascade beneath the stone arch of the nearby bridge. The constant sound of water underpins everything-sometimes a roar in spring, sometimes a soft hum in late summer. Wooden balconies overlook the falls, offering panoramic views of the gorge and the river winding toward Quechee Village. On misty mornings, the entire scene feels suspended between past and present: the mill’s brick walls streaked with moss, windows glowing softly against the cool air.

The Store and Gallery

Upstairs, the retail gallery displays shelves of hand-blown glass-wine goblets, vases, bowls, and candlesticks that seem to hold the river’s clarity within them. Each piece carries subtle irregularities-the swirl of air or faint curve of the lip-that reveal the maker’s hand. The minimalist design, a hallmark of Simon Pearce’s aesthetic, pairs effortlessly with Vermont’s understated elegance. Many visitors choose a single piece to take home as a keepsake, a tangible fragment of this quiet artistry.

The Restaurant Experience

Above the workshop, the Simon Pearce Restaurant overlooks the falls through broad windows that flood the space with natural light. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients-Vermont cheeses, fresh trout, maple-glazed meats, and seasonal produce-served on the very glass and pottery made downstairs. Dining here feels intimate and grounded: the sound of the river below, candlelight flickering through handmade glassware, and the warmth of the mill’s beams overhead.

A Fusion of Craft and Place

Few destinations capture Vermont’s creative spirit as purely as this one. The Simon Pearce Mill isn’t just a studio-it’s a working testament to sustainability, craftsmanship, and the enduring connection between people and the land. Standing by the window, watching artisans at their furnaces while the river rushes past outside, you understand why this spot has become one of New England’s most cherished and quietly unforgettable experiences.