Shelburne

Imagine living in one of Vermont’s most charming communities where you can walk to the village for coffee, bike to the farmers’ market, and explore nature trails just minutes from your door. This future neighborhood will bring that vision to life, creating a vibrant new community within walking and biking distance to everything Shelburne has to offer.

Thoughtfully designed on just under 200 acres with 120+ acres of permanently protected forest and open space, this neighborhood will offer the perfect balance of modern living and natural beauty. Whether you’re a young professional seeking your first home, a family looking for safe streets and excellent schools, or ready to downsize without sacrificing independence, you will find a home that fits your life here. Choose from a variety of housing styles—all built to high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability.

Currently being permitted, this project is evolving and will change over time. We are excited to provide you with as much information as possible and will continue to update this page as project plans are finalized. For specific information regarding permit submissions, please contact our office. To view the most recent Project Site Plan, click here.

Perfectly Located

Your new home will be conveniently located within walking and biking distance to the village center and its many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, churches, and more. Cultural attractions like Shelburne Museum and the Shelburne Field House are also nearby, with convenient access to Burlington and South Burlington employers, including UVM and UVM Medical Center.

Homes for All

This development will include both market-rate and perpetually affordable homes with deed restrictions that ensure current and future sale prices are affordable by those earning 80%-150% of the area median income. Current plans will have 12% of homes sold at these affordable price points, in excess of town requirements—creating real affordability for residents.

This commitment to 12% of all for-sale homes in Shelburne being perpetually affordable is representative of the O’Brien Brothers legacy and commitment to community. As a family-owned Vermont business since 1958, O’Brien Brothers Homebuilding is committed to creating communities that reflect our development principles: quality, connectivity, inclusivity, well-being, and respect for the natural environment.

This proposed neighborhood represents our vision for Shelburne’s future—and yours.

Directions

Homes for Every Stage of Life

This neighborhood will offer a thoughtful variety of housing options designed to serve Vermonters at every stage of life and income level. From flats and cottages to single-family homes, townhomes, and single-level living, there will be a home—and a price point—that fits your needs.

Our thoughtfully and tastefully designed homes reflect architectural styles and color palettes in alignment with the town’s existing historical features and charm. The homes and lots will be comfortably sized, using the land efficiently to ensure that every acre of land taken from its natural state is developed thoughtfully to meet the maximum needs of the community.

Homes will be available starting in the spring of 2028.

A Commitment to Sustainability

In keeping with O’Brien Brothers’ commitment to building green, this proposed development will provide increased energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. All homes will use 100% carbon-free electricity with zero fossil fuel infrastructure, meeting higher energy efficiency standards than Vermont’s already stringent new construction residential energy code.

While this neighborhood is still in the planning stages, and many regulatory approvals will be needed, O’Brien Brothers is hopeful that all homes will incorporate similar advanced energy systems to Hillside East, as outlined below.

Advanced Energy Systems

• Rooftop solar arrays to generate clean, renewable energy
• Backup energy storage systems for resiliency during power outages
• Smart electrical panels that manage electrical loads and optimize energy usage during broader grid outages
• All-electric heating and cooling systems that eliminate fossil fuel dependency

Walkable Design Reduces Carbon Footprint

Beyond individual home efficiency, the neighborhood’s proximity to Shelburne Village and improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure will enable walkability to bus stops, schools, shops, restaurants, employment, and churches—reducing vehicle miles required for day-to-day needs and lowering the community’s overall carbon footprint.

Living in Shelburne

Life in this future neighborhood means being part of one of Vermont’s most beloved communities—a beautiful town with charming history, a vibrant village center, and easy access to everything you need.

Shelburne is known for its distinctive character: tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and a genuine sense of community. The village area offers boutiques, restaurants, salons, and cultural attractions like the renowned Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms.

Recreation at Your Doorstep

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the proximity to LaPlatte River Nature Park (just 0.7 miles away), offering trails, wildlife viewing, and river access. The Shelburne Field House (1.7 miles away) provides year-round indoor recreation, while the town’s extensive network of trails and parks encourages walking, biking, and exploring. A short drive to Shelburne Town Beach on the shores of Lake Champlain offers a sandy beach, swimming area, and a boat launch for small craft—exclusively for Shelburne residents and their guests.

Education and Employment

Families who call this community home may benefit from the exceptional educational opportunities of the Champlain Valley School District (CVSD)—one of the most distinguished school districts in Vermont. Ranking in the top 5% of all Vermont school districts, CVSD sets a high standard for academic achievement, student support, and community investment.

At the heart of the district, Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU) stands out as one of Vermont’s premier public high schools. With a graduation rate of approximately 94%—well above the state average—CVU consistently prepares students for four-year universities, technical programs, and meaningful careers.

What truly sets CVU apart is the depth and breadth of its academic offerings. Students have access to 170+ courses, spanning:

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses
• STEM and science electives
• Arts, music, and theater
• Technical and career exploration courses that open doors beyond the traditional academic path

Beyond academics, CVU boasts one of Vermont’s most celebrated athletic programs, with teams regularly competing for—and winning—state championships across multiple sports.

For families who prefer additional options, Shelburne Community School and several nearby top-rated private schools provide further choice at the elementary and middle school levels.

Professionally, the location couldn’t be better. Major employers—including the University of Vermont and UVM Medical Center, two of the region’s largest and most stable economic anchors—are just a short commute away in Burlington and South Burlington. Residents enjoy the rare combination of meaningful career opportunities in healthcare, education, research, and technology, all while returning home each evening to a close-knit, small-town community.

Connected Living

This development prioritizes walkability and connectivity. Proposed pedestrian and bike paths will link with existing town path networks, helping connect the neighborhood to Shelburne Village’s schools, post office, shops, restaurants, and churches—reducing vehicle dependency and creating opportunities for neighbors to connect naturally.

With more than 120 acres preserved as forest and natural habitat, parks and green spaces woven throughout, and thoughtful design that respects Shelburne’s character, this neighborhood will offer the quality of life Vermonters cherish—where modern comfort meets timeless Vermont living.

Relocating to Vermont?

You’ve found the perfect landing spot. Vermont consistently ranks as one of the best states in the nation for quality of life, and for good reason. The state ranks 4th in the nation for preschool through 12th grade education and 8th for overall education, with the University of Vermont—a “public ivy” school—just minutes away. Beyond exceptional schools, Vermont offers a lifestyle defined by natural beauty, four distinct seasons, and a genuine sense of community.

Outdoor recreation is abundant, with tourists flocking year-round for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and swimming across Vermont’s 251 charming towns. The state boasts 20 alpine and 30 cross-country ski resorts, farm-fresh food, and the highest number of craft breweries per capita. Vermont’s economy remains strong, with unemployment rates consistently well below the national average and major employers including Seventh Generation, Ben & Jerry’s, Burton Snowboards, and The UVM Medical Center.