Vermont couple runs bakery from converted barn in state forest

WALDEN, Vt. (Aging Untold), George Peak and Colleen Willette operate a bakery from a converted barn surrounded by state forest. The couple runs Top of the Mountain Farm and Bakery from a property located up a long dirt road in Vermont. Peak, who turned 80 recently, described the setting as a place filled with trees, saying, “How could you not love it up here? You look around and trees are covered.”

The business began two years ago when Willette’s home kitchen became too small for her baking needs. At that time, the barn, originally built to house Peak’s tractor, was converted into the bakery. Willette noted that the operation “just took off” after the move. The couple has been married for 30 years and resides on the property.

The bakery sells homemade whoopie pies made with local maple syrup. Willette described the treat as “quite a treat” and said it is made with “a lot of love.” On weekends, the facility doubles as a diner. It serves snowmobilers who use a trail located just feet from the building.

Peak handles the delivery aspect of the business. He drives about 60 miles a day to bring products to 10 stores in northern Vermont. Willette, 69, said her husband is holding up well in the role, adding that he takes a nap after his lunch break. “He’s holding up pretty good. Yeah, he does well,” she said.

Friends have questioned the couple’s decision to work in retirement. Willette explained that people often ask why they do not just enjoy themselves, to which she replied, “I’m enjoying myself.” Peak added that they do not have time to argue, while Willette joked, “But I’m always right, so there’s no arguing.” Peak confirmed, “And I know it.”

The couple stated that the rural lifestyle suits their preferences. Peak said that although people claim they are crazy for living in such a remote area, he would not want to be anywhere else.