Craft-Forward Schoolhouse Restoration Echoes Old Circus Spirit

Craft-forward restoration of a 19th-century schoolhouse in Vermont has sparked local curiosity, blending historical preservation with a bold, eccentric aesthetic. The project began when the new owner, a multidisciplinary artist and founder of Donkey Milk Studios, removed the building’s cupola—a move that initially raised eyebrows among neighbors. Concerns arose, but the owner’s goal was clear: repair the school bell so it could ring again, not erase the structure’s legacy.

The property, purchased at a modest price, became a canvas for the owner’s vision. They were completing a degree in sustainable agriculture when the house came up for sale. The rural town, while charming, had felt isolating for some of their friends, who often left for cities like New York. The building, however, offered a chance to restore a local landmark and create a space where the community—especially those who felt out of place—could gather.

“It’s flying the flag right when you walk in,” says Candace Cohu, describing the entryway. A vintage bunny sculpture from 1stDibs and a bear-balancing-on-a-pink-ball painting from Obsolete set the tone. The design leans into the building’s history while embracing a more unconventional spirit. A red-tinted window in the hallway hints at the powder room’s glow-eyed sculpture by Emily Counts, a subtle nod to the space’s playful, surreal character.

Pat Austin, the Portland-based studio behind the interior, approached the project with a rebellious ethos. “We wanted it to be weirder, and we wanted to be kind of punk rock,” Cohu says. The homeowner’s request aligned with the studio’s ambition: to infuse the historic shell with unfiltered self-expression. The result is a space that feels both rooted in the past and unapologetically modern.

Functionality and whimsy coexist in the kitchen, where cooking is a central activity. A canning room and pantry sit beside the main space, where rice, beans, and tortillas are regularly prepared. The cabinetry, painted in a color Pat Austin calls “creepy green,” mirrors the Vermont landscape visible through a newly expanded window. Vintage wool rugs from Kat + Maouche add texture, grounding the room’s eccentricity in warmth.

The project’s success lies in its balance: honoring the schoolhouse’s heritage while creating a sanctuary for those who might not fit traditional molds. The building, once a place of learning, now hosts gatherings that feel like a traveling circus—uninhibited, vibrant, and alive. Neighbors who once feared the worst now see a space that reflects the town’s evolving identity.

For the owner, the restoration was never just about aesthetics. It was about creating a place where people could feel seen. The schoolhouse, once a symbol of education, now stands as a testament to community, creativity, and the unexpected ways history can be reimagined.