MEET JOHN GRAHAM, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT TWIN FARMS
Hello! This is John Graham. I am the Managing Director at Twin Farms. I have been fortunate to steward Twin Farms for the past twelve years. Prior to joining this extraordinary team, I led efforts at The Point, The Lake Placid Lodge, The Wilcox, and The Sherman House, in San Francisco, all part of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux group.
I have been in hospitality since age seventeen when I convinced a chef to let me wash the dishes. I have had a wonderful career that has seen me meet my wife, have three lovely daughters, two granddaughters, and some really great adventures.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE EARLY DAYS OF TWIN FARMS AND WHAT WENT INTO CREATING THIS VENERABLE RESORT?
Twin Farms was originally a wedding gift from America’s first Nobel Laureate, Sinclair Lewis, to one of the country’s most esteemed pioneering journalists, Dorothy Thompson. Over the decades, the farm changed hands several times until the 1970s, when Thurston Twigg-Smith, affectionately known as Twigg, acquired it. In 1993, Twigg reimagined the farm as a resort—a place he envisioned could be truly special and shared with friends.
Twigg's vision was to create a completely non-traditional, non-transactional, and inclusive experience. All typical resort formalities, such as "registering" at check-in, presenting menus, tipping, or reviewing bills at checkout, were eliminated in favor of creating an environment where staff could personally and warmly serve each guest, enhancing their experience. This philosophy remains a core commitment, upheld and expanded by our owners today.
HOW HAS TWIN FARMS EVOLVED SINCE ITS BEGINNINGS?
Our commitment to providing a non-transactional, inclusive, and generous experience, paired with uncompromising service, extraordinary dining, and exceptional programming, remains unwavering. Our tradition of ownership focused on adding value for all involved is as strong as ever. Over the past five years, our owners have made significant investments across all areas, and this dedication will continue for the foreseeable future. These resources will not only enhance guest experiences—whether through culinary offerings or programming—but also elevate guest amenities to new heights.
Eight stunning wabi-sabi-inspired Treehouses, thoughtfully designed by our owners, a beautiful new dining venue named in honor of our founder, expanded and enhanced outdoor dining terraces, and a dozen new picnic sites—all contribute to the unique experience at Twin Farms. We’ve also reimagined our Dining Room, and are currently working on a significantly expanded kitchen featuring a "heart of things" chef’s table, alongside a new spa that will include both an indoor and outdoor pool.
WHAT IS IT THAT BRINGS GUESTS BACK OVER AND OVER AGAIN?
I believe Twin Farms is truly a place like no other. It reveals itself gradually, and what draws guests back may vary from person to person. One thing is certain, however—it’s the people. While the farm itself is stunning, the art could easily grace museums around the world, and the locally sourced food is expertly crafted by our team, it ultimately comes down to how we make our guests feel. We are striving for more, and this is achieved through our team's ability to truly see and listen to each guest, ensuring we meet their unique needs.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT ACCOMMODATION TYPES AND STYLE OF EACH?
At Twin Farms, we offer twenty-eight distinctive accommodations. There are ten freestanding, uniquely designed cottages ranging from 1,100 to 3,000 square feet. Additionally, we have ten beautifully crafted suites located in our original farmhouse, The Farmhouse at Copper Pound, a modern take on a Vermont farmhouse, as well as in our Barn and Lodge. Each accommodation has been thoughtfully designed by renowned architects and interior designers, featuring fireplaces, stunning bathrooms, and designs that seamlessly connect the indoors with the outdoors. Romance is a central theme in every space, complemented by a curated collection of artwork handpicked by our owners. Lastly, we offer the eight wabi-sabi-inspired Treehouses, previously mentioned, each offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
WHAT MAKES TWIN FARMS UNIQUE?
Our people, their purpose, and our approach are at the heart of everything we do. This is more than just a guestroom, a delicious meal, or a morning hike or bike ride. Our goal is to create a space where true restoration is possible—where every guest feels seen, heard, recognized, and valued.
WHAT ARE THE MUST-DO ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES ON PROPERTY?
That’s a tough one—there are so many options to choose from! But for me, it’s simple: a glass of wine with someone you love, putting together a Stave Puzzle (each one a unique, hand-cut work of art) in front of a cozy fire.
WHERE IS THE POSTCARD SHOT AT THE RESORT?
The first thing in the morning, from the bed in the Treehouse, is pure magic. The bedrooms and beds are thoughtfully designed to bring you close to the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating the sensation that you’re almost floating among the trees.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AT TWIN FARMS?
Our people and our mission to genuinely serve are at the core of everything we do. We’re fortunate to have a unique gift—the ability to make people happy. And honestly, there’s no better way to spend life.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR 2025 AND BEYOND?
Everything! Our goal is to keep improving—to be that special moment in people's lives they eagerly anticipate and fondly remember. We’re excited about the new chef’s table, the spa, and the pool. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve long admired how Swiss and German resorts beautifully embrace every season, and these additions are a step toward making that vision a reality.
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE FOUR HUNDRED MEMBER TO KNOW ABOUT TWIN FARMS?
We look forward to serving them. It’s a truly special place that allows you to escape from the world for a few days, which, more often than not, is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design