Having visited southern Vermont in the summer of 1964, Robert Lincoln, the only surviving child of the 16th president, returned forty years later to build a summer home. Hildene, completed in 1905 would be the home of the Lincoln family until 1975. The beautiful estate sits on approximately 400 acres and includes a working goat farm.
While there was a farm on the property when the Lincoln purchased the land in 1902, it wasn’t until his granddaughter Peggy Lincoln Beckwith took control of the property that the family seriously engaged in farming again. Peggy focused on cows and sheep. More recently, Friends of Hildene, the non-profit who manages the property, added a goat dairy.
Today visitors can tour the property including the home and the goat dairy for $26. In the spring, baby goats graze in the meadow while their mothers are milked in the barn. Viewing windows allow you to look on as the milk moves from room to room becoming cheese. The final window gives a glimpse at their cheese cave, currently under repair.
When the cheese cave was operating, Hildene made a variety of cheeses, but currently they are restricted to Fresh Chevre. The chevre is excellent, exceptionally creamy with an appealing tang. They sell it in the visitor’s center in 3oz and 6oz rounds. The 3oz disc sells for $6.88 which translates to a pricy $36.70 per pound. Despite the cost, the quality of the cheese and the beauty and history of the property, make this a cheese worth seeking out.
Cheese: Hildene Farms Fresh Chevre
Country of Origin: USA, Vermont
Milk: Goat
Rating: 4/5
Concord Culinary Lyceum 
I have a special place in my heart for Hildene. We used to live near there, and I volunteered in the beautiful gardens. They have done a wonderful restoration job of the grounds, and one thing I love about the site is that it is not just a historic property, it is used for everything from needlework shows to senior prom!
It was my first time there and I was really impressed. I wish I had had more time to hike the trails and see more of the property. I was especially fond of the observatory up the hill from the main house!
It is indeed a very special place!