At Stone Farm, we’re usually the ones telling the story of the vintage brick floor tile our customers purchase for new applications. Recently, we spoke with Zoe Zilian from Woodstock, VT, who purchased a building with quite a history of its own. And her plan to fulfill a long time dream meant our brick floor tile was going from one great story right into another…
ABOUT WOODSTOCK, VT
Described by Ladies Home Journal as “The Prettiest Small Town in America”, Woodstock has been both literally and figuratively at the center of life in Vermont for more than 260 years. Its reputation as a haven for artisans was born out of the early practices of woodworking and leathercrafting. The addition of a railroad line in 1875 added to its allure, and it’s been a destination for both craftspeople and tourists ever since.
Woodstock’s vibrant arts scene can be attributed in part to one of the most famous names in American History. Laurance Rockefeller (grandson of Standard Oil tycoon, John D. Rockefeller) and wife Mary (the daughter of a prominent local family) had a deep affection for the town, and a desire to preserve its charm and aesthetic appeal. To this end, they donated large sums of money over the years, as well as a portion of the several properties they owned throughout Woodstock. Which brings us back to Zoe…
PERFECT TIMING
Originally from Maine, Zoe moved her family to Woodstock in 2006 and, soon after, started Farmhouse Pottery. The business took off, eventually developing a cult following. But Zoe could never shake something that caught her eye on a walk through town soon after her move.
A quick jaunt off busy Central Street down a narrow alley brought her to a small old building perched above a quiet tributary known as Kedron Brook. Intrigued, she came to learn the 600 square foot structure was built in 1915 and had been owned by the Rockefellers, who used it as mechanic shop for their vehicles and farm equipment. Sitting on a slightly odd angle off aptly named Mechanic Street, the building struck her as hidden gem, and she told herself, “someday I’m going to own this”.
In 2020, feeling it was time for a new adventure, Zoe decided to sell her share of Farmhouse Pottery. As fate would have it, the building was put on the market and she jumped at the opportunity.
An avid traveler, she envisioned a place for both locals and visitors to gather and share an experience, similar to the pubs and inns she’d frequented in small towns throughout Europe. Her passion for the elegance, complexity and seasonal nuance of craft cocktails inspired the concept of an old-world drinking parlor–where bartenders are artisans-imagining and building drinks from scratch. Convinced this concept was true to the creative spirit of Woodstock, Zoe got to work.
RECLAIMED BRICK FLOOR TILE IN AN OLD WORLD DESIGN
The century-old structure was gutted to the studs and the bar built with as much reclaimed material as possible. This met both Zoe’s desire for a sustainable design and her vision of authenticity, warmth and European charm. Two old barns on her own property were disassembled and the wood used for exposed beams, benches and decorative pieces. She installed vintage Dutch doors facing the street.
Thinking a vintage brick floor might add to the vibe she sought, she went online and a simple search query brought her to the Stone Farm website. Our antique floor tile comes from century-old mills and factories scattered throughout New England, in towns with histories not unlike Woodstock. Each tile reveals unique color, patina and “perfect imperfections” that can only develop with time. And, despite its complex appearance, it’s easy to install.
AU COMPTOIR: A DREAM REALIZED
After more than a year-long renovation, Au Comptoir (French for “at the bar”) opened its doors in 2022. The reviews and comments online have been glowing. Visitors rave about the creative, inspired drink menu, the fresh, house-made ingredients and garnishes, and the selection of small bites available to accompany their cocktails.
In December, 2024, a potential customer called Stone Farm regarding our antique brick floor tile. She was interested in the material for a home renovation and mentioned that she had seen it in a fantastic cocktail bar while vacationing in Vermont. She asked the owner about it and was given our name.
We reached out to Zoe to thank her and to ask if she’d share some photos. She was kind enough to do so, adding Au Comptoir’s origin story, for good measure. While our reclaimed thin brick always comes from a historic building, we couldn’t think of an instance where it also ended up in one.
We recently made the 3.5 hour drive up to Woodstock to check out Au Comptoir for ourselves. We’re glad we did! The town is lovely, the people are friendly, and Zoe’s brainchild is a total gem.
We couldn’t have enjoyed our visit to Au Comptoir any more. Beyond the pleasure of seeing our reclaimed brick tile used in such a perfect setting and knowing it helped achieve Zoe’s vision, we were “floored” by the entire experience! The cocktails were unique and delicious, the staff friendly and happy to explain the intricacies of their craft, and the rest of the bar itself-an aesthetic treat: a long, striking, marble bar, imported Italian glassware, perfectly shined brass shakers, and smartly-curated European paintings.
If your travels ever take you up to Vermont, we highly recommend stopping in and experiencing for yourself the perfect marriage of inspiration, material, history, and timing that is Au Comptoir.
